Insect decline is no longer just an environmental concern. Many high-value fruit and vegetable crops rely on pollinators and other beneficial insects to support yield, quality, and field stability. When those systems weaken, the risk does not stop at the farm gate. It can show up later as tighter availability, inconsistent sizing, quality swings, or …
Continue reading “Why Pollinator Pressure Matters for Frozen Fruit and Vegetable Planning”
Labor has become one of the defining constraints in U.S. agriculture, especially for labor-intensive fruit and vegetable crops. A new producer-backed proposal, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, puts that pressure back in focus by targeting H-2A access, wage predictability, and program administration. For food manufacturers, private-label brands, and foodservice operators, the takeaway is practical: farm …
Continue reading “Agricultural Labor Reform Is Back on the Table”
A late-April freeze across the Northeast has created a difficult season for many growers, especially in perennial fruit crops such as peaches, apples, strawberries, cherries, and berries. For food manufacturers, private-label brands, and foodservice operators, the takeaway is practical: weather volatility is no longer just a farm-level issue. It can quickly become a production planning, …
Avocados are no longer being marketed only at retail. The latest Avocados From Peru partnership with the Cincinnati Reds points to a broader shift in produce demand-building: brands are meeting shoppers where they already spend attention, from stadiums and community events to seasonal food moments and digital promotions. For food manufacturers, foodservice operators, and private-label …
Continue reading “Why Avocado Demand Building Is Moving Beyond the Produce Aisle”
Fresh produce has always asked retailers to balance two competing goals: keep shelves looking full, and avoid letting perishable inventory turn into shrink. That tension is now where AI is getting real traction. For grocers, better forecasting can help teams order closer to actual demand, manage markdowns earlier, and reduce the guesswork that comes with …
Continue reading “AI Can Cut Produce Waste, But the Bigger Test Is Trust”
The U.S. tart cherry market is entering a difficult supply cycle after spring frost affected major growing regions and reduced crop expectations across the industry. For food manufacturers, private-label brands, and foodservice operators that rely on tart cherries for bakery, beverage, fruit prep, sauces, inclusions, and frozen desserts, the issue is not just availability. It …
Regenerative agriculture is becoming a more practical conversation for produce buyers, processors, and ingredient planners. The recent IFPA focus on regenerative agriculture in the Pacific Northwest points to a broader shift: soil health, water management, and grower support are no longer just sustainability talking points. They are increasingly tied to long-term supply reliability, crop quality, …
Continue reading “Regenerative Agriculture Is Moving From Farm Practice to Sourcing Strategy”
Garlic is a small ingredient with an outsized role in production planning. For soups, sauces, marinades, frozen meals, dressings, and prepared entrées, IQF minced garlic helps manufacturers keep flavor consistent while reducing prep labor and handling waste. But current sourcing conversations point to a practical issue buyers should not overlook: landed cost visibility is only …
Continue reading “IQF Minced Garlic: Why Buyers Should Watch Landed Costs and Import Timing”
Agricultural labor compliance has always mattered, but the standard for I-9 audits is getting tighter. For growers, processors, and food companies that rely on seasonal or high-turnover labor, the practical takeaway is clear: documentation is no longer just an HR file-room concern. It can affect harvest timing, plant staffing, supplier reliability, and ultimately production planning. …
Continue reading “I-9 Audits Are Becoming a Supply Chain Planning Issue”