IMMOKALEE, FL - As peak summer season approaches, Lipman Family Farms is spotlighting its locally grown summer produce across the East Coast. Following a challenging start to the season, marked by back-to-back hurricanes in the southeast, Lipman’s farms in Tennessee and North Carolina are now back on track with a new season ahead.

With farms in Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia ramping up production, retailers can expect an abundance of fresh Crimson tomatoes, peppers, and squash, all cultivated to meet growing consumer demand for seasonal, regionally sourced vegetables.

“The fact that our Tennessee farm is back in full swing just months after severe weather adversity is a remarkable testament to our teams on the ground,” said Lacy Church, Tennessee Farm Manager, in a recent press release. “This is more than a rebound; it is a reflection of our people and our dedication to our land and our customers.”

Over the last year, Lipman has made significant investments to expand and reinforce its national footprint. Following the acquisition of Jones & Church Farms and recently Shelton & Sons—two long-time tomato partners in Tennessee—and the strategic addition of Northeast Produce, a tomato repacker in Connecticut, Lipman has solidified its geographic diversity to distribute to key markets. These acquisitions are part of Lipman’s long-term vision to build a resilient, contingency-proof supply network to offer a consistent flow of
fresh supply.

“Our dedication to local farming isn’t just about geography—it’s about building a dependable network of farmers and people that you can rely on for fresh produce,” said Elyse Lipman, CEO. “By focusing on strategic regional expansion, we’re ensuring that seasonal favorites like tomatoes, peppers, and squash remain readily available, even as broader supply chain pressures mount.”

Lipman’s Tennessee farms have now rebounded from last year’s hurricane season and are positioned for one of their strongest summer harvests to date. This milestone reflects Lipman’s ongoing investment in local agriculture and its unwavering support of family-run farms.

UNITED STATES - According to The Weather Channel, this Memorial Day weekend may bring a few surprises for travelers and outdoor planners, especially east of the Rockies. With AAA projecting a record 45.1 million people hitting the road, understanding regional weather patterns could help avoid soggy setbacks.

Northeast and Great Lakes:

Cool and damp conditions kick off the weekend, especially Saturday, with showers likely in Upstate New York and New England. Temps will hover in the 50s to low 70s throughout the weekend.

Midwest and Plains:

Showers and thunderstorms are expected Saturday through Monday, with the greatest risk of heavy rain and localized flooding centered on Missouri, Arkansas, and nearby states.

South:

Saturday and Sunday will feel like summer, with widespread 90s across the Gulf Coast and Southeast. However, storms will move in Monday, especially from Texas through the mid-South, potentially washing out some final-day plans. Florida will stay hot and mostly dry.

West:

The best bet for dry, stable weather. From California’s coast to the Northwest and Rockies, conditions remain largely quiet. The Southwest stays hot, while coastal California stays mild. Expect 60s–70s across much of the region with a few mountain storms possible.

Check ANUK for more seasonal updates and how weather patterns could impact fresh produce buyers and sellers.

CHELSEA, MA - DiSilva Fruit is gearing up for a vibrant and flavorful summer citrus season, bringing the perfect lineup to keep consumers refreshed, healthy, and satisfied all season long. Running from June through October, the 2025 import program will showcase a broad selection of premium citrus offerings sourced from trusted grower partners across the Southern Hemisphere. This year’s anticipated highlights include Navels from South Africa and Chile, Mandarins from Peru, Uruguay, South Africa, and Chile, and Lemons from Argentina, Chile, and Mexico.

"Summer is an underrated time for citrus," says Alden Guptill of DiSilva Fruit, in a recent press release. "Our early insights from growers point to a high-quality crop with excellent sizing, vibrant flavor, and strong volumes. This creates outstanding opportunities for retailers to feature citrus in their summer promotions, helping shoppers discover that citrus is much more than a wintertime favorite—it’s a delicious, refreshing, and hydrating snack that fits perfectly into summer lifestyles."

Beyond flavor and versatility, citrus remains an incredible value for consumers, offering a nutrition-packed punch at a wallet-friendly price. As food costs remain top of mind for shoppers, citrus provides an accessible, affordable, and family-friendly produce option that supports both health and budget goals.

DiSilva Fruit will offer Mandarins, Navels, and Lemons in a range of convenient pack sizes designed to meet today’s consumer needs. Options include 3lb and 4lb bags for easy grab-and-go shopping, as well as standard citrus cartons for bulk displays and merchandising flexibility. Lemons will also be available in 5lb, 2lb, and 1lb consumer packs, ensuring there’s a perfect size for every household, whether it's for backyard BBQs, summer cocktails, or healthy snacking on the go.

More Than Just a Snack

The Citrus Lifestyle Citrus is more than a snack—it’s a versatile ingredient that brings zest and brightness to a wide range of summer recipes, from salads and marinades to beverages and desserts. Additionally, citrus fruits are loaded with essential nutrients, including Vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. Regular consumption supports immune health, promotes radiant skin, aids digestion, and contributes to overall well-being.

"We’re seeing more consumers look for functional foods that not only taste great but also provide added health benefits," Guptill adds. "Citrus ticks all the boxes—it’s flavorful, refreshing, nutrient-dense, and budget-friendly. It's an easy choice for families looking to elevate their summer snacking and meals."

DiSilva Fruit encourages retailers to take advantage of this year’s strong supply and build engaging citrus displays throughout the store — especially in key summer moments like Fourth of July, back-to-school, and Labor Day. Cross-merchandising opportunities with summer recipes, beverages, and wellness themes can further drive sales and inspire consumers to add more citrus to their carts.

MIAMI, FL - As Continental Fresh continues its commitment to transforming lives through fresh produce and clean water, Alejandro Guerrero’s journey from summer mission trips to sourcing mangoes reveals the deeper purpose behind the company’s mission.

Driven by people before produce, Alejandro, now part of the Sales and Sourcing team at Continental Fresh, never imagined he’d find a career—and calling—in agriculture. “I didn’t know anything about produce,” he admits, “but once I started, I fell in love with both the work and the impact.”

This impact became especially clear through the company’s support of Water For All and BLUE Missions, organizations dedicated to bringing clean water to rural communities. “Trips like these humble you,” he shared in a recent release. “They make you grateful for what you have—and remind you that the simplest needs, like clean water, can change everything.”

During a recent visit to a community where he helped build an aqueduct, Alejandro was moved to tears. “The transformation was incredible—paved roads, streetlights, new homes. It looked like a different country. People from nearby towns were moving in, all because clean water made the community thrive.”

That perspective fuels his work every day. “On tough days, I remember that every box of mangoes we sell is a part of something bigger—it’s part of changing someone’s life,” he said.

To Alejandro, “finding your drop” means discovering how your individual contribution can create ripple effects of good. “I think I’m still finding my exact role, but I know I’m on the right path. Even something as small as selling mangoes has meaning when it brings water—and life—to others.”

As Continental Fresh prepares for its next wave of impact with upcoming aqueduct projects and water access initiatives, Alejandro hopes his story encourages others to seek their own unique path to purpose.

“Keep trying. Keep thinking outside the box,” he advises. “When your work starts to feel like it matters beyond just yourself, that’s when you know you’ve found your drop.”

For more information about Continental Fresh and their commitment to Water For All, visit https://www.continentalfresh.com/purpose.