CALIFORNIA - You might not need a thermometer to tell you it’s going to be hot this weekend when just stepping outside feels like preheating the oven. That’s what millions across California and parts of Nevada are gearing up for, as forecasters warn of a severe heat wave arriving Friday and lasting into early Sunday.

The National Weather Service has issued extreme heat watches from the Central Valley to the Sierra foothills, warning of triple-digit temperatures, some possibly exceeding 109°F. High-risk areas include Fresno, Bakersfield, Redding, and Sacramento, where overnight lows may offer little relief, hovering in the mid-60s to mid-70s.

Coastal regions will dodge the worst of it with cooler 60s and 70s, but inland residents are advised to stay indoors, hydrate often, and check on neighbors.

Whether you're inland or in nearby Nevada (Las Vegas and Death Valley are also under alert), this is one of those weekends where sunscreen and shade aren’t optional.

Check in with ANUK as this pattern develops, and don’t forget to drink water, not just coffee.

LEAMINGTON, ON - The annual Leamington Greenhouse Competition made its return, and Nature Fresh Farms proudly emerged as a top performer, capturing 16 awards from across four major categories: cucumbers, peppers, berries, and tomatoes. With over 190 product entries from the region’s leading growers, this competition has become a showcase of innovation, quality, and flavor, and Nature Fresh Farms delivered in full.

“This recognition means a lot - not just because of the awards, but because it validates the work we are doing to serve our customers better every day. Every variety we grow is rooted in a simple question: Will this deliver an incredible eating experience for the consumer?” said Matt Quiring, SVP, Brand, Products & Marketing, in a recent press release.

Nature Fresh Farms received the following top awards at this year’s competition:

• Best Overall Hothouse Pepper – Nature Fresh Farms Hottie Jalapeno Pepper
• People’s Choice Best Berry – Nature Fresh Farms Raspberries
• Chef’s Choice – Nature Fresh Farms Raspberries
• Best Hothouse Hot Pepper – Nature Fresh Farms Hottie Jalapeno Pepper
• Best Hothouse Cocktail Cucumber – Nature Fresh Farms Lil’ Chills Cocktail Cukes
• Best Hothouse Specialty Long Pepper – Nature Fresh Farms Red Sweet S’NAPS Pepper
• In addition to earning multiple second and third-place awards for many other products

Quiring adds “These wins reflect the pride our team takes in putting quality, flavor, and trust first. We’re here to lead, to listen, and to keep pushing this industry forward - always with the consumer at the heart of it”.

The Leamington Greenhouse Competition is a proud celebration of Essex County, home to the highest concentration of greenhouses in North America. More than just a showcase of the region’s finest produce, the event supports a powerful mission that uplifts underprivileged children and families through education, healthcare, and community empowerment.

As the greenhouse industry grows and transforms, Nature Fresh Farms continues to lead with innovation, passion, and an unwavering commitment to producing flavorful, high-quality products that redefine what excellence looks and tastes like.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Berry Fresh is excited to announce that its signature Sweet Karoline® blackberries are entering their second seasonal peak. Known for their consistently sweet taste, low seediness, and strong shelf life, Sweet Karoline® blackberries are winning over retailers and consumers alike.

“We’re seeing outstanding quality and flavor as we enter this second flush,” says Jyoti Bhogal, VP of Sales & Marketing at Berry Fresh, in a recent press release. “The fruit is flavorful, juicy, and showing consistently strong quality; everything customers have come to expect from Sweet Karoline®. It’s the perfect time to promote this variety.”

Currently grown in Mexico, the Sweet Karoline® season stretches from February through June, with two distinct peaks. This second peak is offering a great opportunity for retailers to drive repeat berry purchases through Memorial Day and into early summer.

Laudan Chaffin, Marketing Director at Berry Fresh, adds: “Consumers who’ve tried Sweet Karoline® are hooked. We continue to hear feedback from shoppers saying it’s changed the way they think about blackberries, and they can’t get enough!”

As demand grows, Berry Fresh is investing in expanding the season and trialing new growing regions, including Oregon, to bring Sweet Karoline® to shelves even longer.

Sweet Karoline® is a blackberry variety co-owned by Berry Fresh known for its sweet flavor and resistance to red cells. Berry Fresh is a leading year-round grower and marketer of premium blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries to customers in the Americas.

FIREBAUGH, CA - With another great offshore melon season coming to an end, the Westside Produce and Classic Fruit Alliance is excited to kick off the domestic melon season in Arizona and California. With first picks out of Arizona expected next week, the team is gearing up for another great year.

“We are entering year 4 of our alliance together, providing year-round supplies of melons to our valued customers,” notes Garrett Patricio, President of Westside Produce, in a recent press release. “We have developed synergies as partners and satisfied our goal of being the one-stop shop for melons year-round. We will continue working together to make this goal a reality.”

With offshore melons wrapping up, the alliance comments on yet another productive season. “We just completed a successful import season and have had excellent reviews from year-round program customers,” comments Tom Ferguson, VP of Sales at Classic Fruit.

“Although tariffs were an unexpected challenge, our customers fortunately worked with us in navigating these uncharted waters to close out our import season on a high note. We finish this season with having added watermelon to our winter offerings and are exploring them in future domestic seasons.”

With a strong finish to the offshore season, the alliance is excited to start the domestic season soon. “Our estimated start date in Yuma, Arizona, is May 19th with stable volumes expected by June 1st,” adds Patricio. “We then will transition to Firebaugh by July 1st where we plan to have sufficient acreage and volume to cover contract customers and also provide some market opportunities for regular day-to-day customers. In addition, we have new trial varieties planted in every block in Yuma and are also being planned out of California as we continue to seek the highest level of quality and flavor available.”

In terms of the expected market, the alliance comments on how markets and demand work hand in hand. “We continue to see a pattern of increased contracting of melons, which provides not only competitive pricing but also ensures coverage during lower volume periods,” adds Ferguson. “By planning with this in mind, it helps confirm our commitment to provide an uninterrupted supply of melons to our customers with year-round support.”

As they wrap up the import season and continue to prepare for the domestic season, the alliance also has begun preparations for the 2025/26 winter import season, keeping to their mission of providing melons 52 weeks a year!