The California cherry crop estimate has been lowered to approximately 4.6 million cartons, down from the 7-8 million projection earlier in the season. Rain during the bloom has caused extensive damage to the fruit, lowering yields. The lighter crop will support demand until the Washington cherry crop begins in early June. The Washington crop estimate came in at approximately 21-22 million cartons, up 2 million from last year’s harvest. Growers report an even bloom and excellent growing conditions across the various growing regions. This will translate into good supplies and quality with

As cherry lovers anticipate the arrival of summer, Orchard View Cherries is preparing to kick off what promises to be a strong season on June 12. With more than a century of expertise growing cherries on the banks of Oregon’s Columbia River, Orchard View is forecasting excellent quality, consistent large sizing and mature sugars, and a 30 percent increase in volume over last year. “This season is progressing beautifully,” said Brenda Thomas, president of Orchard View. “Our trees came through a mild winter looking strong, and after an exceptional pollination period, they’re now bursting with

Fusionware, one of the fastest-growing SaaS platform modernizing operations for the fresh produce supply chain, announced the addition of Tara Stroud as Customer Success Manager and Daniel Owens as Growth Marketing Manager. These strategic hires reflect Fusionware’s continued investment in delivering exceptional customer outcomes while accelerating its growth across North America and South America. Stroud joins Fusionware with over a decade of experience in AgTech and auditing, bringing deep expertise in both food safety and accounting. She will play a key role in strengthening customer

HILLSDALE, NJ — Always a highlight on the Eastern Produce Council calendar, the 15th annual Jersey Fresh BBQ, held May 20 at Demarest Farms, here, did not disappoint, as attendees gathered on a crisp and sunny spring evening to network and hear the latest updates on Garden State crops. Following the cocktail hour and ahead of the buffet dinner that featured New Jersey-grown items, EPC Vice President Gary Roselli of Allegiance Retail Services welcomed the crowd to the 15th annual EPC BBQ and noted that Jersey Fresh remains the premier state-sponsored marketing program for agriculture. “The

As Family Dollar prepares to become a standalone company, its future leadership team is taking shape. Dollar Tree Inc. announced that Duncan MacNaughton will serve as chairman and CEO of Family Dollar following the close of the previously announced divestiture. Jason Nordin will continue to serve as president of Family Dollar. MacNaughton is a seasoned retail executive with more than 30 years of experience leading large-scale businesses through growth and transformation. He previously served as president and chief operating officer of Family Dollar and is known for his deep understanding of

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against Texas Produce Co. Inc. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. The company, operating from Texas, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 12 produce sellers in the amount of $1.02 million from December 2022 through August 2023. Texas Produce Co. Inc. will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting