VALENCIA, CA - Sunkist Growers, Inc., a citrus marketing cooperative founded in 1893, announced today that Limoneira Company, one of its original founding members, will rejoin the organization effective November 1, 2025. The move marks a meaningful reunion and a bold step forward for both companies.

“This is more than a return—it’s a powerful alignment of shared history, values, and vision,” said Jim Phillips, President and CEO of Sunkist Growers, in a recent release. “Together, we’re transforming our collective capabilities into greater value for our growers, packers, and customers.”

Under the new agreement, Limoneira will continue to operate as an independent business entity. However, all of Limoneira’s fresh citrus sales and marketing responsibilities—primarily focused on lemons—will transition to Sunkist at the start of the new citrus season.

“We have long respected Sunkist’s leadership and legacy in the citrus industry,” said Harold Edwards, President and CEO of Limoneira. “Now is the right time to rejoin. Both organizations have evolved, adapted, and strengthened—and we’re excited to build on that momentum to create lasting value for our growers and customers.”

This reconnection is expected to drive expanded market access, optimize citrus supply, and strengthen the cooperative’s ability to meet evolving customer and grower needs.

Both companies are looking forward to strengthening Sunkist’s market position and expanding our reach through this renewed momentum and are committed to ensuring a seamless transition and continued service excellence heading into the new season.

WASHINGTON - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) applauded the re-establishment of the bipartisan House Organic Caucus for the 119th Congress. Led by Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), Tony Wied (R-Wisc.), and Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), the caucus will once again serve as a legislative voice for fresh produce farmers and the supply chain.

“I am proud to join my colleagues in relaunching the House Organic Caucus where we will continue to be a voice for organic producers,” said Rep. Newhouse in the recent release. “Organic agriculture delivers high quality, fresh products to communities across the country, and our caucus is key in elevating the industry’s challenges to other Members of Congress. I look forward to hearing from producers this Congress as we work to strengthen the agriculture industry and support hardworking American farmers.”

“I’m proud to serve as a co-chair of the Bipartisan House Organic Caucus for the 119th Congress,” said Rep. Wied. “The organic industry continues to grow rapidly, offering fresh and healthy food choices for consumers. Wisconsin ranks third in the nation for the number of organic farms, and I’m honored to advocate for this crucial sector of our agricultural economy.”

“Organic food isn’t just good for our health; it’s good for our farmers, our economy, and our planet,” said Rep. Pingree. “As a proud organic farmer, I’ve seen firsthand how organic practices can improve soil resilience, boost profitability for farmers, and meet the growing consumer demand for cleaner, healthier foods. The relaunch of the House Organic Caucus is an important step in ensuring that organic agriculture has a strong voice in Congress—and that the American people can continue to benefit from these smart, sensible practices. I’m proud to serve as a Co-Chair of the bipartisan Organic Caucus and look forward to working with Congressmen Newhouse, Panetta, Wied and other organic advocates to elevate these issues in Congress.”

"The relaunch of the House Organic Caucus comes at a pivotal time for organic agriculture and the fresh produce industry,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “We are grateful to Reps. Newhouse, Panetta, Wied, and Pingree for their leadership in reaffirming Congress’s commitment to the organic community and its essential contributions to consumers and rural economies, especially as IFPA, in partnership with our members’ expertise, continues to address organic issues through collaborating with policymakers and regulators.”

To mark the occasion, the House Organic Caucus will celebrate alongside the fresh produce and floral industry during IFPA’s The Washington Conference, hosting an exclusive reception for caucus members and organic fresh produce industry stakeholders. IFPA looks forward to welcoming lawmakers and partners in recognizing the value of organic agriculture and exploring policy priorities that support its continued growth.

Originally founded in 2003, the House Organic Caucus was created to promote policies that support organic agriculture and to educate members of Congress and their staff on the practices, programs, and priorities of the organic sector. The caucus is a critical platform for advancing organic agriculture and ensuring a united voice for organic integrity.

For more information about IFPA’s advocacy efforts and The Washington Conference, visit www.freshproduce.com.

SINALOA, MX - With a vast network of growers located in Sinaloa, Veggies From Mexico (VFM) is currently gearing up for the start of the 2025–2026 season. The operation’s grower partners will begin with seedlings in July for a wide variety of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, string beans, hot peppers, and eggplants, among other offerings.

“In recent years, our state has experienced a significant drought. According to weather forecasts, we expect to receive substantial rainfall this summer,” shared Georgius Gotsis, Chief Executive Officer, Veggies From Mexico. “Fortunately, vegetable production has been the least affected, as high-tech irrigation systems, protected agriculture, and other technological tools that help conserve water are being used. For the 2025–2026 season, we expect production volumes similar to last year’s. In the case of corn production, which serves the local market, there will be more challenges due to the lack of water.”

