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.