To anyone outside of the industry, it’s difficult to understand the level of dedication seen by our nation’s farmers. But for those of us in fresh, we know how much it fundamentally shapes a person, how it can reach inside of us and not let go. Growing up in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Ian LeMay has only ever known a deep appreciation for farmers and the land they work.

Grimmway Produce Group™ and Ken Silveira make a compelling match. When the industry veteran stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer in March of 2026, he found an operation hungry for growth—an impressive feat for a company that’s already grown in its lifetime from a few hundred acres to a vertically integrated giant with over 100,000.

MITCHELL, SD - Creativity in retail displays creates wins for buy and supply, solidifying relationships and developing programs that deliver on shopper satisfaction and repeat purchases. The 2026 Idaho Potato Lovers Month Display Contest, hosted by the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC), showcased the power of working together.As the Western Region Grand Prize Winner, Garrett Fowden created a display that stood out for its creativity.

HOUSTON, TX - With a comprehensive portfolio and customer-fi

With an obvious love for the produce industry, Christine Jackson brings to her role a verve for driving the business forward. After learning the industry from the ground up, she’s transitioned into a role that suits her adaptability and drive.

PHARR, TX - Heading into the height of summer here in the Northern Hemisphere means a steady demand for citrus fruit. Medrano Produce brings key insights to buy-side partners looking to capitalize on July promotions while planning ahead for firmer pricing, tighter supplies, and potential weather challenges in the latter part of the summer.

Emmi Roth utilizes the show floor of the 2026 Summer Fancy Food Show to its advantage. Showcasing new and award-winning products from its entire portfolio, the brand features items with lasting shelf impact. Speaking with Kaya Freiman, Brand Communications Manager, I dive deeper into the provider’s lineup.“A key highlight will be the new packaging for Athenos, designed to create a stronger shelf impact while reinforcing the brand's leadership in the feta category,” Kaya says.

June is a boon for Deli Market News writers. With both IDDBA and SFFS hosted in the same month, new products abound, making this month’s picks difficult to narrow down. Read on for what captured my eye this month!Marin French Cheese Co. Breakfast RangeThe Breakfast Range from Marin French Cheese Co. tells the story of a brand rooted in over 160 years of handcrafted cheesemaking. Petite Breakfast is the brand’s flagship cheese, but the California Originals are where the love of the Golden State s

YUMA, AZ - Natural Delights is leading the charge in its lane. Up 88 percent year-over-year in organic date growth, it’s outpacing the category by 45 percent. With momentum on its side, the provider wants to impress upon retailers at the upcoming Organic Produce Summit the opportunity before them.

The Cheesemonger Invitational (CMI), set for June 28, 2026, brings together cheesemongers from around the world to test their skills in the specialty cheese space. I spoke with Kaspar Horsfield, a Cheesemonger at the Beacon & Cold Spring Cheese Shops in New York, who will be competing at CMI this June.“I think my love of cheese started when I was young, from growing up in an Italian-American household and family. Eating fresh Mozzarella straight, enjoying grated ‘sharp’ Cheddar on nachos, etc.,”

As the momentous 2026 IDDBA wrapped up, the show floor was abuzz with talk of new products, new company visions, and more. To help me pull back the curtain on Ficacci, I spoke with David Dottorini, the Export Manager, who provided details about the specialty food provider’s successes at the show.“We are pushing the boundaries of taste,” emphasized David.

Announcing its official transition from Venus Wafers to Venus Brands at the 2026 IDDBA Show, the company's latest strategic move is turning heads.“This isn't a rebrand—it's the next chapter of a company with more than 100 years of heritage, and the platform now matches the ambition,” begins Ahmad Islam, Chief Marketing Officer.

With new packaging, an expanded product lineup, and exciting events ahead, Fromagerie Guilloteau is heading to the Summer Fancy Food Show to share its latest news and innovations. To learn more about what’s in store, Charlotte Auriault, Marketing Manager Americas and Sales Manager LATAM, offered an exclusive look.“To celebrate our 30 years of presence in the United States, we are updating our packaging with a more modern design,” she explained.

Education and networking are essential components of business success. The California Milk Advisory Board helps dairy companies in this capacity through strategic programs.“We work with companies at various stages—some at the beginning of building their brand and developing their product line. Others are more established, while some are growing exponentially fast,” began Ben Yee, Director of Processor Partnerships.

Touting an impressive lineup backed by a storyteller’s eye for merchandising, Carr Valley Cheese is ready for the Summer Fancy Food Show. In preparation for the event, I turned to Elle Fearing, the company’s Director of Sales and Brand Development, to learn more about its plans for the show.“Our message is simple: artisan cheese can still be innovative, authentic, and highly functional for today’s retailers,” Elle Fearing, Director of Sales and Brand Development, kicks off.

To create something worthwhile requires effort. Taking shortcuts to success could delay or even hinder innovations, and I think the team at Red Sun Farms™ would be apt to agree with me. For the past year and a half, two important projects have been budding to further distinguish the greenhouse grower: relaunching the Chef’s Collection™ mixed medley tomato line and pioneering strawberry genetics research and development.

Collaboration is a key element of the culture at California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB). In speaking with Ben Yee, Director of Processor Partnerships, I learned that the team behind the board knows how valuable working together is in supporting California dairy farmers.“Each functional department has its own operating plan to carry out initiatives that drive demand for milk and dairy products for our farmers,” Ben noted.

Great leadership, like farming itself, is an act of cultivation—requiring foresight, passion, and courage. It begins with intention and care, a willingness to cultivate conditions in which growth can happen naturally and sustainably. Consider the avocado. Once a humble fruit, now it’s a global symbol of healthy eating, and the potential of its growth has only just been scratched. HEADSHOTAs I speak to Mario Pacheco, Chief Executive Officer of West Pak Avocado, this potential becomes acute. Deman

PHARR, TX - As lime production transitions from spring to summer, volumes are on the rise. I connected with Medrano Produce to learn about this critical time period and what retailers need to do to prepare.

Backyard barbecues will soon be lighting up with everything from melons to mushrooms, and knowing how to merchandise is key to pushing product and driving sales.