The New York Produce Show and Conference was a vibrant gathering where over 4,000 professionals from more than 1,000 companies converged to explore the freshest innovations in the produce industry. This year’s event uncovered a wealth of exciting trends that are revolutionizing the way we think about food—from cutting-edge hydroponics and American and Peruvian farmed produce to seedless varieties and the rise of medicinal mushrooms.

Fresh snacking took center stage as the demand for convenient, health-focused options continues to grow, with exhibitors showcasing everything from ready-to-eat fresh-cut fruits to nutrient-packed snacks. A major highlight was the growing focus on sustainability, with companies championing eco-friendly practices, such as controlled environment agriculture, to meet consumer demands for both quality and environmental responsibility.

Industry leaders emphasized the challenges of navigating climate change, rising food prices, and shifting customer expectations, with many turning to AI and innovative technology to increase efficiency and enhance the shopping experience. The future of fresh produce is brimming with opportunity, as new trends like packaged produce, fresh juices, and the expansion of the medicinal mushroom category take root. With 300-plus exhibitors, the New York Produce Show proved to be an incubator for the ideas and products that will define the future of food.

Homegrown Excellence

American-grown produce embodies the highest standards of quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. It’s a symbol of local pride and offers consumers the best of what our farms have to offer, from fresh, flavorful fruits and vegetables to an unwavering commitment to supporting local agriculture.

Eli and Ali’s stands at the forefront of the industry, offering premium conventional and organic produce. Known for their exceptional tomatoes, they are a leading importer, packer, and distributor of specialty tomatoes. With a warehouse in Brooklyn and fields in Florida, Eli and Ali’s delivers superior taste at an affordable price.

Field Fresh Farms, with four generations of expertise, grows and delivers the freshest, highest-quality vegetables from California’s Central Coast. As a vertically integrated grower and shipper, they take pride in their sustainable farming practices, providing fresh produce to foodservice and retail customers across North America. Their farms are minutes from their packing facilities, meaning produce harvested overnight is processed promptly and shipped the same day, allowing for a quick turnaround and peak freshness.

Onions 52 is renowned for producing a range of premium onions—including yellow, red, white, sweet, Tearless Smileys, and Certified Organic varieties—delivered fresh year-round. Headquartered in Syracuse, Utah, with locations across the U.S., they provide onions packed with flavor, offering a mild finish and year-round appeal to families across the nation.

City Roots Organic Farm is an 8-acre family-owned organic farm located in Columbia, South Carolina and is the state’s first urban farm established in 2009. They have one of the largest microgreens operations in the Southeast, with over 40,000 square feet of climate-controlled space spread across 14 greenhouses. They are USDA certified Organic and never use any chemical pesticides, insecticides or herbicides. They also practice environmentally friendly farming practices such as cover cropping, composting, crop rotations, and offset a large part of their carbon footprint with solar panels.

Then there are regional organizations like the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, which is dedicated to supporting the state’s farmers, particularly in strawberries, watermelon, peaches, and seafood. With over 25,000 farms spanning 4.8 million acres, agriculture is the cornerstone of South Carolina’s economy, generating billions in economic impact and thousands of jobs. Their diverse services, including food safety inspections and entrepreneurial development, help nurture growth and ensure the safety of both farmers and consumers.

Built to Last: Family-Owned Farms Thriving Across Generations

Family-owned farms have a unique legacy, built on generations of hard work, adaptability, and a commitment to preserving tradition while thriving in an ever-changing world. These companies exemplify how innovation and heritage come together to create sustainable success. 

Foxy Organic, a family-owned business spanning four generations in California’s Salinas Valley, is a pioneer in farming practices. The Nunes Brothers, founders of Foxy Organic, introduced the innovative technique of film-wrapping organic and non-organic iceberg lettuce to maintain freshness back in 1966. Today, they continue to evolve with sustainable practices like Integrated Pest Management (IPM), drip irrigation, and water quality monitoring programs, all while reducing emissions and prioritizing environmental responsibility.

Decas Farms, which began as a humble family produce cart more than 80 years ago, has grown into a global leader in cranberry production, serving 35 countries. Now in its third generation, Decas Farms manages 450 acres of family-owned cranberry bogs throughout Massachusetts, working with over 150 growers. The farm is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, preserving the fragile wetland ecosystem, protecting endangered species, and advocating for groundwater conservation.