As Georgius notes, now is the ideal time for growers to sit with retailers and plan this year’s sales through contracts with attractive prices for both farmers and consumers. Weekly harvest and sales scheduling by volume allows for efficient planning, streamlining of processes, and maximizing profits for all parties involved.

Another key driver of category growth at retail is consumer education.

“We must continue working to share with the North American consumer that Mexican veggies production has been known for over 100 years for its high quality, flavor, and nutritional value,” Georgius added. “It is essential that they know our produce is backed by food safety and social responsibility standards and certifications. This is especially important in light of the critical situation regarding potential tariffs on our exports to the United States, where consumers could ultimately be the most affected.”

To learn more about Veggies From Mexico’s growers, production timeframes, and contacts, click here.

CALIFORNIA/MEXICO - With the Mexico harvest slowing down and the California season now in full swing, reports state that avocado markets have stabilized over the past couple of months.

PRO*ACT’s The Source report, published on June 4, states that sizes 48 count and smaller are seeing improved conditions, while larger fruit continues to face challenges. With both coasts now receiving offshore fruit, producers have been able to maintain a balance in supply. Our pricing update from April showed that supplies were light out of all regions, but markets seem to have steadied since then.

The USDA’s most recent market report out of California’s Los Angeles Terminal reinforces that current avocado markets are steady. The report lists CA Hass 32s of fair quality 69.00-72.00; lower 36s of fair quality at 69.00-72.00; and 40s of fair quality at 63.00-66.00.

Mexico Hass, according to USDA, is represented by the following numbers:

• 32s 70.00-72.00 mostly 70.00-71.00 occasional higher/lower
• 36s 70.00-72.00 mostly 70.00-71.00 occasional higher
• 40s 64.00-66.00 mostly 65.00-66.00 occasional higher/lower
• 48s 60.00-63.00 mostly 61.00-62.00 occasional lower
• 60s 44.00-47.00 mostly 45.00-46.00 occasional higher
• 70s 38.00-40.00 mostly 39.00-40.00 occasional higher
• 84s 29.00-32.00 mostly 30.00-31.00 occasional higher/lower

With approximately five weeks left before transitioning to the Flora Loca season in Mexico, and peak season through the end of June in California, we will continue to keep our eye on avocado markets.

EASTERN PACIFIC - The 2025 hurricane season is officially underway in the Eastern Pacific, with Hurricane Barbara becoming the first of the year. As of Monday, Barbara was tracking parallel to Mexico’s western coast, bringing flooding rainfall, powerful waves, and hazardous rip currents, though no direct landfall is expected.

“A strengthening trend over the weekend allowed Barbara to reach Category 1 hurricane status early Monday,” explained AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bill Deger. While its core remains offshore, Barbara's outer bands are expected to keep seas rough along the Mexican coast into Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Cosme has formed nearby and could briefly approach hurricane strength before also weakening midweek. AccuWeather forecasters are watching for a possible fourth system to form later this week, with potential development between June 13–15. 

Keep checking ANUK for possible ripple effects on produce movement.

SALINAS, CA - As part of its ongoing commitment to transparency, education, and customer connection, Markon is proud to host its upcoming Customer Tour series in California’s Salinas Valley—known as the “Salad Bowl of the World.”

Markon started off the year strong with a springtime Yuma, Arizona tour, and is now kicking off the Summer of Salinas, inviting restaurant owner-operators and Markon Cooperative’s member representatives to see the extraordinary care and expertise behind the fresh produce they sell and serve every day.

The first Customer Tour will take place on June 9, with a second scheduled for July, and the final in late August. Each tour offers a unique look into the heart of produce production. Guests typically visit active harvests of romaine or iceberg lettuce, strawberries, broccoli or cauliflower, artichokes, and a value-added fresh-cut processing facility. Walking through these fields alongside the farmers, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship, food safety, and sustainability practices behind every carton of Markon produce.

“This experience leaves a lasting impression,” said John Galvez, Senior Director of Food Safety and Quality Assurance, in a recent press release. “There’s something powerful about seeing the passion and precision the field harvesting crews bring to their work. It helps our customers understand why we are so selective in choosing our supplier partners.”

As Markon celebrates 40 years of excellence in fresh produce, the Customer Tour program continues to be a cornerstone of its value to foodservice operators and cooperative member companies. These tours offer a rare opportunity to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, and reinforce the deep connections between farm, field, and fork.

“At the end of the day, it’s all about trust,” said Galvez. “These tours allow our customers to experience the Markon difference—not just in the quality of the product, but in the integrity of the people behind it.”