CASTROVILLE, CA - Ocean Mist Farms, North America's leading grower and shipper of fresh artichokes, is wrapping up a successful spring artichoke season as the company transitions into its Northern California summer season.

“We’ve been very pleased with the excellent quality and sizing this spring crop produced,” said Ben Wilson, commodity account manager for Ocean Mist Farms, in a recent press release. Adding, “The varieties we grow in our northern region have been specially selected or developed to perform well in this unique coastal climate, just as our desert varieties are tailored to thrive in our Southern California winter growing region.”

Ocean Mist Farms’ spring and summer artichokes are grown from perennial plants that perform best in cooler climates and thrive in temperate weather environments, especially coastal areas, with a low risk of frost. According to Wilson, “Artichokes love a Mediterranean climate, which we are fortunate to have here in the Monterey Bay area.” Adding, “Cool-climate crops thrive in foggy environments all summer long. Add in the rich, fertile soils of this region, along with sunny but mild days and cool nights, and you’ve got the perfect conditions for growing premium-quality artichokes.”

While the company’s popular purple artichoke season has concluded until next winter, Ocean Mist expects steady volumes of globe artichokes over the next couple weeks. Wilson explained, “There is typically a slight dip in supply as we transition into our summer crop, but with pre-planning, retailers can still take advantage of promotable volumes throughout the summer.”

WATSONVILLE, CA - Driscoll’s, the world’s largest fresh berry company, announces the retirement of longtime board member Neil P. DeFeo after 27 years of distinguished service. In his place, Driscoll’s welcomes Berry Marttin, a globally respected agricultural finance leader, to its Board of Directors - reinforcing the company’s commitment to global growth, innovation, and sustainability.

DeFeo joined the Board in 1998 and served as a trusted strategic partner to leadership during a pivotal era of growth. His tenure aligned with Driscoll’s global expansion under J. Miles Reiter who became Chairman in 1988 and served as CEO from 2000–2015 and again from 2018–2024. Now Executive Chairman, Reiter has helped guide Driscoll’s transformation from a regional business to a global brand. Together, Reiter and DeFeo’s long-standing collaboration helped shape the company’s strategic direction during this transformation.

“Neil has been an extraordinary board member, trusted advisor, and true friend,” said J. Miles Reiter, Driscoll’s Executive Chairman. “He brought a sharp, results-driven mindset - pushing us to act boldly and with clarity. His ability to turn consumer insights into business strategy strengthened our brand and market position. I’m deeply grateful for the impact he’s had on Driscoll’s and on me personally.”

A seasoned CEO and respected board member, DeFeo led the Playtex Products Company as Chairman and CEO, tripling shareholder value before its sale to Energizer Holdings. He also held senior roles at Procter and Gamble and the Clorox Company, was the Chairman and CEO of Remington Products, co-founded the Sun Products Company and later co-founded Nonantum Capital Partners. His board service has spanned both public and private companies, private equity backed firms and mission driven non-profits - leaving a legacy of visionary leadership and results.

As Driscoll’s looks to the future, the company welcomes Berry Marttin to its Board of Directors. A global agricultural finance leader with deep farming roots, Marttin brings over 30 years of executive experience across international banking, food systems, and sustainability. From 2009 to 2023, he served on the Managing Board of Rabobank, overseeing key business units including Wholesale and Rural Banking, Global Food and Agriculture, Leasing, and Sustainability, including the Rabo Carbon Bank.

“Marttin’s depth of experience across agriculture, sustainability, and finance makes him an invaluable addition to our Board,” said Soren Bjorn, CEO of Driscoll’s, in a recent press release. “As we scale our brand globally, his insight will help us stay agile, innovative, improve operational efficiencies and ensure the business remains resilient against industry-wide challenges.”

Marttin previously held executive roles in Australia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Curaçao, and Brazil, and became Chairman of Rabobank Amsterdam in 2004. He also served as President of the European Association of Co-operative Banks (EACB) and held Supervisory Board seats at Wageningen University and IDH - The Sustainable Trade Initiative. In 2021, he joined the UN Food Systems Summit Champions Network.