Mid-State Produce, a fifth-generation farm in eastern North Carolina, has been dedicated to cultivating the land since the 1800s. The Sullivan family now manages over 4,000 acres of sweet potatoes, cotton, and other crops, ensuring high-quality, hand-harvested produce year-round. They’ve also embraced sustainable farming practices such as crop rotation, weed control, and reducing pesticide use, preserving the land for future generations.

Masser Family of Companies, a family-owned potato farming operation in Pennsylvania, has been delivering the finest potatoes, potato products, and grains for eight generations. They are a USDA Organic-certified farm and a leader in sustainable practices, including soil conservation, nutrient management, and crop rotation. Their earth-friendly efforts extend to their trucking operations, where aerodynamic designs, fleet software, and innovative technology reduce emissions and minimize their carbon footprint.

The Future of Fresh with Hydroponic Farming

Hydroponic farming is reshaping the agricultural landscape, offering a leap beyond traditional methods to more sustainable and efficient practices. By growing crops without soil, hydroponics tackles pressing challenges such as resource conservation, environmental impact, and the need for consistent, fresh produce year-round—paving the way for the future of fresh food.

Helping to lead the charge is Oshii, the first company in the world to cultivate fruit using groundbreaking vertical farming technology. Their journey began with premium “Omakase” strawberries, grown with AI-powered systems and natural bee pollination. Now, Oshii is revolutionizing the market with the Koyo Berry and Rubī Tomato, blending sustainability with innovation. Their proprietary technology, honed through extensive research in both Japan and the US, allows them to produce top-tier produce year-round—without pesticides—delivering consistent quality to world-class restaurants, specialty retailers, and food lovers across NYC. 

Similarly, Sensei Farms is redefining farming with their greenhouse-grown hydroponics, a model that prioritizes both sustainability and well-being. Originating on the Hawaiian island of Lana’i, Sensei Farms uses less water and space than traditional farms, while maximizing flavor and nutrition. By blending cutting-edge science with innovative techniques, they’re producing fresh, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables that support healthier lives and a more sustainable environment.

Convenience Meets Freshness

For consumers who prioritize both quality and convenience, ready-to-go produce offers a seamless solution, delivering fresh, high-quality items straight from the farm to your home. These companies have revolutionized the way we think about convenience, making healthy eating easier and more accessible than ever before.

The Little Potato Company, North America's leader in breeding, growing, and marketing proprietary Little Potatoes, is a family-owned business dedicated to feeding the world better. As the first fresh potato company to join the Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA), they optimize irrigation through specialized equipment in the field and reduce waste through their state-of-the-art recycling facilities, ensuring a sustainable, high-quality product.

California Endive Farms, the largest American producer of endives, is also a global leader in improving the complex process of growing this unique vegetable. With its crisp texture, sweet, nutty flavor, and mild bitterness, endive is a versatile addition to any diet. Known for being one of the most difficult vegetables to grow, endive requires a two-step process that spans over 150 days, with a final stage spent in dark, humid rooms, similar to a mushroom growing facility. Low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals, California endives offer both nutrition and flavor.

NuBerry Farms, a partnership between Berry Brothers and Fru-Veg Marketing, ensures a year-round supply of fresh berries by providing domestic berries during the growing season (March - September) and imported berries during the off-season (September - March). This 365-day production cycle guarantees that fresh, flavorful berries are available for consumers all year long.

The Bonduelle Group is changing the game with Bistro bowls that replace expensive fast-casual grain bowls with fresh produce available at retail stores. These convenient, nutritious bowls are perfect for those looking to enjoy a wholesome meal without the hassle of dining out.

Power Up With Produce Shots

Produce shots energize a consumer’s day and offers a quick, nutrient-packed boost. One can start their day or keep their energy going with refreshing shots that have an immediate, revitalizing effect, appealing to those looking for a convenient way to enhance their health. There are numerous natural benefits to gain by consuming fresh produce in a concentrated, easy-to-consume form, perfect for busy lifestyles.

Remedy Organics makes craveable plant-based wellness shakes & immunity shots crafted by a holistic nutritionist. They include the finest organic superfoods, ayurvedics, herbs & prebiotics with functional benefits. All their products are certified organic, dairy free, gluten free, soy free, and vegan. They also contain adaptogens such as Maca and Ashwagandha which are botanicals that can impart strength, energy, stamina, endurance, and mental clarity.

Powerful Bites

Produce-based snacks are the ultimate choice for consumers seeking nutritious, convenient options that don’t sacrifice flavor. These wholesome bites provide an easy way to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables on the go, making healthy snacking both tasty and satisfying.

