PORTERVILLE, CA - Homegrown Organic Farms is proud to introduce a flavorful new addition to its specialty fruit lineup: fresh, California-grown figs. Cultivated on a 350-acre ranch in Madera, CA—an ideal microclimate for fig production—these figs are transitioning to organic certification, making them a natural fit for the Homegrown Farms™ label.

Figs are one of nature’s most indulgent offerings. Celebrated for centuries, these remarkable fruits marry rich taste with powerful nutrition. Naturally high in dietary fiber, calcium, and antioxidants, figs support digestive health and contribute to bone and heart wellness. With flavor notes that range from rich honeyed sweetness to bright berry tang, each variety offers a unique eating experience. This season’s lineup includes Black Mission, Brown Turkey, Cal Sierra, and Tiger Stripe figs—hand-harvested at peak ripeness to protect their delicate skins and luscious, jammy interiors.

“We’re always exploring ways to bring the best of what the season and our growers have to offer—while remaining rooted in our values of stewardship and care,” said Scott Mabs, CEO of Homegrown Organic Farms, in the recent release. “Adding figs to our program is an exciting and natural next step. Personally, I’ve always loved figs—they’re a standout fruit. We’re excited to grow this category and offer a new, delicious option for our customers”.

The fig season is set to begin in late July and run through early October. Fruit will be available in several retail-ready pack styles to meet a variety of merchandising and shopper needs. Options include volume-fill strawberry crates ideal for bulk displays, 8oz clamshells perfect for grab-and-go convenience, 1lb clamshells offering a more generous household portion, and 2lb clamshells suited for club-style and value-focused retail programs. These versatile pack styles provide flexibility for both in-store presentation and consumer use—whether customers are snacking, baking, or creating seasonal charcuterie boards.

Leading this new fig program is Stephen Paul, Deciduous Category Director and seasoned grower. Alongside his son John Paul (JP), they farm the Madera ranch with care and generational expertise. The father-son team is featured in Homegrown Organic Farms’ GROWNby video series, where they share their journey of farming organic stone fruit that is both Regenerative Organic Certified® and Equitable Food Initiative certified—and now, fresh figs.

“As both a grower and a marketer, I’m thrilled to bring this specialty fruit to our customers,” said Stephen Paul. “Figs are exceptional in every way—visually striking, deeply flavorful, and packed with health benefits. They’re the kind of fruit that leaves an impression, and we’re excited to share them with even more consumers this season”.

Prebook your spot for this year’s fig harvest—shipping begins in late July and runs through early fall. With strong interest expected and limited seasonal availability, now is the perfect time to lock in your fig program. Contact your Homegrown Organic Farms representative today at [email protected] or (559) 306-1770 to learn more and secure your fig program.

CORAL GABLES, FL - On International Pineapple Day on June 27, Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. isn’t just celebrating a tropical fruit—it’s honoring a legacy of transformation, one that forever changed how the world experiences pineapple.

Once a canned commodity, pineapple is now a pop-culture staple appearing in grilled summer dishes, tropical cocktails, and across social media feeds. In the 1970s, Americans consumed less than one pound of pineapple per person annually. Today, that number exceeds 8.3 pounds, according to the USDA. This shift didn’t happen by chance. Fresh Del Monte helped turn pineapple into a crave-worthy essential—starting with the 1996 launch of its Del Monte Gold® Extra Sweet pineapple, the first sweet pineapple of its kind to hit the market.

As global demand continues to climb—outpacing supply in several markets—Fresh Del Monte is expanding its growing operations and innovation pipeline to meet the moment. Pineapples can take up to 18 months to grow, and each plant produces just two fruits, making some of the most unique varieties especially limited. Contrary to popular belief, pineapples don’t grow on trees—they emerge low to the ground from the plant’s leafy crown, developing their distinctive flavor only under precise tropical conditions.

Among the company’s standout varieties:

• Pinkglow® pineapple: The world’s first pink-fleshed pineapple. A visual showstopper with a candy-sweet bite, it quickly became an Instagram favorite.
• Rubyglow® pineapple: A red-skinned hybrid 15 years in the making—exclusive, bold, and almost too pretty to eat.
• Honeyglow® pineapple: An extra-sweet, golden pineapple that’s perfect for snacking or gifting.
• Del Monte Zero® pineapple: A carbon-neutral pineapple with sustainability baked into every step of the supply chain.

“We’ve spent decades shaping how the world experiences pineapple—not just by making it sweeter or more visually striking, but by anticipating what consumers want before they even know it,” said Danny Dumas, Fresh Del Monte SVP of Sales, Marketing, and Product Management, North America, in a recent release. “From the introduction of Del Monte Gold® to innovations like Pinkglow® pineapple and Del Monte Zero® pineapple, our goal has always been to elevate this fruit beyond the ordinary. Pineapple has become a cultural icon and a symbol of hospitality, but it’s also a story of science, sustainability, and staying power—and we’re proud to be at the forefront of that story.”