He currently serves on the boards of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Koppert BV, the Rainforest Alliance, and the Hans R. Neumann Foundation, and is a member of the International Advisory Board of the Sustainable Nutrition Initiative at New Zealand’s Riddet Institute.

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Backed by a new 50/50 merger with Fruit World, Creekside Organics is entering the 2025 stone fruit season with greater volume, expanded marketing reach, and a clear message to retail buyers: now’s the time to double down on organic stone fruit.

“Our stone fruit season kicked off last week, and we're seeing strong demand,” said Cindy Richter, Senior Account Manager at Creekside, in a recent press release. “We’ll have the fruit, the flavor, and the grower partnerships that make this category a can’t-miss opportunity for retailers this year.”

The data backs it up. According to Circana data via IFPA, fresh cherry dollar sales are up 11% year-over-year, with basket sizes reaching $6.71 per trip. Apricot dollars are up 22%, and stone fruit overall—including peaches, nectarines, and plums—has grown 10% in dollars.

“California cherries mark the start of the stone fruit season,” said Bianca Kaprielian, Co-CEO. “There’s something about cherry season that brings excitement to the produce department,” said Kaprielian. “It’s the first sign that stone fruit season has started, and it kicks off a wave of fresh, flavorful offerings. We love being part of that moment for shoppers and retailers alike.”

This year’s fruit comes from Creekside’s trusted network of multi-generational growers. The season opens with organic cherries, followed by Ume plums, and rounds out with the anticipated arrival of peaches and nectarines. Masumoto Family Farm in Fresno brings organic peaches and nectarines grown with story and soul, while Blossom Hill in Patterson grows over a dozen organic apricot and aprium varieties from early May through July. In June, Capay Organic joins the mix with its signature high-flavor Blenheim apricots to finish out the season.

Creekside Organics apricots are available in a variety of pack styles, including cardboard punnets and open print “ReadyCycle” packs—ideal for retailers seeking sustainable, shelf-ready formats.“Whether you're aiming to drive volume or elevate your organic set, we have the fruit, flexibility, and support to help you succeed,” added Richter.

BENSON, NC - The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission (NCSC) executive director, Michelle Grainger, alongside Linwood Scott III, Co-owner of Scott Farms, and Linwood Vick, Partner and General Manager of Vick Family Farms, have been named in the NC 2025 Business Power List as Agriculture Honorees. Their leadership and contributions to North Carolina's agriculture industry have set benchmarks for innovation, sustainability, and community impact.

Business North Carolina’s 2025 Power List recognizes approximately 500 of the state’s most influential leaders across 17 sectors, including agriculture. The selection is based on editorial research, public nominations, and interviews, highlighting individuals shaping North Carolina’s future.

Michelle Grainger, executive director of the NCSC, represents over 300 growers, as well as the packers, processors, and business associates that support them. Grainger attributes the Commission’s collective team of dedicated staff and marketing agencies to the numerous successful promotion initiatives that have further educated consumers on just how special the NC sweetpotato is and why over two-thirds of the Nation’s total sweetpotatoes come from this state.

Scott III continues the legacy of quality and sustainability at Scott Farms, a sixth-generation family business. The company has grown to become one of the leading producers of sweet potatoes with over 4,500 acres in North Carolina. Linwood’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship has positioned Scott Farms as a model of excellence in modern agriculture.

Vick, partner and general manager of Vick Family Farms, has over 9,000 acres of farmland. His leadership has not only expanded Vick Family Farms’ operations but also earned the N.C. Farm Family of the Year and National Young Farmer of the Year awards.

“It’s an honor to be recognized among North Carolina’s agricultural leaders. At the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission, we remain committed to supporting our farmers and promoting the economic importance of sweetpotatoes for our state,” said Grainger in a recent press release.

The honorees’ dedication to North Carolina's agricultural sector has been instrumental in driving the $111 billion contribution to the state’s economy, showing the true importance of sweetpotatoes in the state’s economy. Their innovative approaches and community-focused efforts continue to elevate North Carolina as a leader in sustainable farming and food production. 2025 marks the fifth consecutive year Scott and Vick have received this recognition and third for Grainger.

For more information on NCSC, visit https://ncsweetpotatoes.com/ or to visit the 2025 Business North Carolina Power List click here.