Anne Allen

LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - The word “cutting-edge” might not immediately come to mind when one thinks of produce packaging, but AIRVIA Technology—born from a partnership between Excalibur Plastics and Tychon Packaging—is looking to change that. The two collaborators have developed an innovative solution designed to keep snackable fruits and vegetables fresher for longer.

CHARLOTTE, NC - The Southeast Produce Council’s 2025 Southern Innovations has come to a close. With a large number of attendees and buyers strolling the show floor, the atmosphere was rife with connection.

ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Ahold Delhaize recently released its second-quarter results. By sticking to its Growing Together strategy and leaning heavily into e-commerce capabilities, the retail giant is making steady moves across the United States and Europe.

IMMOKALEE, FL - As we reported last month, Lipman Family Farms is strengthening its supply chain capabilities and expanding its product portfolio. With peak summer season approaching fast, I touched base with Chief Executive Officer Elyse Lipman to learn more about the ways in which the company is growing.Lipman has been very strategic in its regional expansion planning. How does this benefit your customers during the summer?

SACRAMENTO, CA - Whether you’re planning on celebrating mom with brunch and a spa reservation or pizza and a paintball showdown, we here at AndNowUKnow hope you’re doing all you can to make Mother’s Day memorable.It’s also why we’re asking you, our industry friends, to submit photos of your Mother’s Day celebrations for our annual yearbook!

HOUSTON, TX - Viva Fresh Expo 2025 kicked off rousing discussions across the supply chain, introduced new innovations, and connected partners, new and old. To learn more about the impact of this event, I asked several industry members what they took away from the show.Stefanie Pandol, Marketing/Sustainability Specialist, Pandol Brothers

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - Since Allen Lund Company’s Scott Fletcher passed at the end of 2023, his absence has been keenly felt. A man known just as much for his indomitable passion as his warm smile, we’re happy to report that his memory lives on. At this year’s Viva Fresh Expo, Texas International Produce Association honored the memory of Scott Fletcher and the lasting impact the longtime General Manager of the Dallas, Texas, office had.

UNITED STATES - At the heart of the fresh produce industry resides a simple mission: to increase access to and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. The hurdles preventing consumers from eating healthy diets may be numerous, and the challenge of driving consumption daunting, but the International Fresh Produce Association and The Foundation for Fresh Produce developed a framework to do exactly that.

NOGALES, AZ - Divine Flavor categorizes Viva Fresh as an event where new opportunities arise, and for a company watching its strategic investments take root and flourish, it’s an exciting time to attend. I spoke with Clarisa Batiz, Organic Veg Category Manager, to learn more about Divine Flavor’s showcase for the upcoming expo.

Patrick (Pat) Colin of Five Crowns Marketing Passes Away