Fresh Del Monte is one of the few global companies that manages the full journey of the fruit—from breeding and growing to packing, shipping, and retail partnerships. This end-to-end approach allows the company to respond quickly to emerging trends, develop new varieties with consumer insights in mind, and deliver consistent quality at scale.

To mark International Pineapple Day, Fresh Del Monte is inviting fans to celebrate the fruit that has become a symbol of joy, hospitality, and summer indulgence. Whether blended into a smoothie, grilled on a skewer, or sliced fresh for a vibrant charcuterie board, pineapple is having a true cultural moment—and the company is helping consumers bring it home.

Fresh Del Monte was the first global fruit and vegetable marketer to commit to the Science Based Targets initiative and has earned four SEAL Business Sustainability Awards in the past five years. Its commitment to sustainability spans regenerative agriculture, emissions tracking, and food waste reduction—all of which come to life in products like Del Monte Zero® pineapple.

This June 27, Fresh Del Monte invites everyone to raise a slice and join in the celebration of a fruit that continues to inspire creativity, spark joy, and make a statement—at the table and beyond.

For more inspiration, visit www.freshdelmonte.com or follow @DelMonteFresh on Instagram and Facebook.

MILLEN, GA - The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) proudly launched its 2025 Next Generation Leadership Academy (NGLA) with an inspiring and immersive retreat at the historic Stone Mountain, Georgia. This retreat marked the official beginning of the Academy’s learning year, gathering a dynamic group of rising stars from across the fresh produce industry.

The cohort includes a balanced roster from notable retail and foodservice organizations to influential grower-shippers, intentionally investing in a better future. Class members engaged in powerful discussions, strategic leadership sessions, and team-building experiences designed to spark vulnerability, innovation, and meaningful connection.

“We believe in investing in the future of this industry by equipping tomorrow’s leaders with the tools and relationships they need to thrive,” said SEPC President and CEO David Sherrod in the recent release. “This retreat sets the tone for a year of deep learning, cross-sector collaboration, and transformational leadership development.”

Set against the backdrop of Stone Mountain’s strong and natural beauty, the experience emphasized leadership through purpose, reflection, and peer engagement. Participants shared their personal journeys, explored the evolving landscape of fresh produce, and established the foundational trust that will carry through the program’s year-long curriculum.

In its third year, the NGLA has become a signature SEPC initiative, designed to cultivate the next wave of leaders who will guide the produce industry with courage, character, and connection. With sessions planned throughout the year focusing on personal leadership development, industry innovation, and strategic thinking, the program builds toward graduation at SEPC’s Southern Exposure conference in Spring 2026.

“This is more than a leadership course—this is a launchpad for a new generation,” said NGLA Co-Chair Raina Nelson. “These individuals are not only talented and driven; they’re committed to shaping a stronger, more connected, and more resilient produce industry.”

WASHINGTON - Equitable Food Initiative, the capacity-building and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, and retailers, is celebrating Pollinator Week, June 16-22, by launching a free toolkit with educational resources, downloadable graphics, and actionable tips to raise awareness and assist with supporting pollinator populations.

A toolkit focused specifically on pollinators is a first for EFI, adding to its robust library of materials designed to support safer, healthier, and more sustainable food systems. The toolkit, which highlights not only honeybees and butterflies but also lesser-known pollinators like bats, beetles, birds, moths, and flies, is available at equitablefood.org/pollinator-week.

One in every 3 bites of food we eat requires pollinators, but their populations are declining at alarming rates due to pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, more than $18 billion worth of crops depend on pollinators in the United States alone. Pollinator conservation closely aligns with EFI’s mission to foster a more sustainable and transparent food supply chain by addressing environmental, labor, and consumer needs in harmony.

Since pollinators are vital to food production and the health of farming ecosystems, Alexandra Martinez, EFI’s senior digital marketing and sales associate, shared in a recent press release, “We can’t protect what we don’t understand. This toolkit is designed to raise awareness and make it easier for our partners and the broader industry to take meaningful steps to protect pollinator habitats in practical ways.”

The toolkit invites users to explore and take action through colorful graphics, surprising facts, and ready-to-use materials designed to inspire and create learning. Whether you're planting native wildflowers, sharing “Did You Know?” moments on social media, engaging your workforce about this topic, or learning about unexpected pollinators like beetles and bats, there’s something for growers and consumers alike. Highlights include:

• Shareable visuals and infographics
• A “Did You Know?” series
• Templates for social media and email campaigns
• Practical steps to protect pollinators on farms and in neighborhoods

“Our goal is to make participation in Pollinator Week simple, impactful and accessible,” added Martinez. “As pollinator populations face growing challenges, EFI is proud to contribute tools and awareness that encourage improvement and industry engagement.”

For more information on sustainable agriculture practices, EFI offers additional resources through recorded workshops and online courses. These offerings cover topics like biodiversity, integrated pest management and eco-friendly farm management practices.

Readers can access the free Pollinator Week toolkit at equitablefood.org/pollinator-week and explore more sustainability content at equitablefood.org/courses.