Three speakers in an international session of the PMA Fresh Summit on Oct. 13 presented a truly global view of the produce industry in this remarkable year.

Produce Marketing Association Vice President Nancy Tucker announced her retirement at the Fresh Summit 2020 Global Community Reception. Tucker, who has had a storied career in produce, has been a fixture of PMA’s global work since the early 1990s.  Industry veterans were on hand to celebrate her impact and wish her well during the Global Community Reception on Oct. 13.  Tucker will officially step away from her role Dec. 31, 2020.

While produce sales at retail surged during the first month after coronavirus-influenced shelter-in-place orders first appeared, sales did level off, though they continue to remain above the norm.

MegaMex Foods, the maker of the Wholly brand, responsible for Wholly Avocado and Wholly Guacamole, has persevered since the pandemic hit and is doing its best to keep products on the retail shelves for its customers.

Village Farms is looking forward to PMA Fresh Summit and has a number of good things in store including new sustainable packaging options,  a new variety named Sensational Sara™,  a Serious Snacking project with Produce for Kids | Healthy Family project, as well as a number of other programs such as a fresh pick of certified Organic Sinfully Sweet Campari®, and an all new Texas Grown program.

Taking a giant leap toward its long-term vision of Plants Powering People, Bolthouse Farms announced a new line of plant-powered products: Bolthouse Farms Wunderoots, exciting new carrot-based "swaps" featuring Carrot Dogs, Carrot Fettuccine kits and Riced Carrot kits that provide consumers easy and delicious ways to eat more carrots. This launch follows the company's recent introduction of Bolthouse Farms Plant-Based Protein KETO beverage line and their Plant-Based Refrigerated Dressings.