In late 2024, Superfresh Growers launched a new organic packaging line to attract families, find homes for smaller apples and share its passion for sustainable farming. "We had a mission to make organic apples more appealing to children. We realized that the precious resources in and around our orchards and fields — animals, pollinators, trees, plants and clean air and water — could be woven into fun and meaningful stories. Stories about nature and sustainability also resonate with parents. Thus, the Orchard Buddies were born," said Brena Mengarelli, content manager at Superfresh Growers. This

The 10th annual Viva Fresh Expo was a rousing success featuring a completely sold-out show floor that drew 2,760 attendees, including 438 buyers. The event was a testament to a decade of progress and purpose, and attendees were met with high-energy networking, vendor showcases, product tastings and the many acknowledgments of the growers, retailers and industry leaders whose vision and dedication have built the foundation of Viva Fresh.

Walmart announced a $6 billion investment to open additional stores across Mexico, something it said was a long-term commitment to the region. The investment is intended to open stores under a host of trusted banners in the market: Bodega Aurrera, Sam’s Club, Walmart Supercenters and Walmart Express. The new builds will add to an already impressive footprint, with 3,200 stores in operation across nearly 700 municipalities in all 32 Mexican states. Walmart officials estimate the new locations should generate as many as 5,500 direct jobs for people throughout the country, adding to the more than

As EarthFresh continues its rapid expansion across North America, it has made a series of strategic appointments within its ranks. These changes come as part of an ongoing effort to align teams and operations following the recent acquisition of Mountain King and in preparation for the company’s next chapter of growth. “As we continue to grow, it is essential to empower our team members who have demonstrated dedication and skill. These appointments not only acknowledge their contributions, but also strengthen our foundation for future growth,” said Tom Hughes, president. New appointments: Dan

Bay Baby Produce has hired Meghan McKnight as its new human resources manager. With a diverse background in both HR and operations, McKnight brings a unique perspective and a deep passion for people-first leadership. McKnight’s career began in public service, where she developed a mission-driven approach to supporting others. “When I moved to HR, I defined my role as serving those who serve,” she said. “As I progressed, my purpose became to structurally improve organizations so everyone has the opportunity to do their best in their role.” Although agriculture is a new industry for McKnight

CMI Orchards has made a series of transformative updates, expanding both its operational footprint and its team. Following the closure of Sage Fruit Co., CMI Orchards welcomed Chelan Fruit, Legacy Fruit and Pacific Coast Cherry Packers into its family of packing facilities. The integration of these warehouses, along with the increased volume of apples and cherries, positions CMI as one of the world’s leading suppliers of both commodities. Through the recent expansion, CMI has significantly broadened its growing regions to include the Yakima Valley, Hood River and The Dalles, while also adding