Offshoot Brands is on a mission to make healthy eating fun and accessible with a variety of fresh, ready-to-eat produce brands. Their offerings include Love Beets, Fresh Face Foods, and Veggie Confetti—boldly flavored, pickled vegetables that brighten up any meal. LOOP Mission produces fresh, cold-pressed juices made from upcycled fruits and veggies, while Genuine Coconut offers organic coconut water and fresh coconut chunks for on-the-go hydration. These brands bring creativity, innovation, and variety to the market, making healthy snacks both exciting and easy to enjoy.

Regal Snacks, a family business that implemented change such as selling their products in bulk, which enabled them to offer their customers lower prices, and hand mixing and packing. They are known for their high-quality snacks that are an indulgent yet healthy option like Marvelous Cashews. These top-grade cashews are gently roasted and salted, using a proprietary roasting process that unlocks rich, savory flavors and perfect texture. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, cashews provide heart-healthy fats, making them a delicious and beneficial snack.  

Joolies, a family-owned farm in the Coachella Valley, has been growing organic Medjool date trees for nearly two decades. Their dates, available in both whole and pitted varieties, are grown using pure, natural water and rich sandy soils that require minimal intervention—no pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides. Along with offering these nutrient-packed dates, Joolies innovates with eco-friendly snacks like Date Pops. Their ranch is 100% USDA organic, certified glyphosate residue-free, and committed to sustainable practices, with packaging made from recycled and recyclable materials.

Exotic Medicinal Mushrooms Now at Your Grocery

There has been an increase in the availability of exotic medicinal mushrooms in grocery stores due to their potential health benefits and appeal to wellness-focused consumers. These mushrooms offer unique properties that can enhance overall health and encourage shoppers to explore these distinctive ingredients as part of their everyday diet.

Guan’s is a leading grower and distributor of fresh specialty mushrooms in North America. They insist on ecological cultivation and natural growing conditions, making their mushrooms pure in taste without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. They implement the best sustainable water management plan, such as grey water storage, recycling systems, bio-filtration swales and land application of wash water.

A New Era of Natural Tofu

A new, more natural version of tofu focuses on plant-based purity and appeal to health-conscious consumers. The new era of tofu represents an exciting innovation in the category, emphasizing its natural qualities and encouraging people to explore a healthier, more authentic tofu option that aligns with growing trends in clean eating and sustainable food choices.

Soyxpert’s brand, Soykei, produces high-quality tofu by relying on a traditional Japanese technique and offers consumers products that are unparalleled in the market for their taste, texture, versatility, and quality ingredients. Their goal is to provide healthy and tasty food that respects both the environment and people.  They source locally in order to support local producers and limit their carbon impact to inspire positive and sustainable change. 

From Peru to Plate

The journey of fresh produce sourced from Peru highlights authenticity and quality, introducing consumers to unique and fresh tastes while expanding their cultural and diverse experiences. There is now a direct connection between the source and the culinary experience, appealing to those seeking an authentic and flavorful taste of Peru.

Athos has grown Peruvian blueberries, fresh figs, avocado, goldenberries and pomegranates in the Andes mountains over four generations. They have some of the most modern, high-level and certified facilities near each farm to pack their fruit with top standards. Sixty percent of the company are female employees, encouraging female financial independence.

La Grama is a Peruvian company dedicated to grow and export high quality organic produce sourced from smallholder farmers. By partnering with farming communities from the biodiverse rainforest, the majestic Andes and the magical coastal desert, they grow fresh products that exceed customer satisfaction and the industry’s quality standards. They were the first Peruvian exporter of organic ginger and over time they were able to diversify their offerings with other tropical and exotic products, such as turmeric and avocados. Now their products are cultivated from nearly 800 hectares of farmland distributed throughout the three regions of Peru (jungle, mountains and coast).

Enjoy the Convenience of Seedless

Seedless offers ease and practicality, making it convenient for consumers who prefer a hassle-free eating experience. Seedless fruit provide enjoyable taste and quality for those looking for a smoother, more user-friendly way to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into their diet.

Wonderful Citrus is the world’s leading vertically integrated citrus company with leading domestic and export consumer brands known in kitchens and lunch boxes around the world. They have a seedless citrus variety called Wonderful Seedless Lemons, which are juicy, zesty, non-GMO lemons that are naturally seedless and have a smooth rind. They have more than 70 years’ experience growing and packing citrus and are the foremost citrus authority and fully integrated supplier from seed to shelf and beyond. They define and reshape the citrus category all while focusing on sustainability from water to waste to reusable stock and materials.

For more trends, read the latest from trendspotter Nancy Trent.