Easter falls on April 12 this year, and there should be plenty of berries available from Southern California growing districts for the holiday. Last year's early Easter -- March 23 -- made meeting demand for strawberries more challenging.

Several companies warned of a possible gap in supplies of a week or more leading into Valentine's Day promotions. An about 10-day stretch of temperatures of over 80 degrees in Southern California led to an early start to the harvest, which could lead to the dry period.

The Amazing Party Kickoff program, which seeks to provide vigorous support of January retail promotions, marked the beginning of one of the more far- reaching marketing campaign since avocados from Mexico were first shipped to the United States.

Under the leadership of newly appointed Marketing Director Jacqueline Bohmer, the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association is helping produce managers educate their customers about the versatility and nutritional benefits of avocados.

LAKELAND, FL -- Cold weather swept across Florida's citrus belt the night of Feb. 4, but temperatures didn't get low enough for long enough to cause significant damage to the crop, according to Florida Citrus Mutual.

"We feel like we dodged the proverbial bullet," Michael W. Sparks, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual, said in a Feb. 5 press release. "There will probably be spot damage here and there, but in terms of large scale problems, we came through OK."

Phillips Mushroom Farms L.P., based in Kennett Square, PA, announced the recall of its Enoki mushrooms. While no illnesses had been reported as of Feb. 3, the recall was based on the mushrooms potentially being contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Montreal-based wholesaler Jolifruit Import Export Inc.'s membership with the Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corp. was automatically terminated Feb. 2 as a result of the firm's failure to pay an arbitration award.

A press release issued by the DRC said the action was taken for "failing to comply with an arbitration award in the amount of U.S. $98,255.80, which is a violation of the DRC by-laws and the mediation and arbitration rules."

Florida growers are preparing for what Ted Campbell, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Association in Dover, FL, referred to as "a little burst of Yankee air" for Wednesday and Thursday nights, Feb. 4 and 5.

On Wednesday, the weather forecast called for a low of 21 degrees on both nights. Thermostats are expected to reach the lowest readings between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on both mornings, meaning it's the most critical time for producers.