GRAPEVINE, TX — There was a very happy mood at Viva Fresh Expo March 25-27, as the produce industry felt liberated from the year-long grip of the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Texas International Produce Association has presented a superior event over the last six years, with a postponement of the 2020 expo.

The fresh produce industry will gather the first week in April for the Southeast Produce Council's Southern Exposure 2021 conference and expo, its premier annual event, which this year is themed "The Rise of Produce."

Mentoring young professionals and emerging leaders is a fantastic way to help ensure the success and sustainability of the produce industry. It’s also a passion for Wendy McManus, leadership coach with Connect 2 Potential. So, when the STARS aligned, McManus signed on to support the Southeast Produce Council’s Southeast Top Agricultural Recruits Scholarship program for the second year in a row.

The Mexican mango program of Continental Fresh LLC is seasonally gearing up this March, according to Albert Perez, CEO and head of grower relations.

The “Valentine’s Day Massacre” for south Texas’ fruit and vegetable growers spared J&D Produce Inc., a major Texas produce grower based in Edinburg, TX.

“The cabbage is looking pretty good. We dodged a big bullet,” said Bret Erickson senior vice president of business affairs for spared J&D Produce.

On the night of Feb. 14, temperatures in south Texas were below freezing for many hours. Freezing cold continued to blast these fields through that week. Erickson, noted that “cabbage is pretty hardy. That was a bright spot, along with onions.”

The outlook for fresh Mexican produce imports is positive. Growing numbers in fruit and vegetable crossings and the value of fresh products continues to increase through the Pharr International Bridge, according to Luis Bazan, the bridge’s director.