As The Produce News prepares to ramp up its organic coverage (keep an eye out for a new organic column from Ron Pelger of In the Trenches fame) let’s take a look at where organics sit with consumers.

Over 600 leaders from the organic business community gathered last week for An Organic Night Out: Honoring the Year’s Best in Organic, considered the first-ever “Organic Oscars” event celebrating the successes of organic game-changers making a real difference in helping consumers understand the importance of choosing organic.

Organically Grown Co. was honored with the prestigious Organic Company of the Year Award.

The Organic Produce Summit is now open for retail registration. For its eighth annual event, the OPS will retain a similar format for attendees with a focus on forecasted industry trends for the 2024 year.

David Weinstein arrived in Los Angeles when he was six months old and except for college has spent his 75 years working and living in the town with organic produce being his chief calling card.

Progressive Produce, a year-round grower, packer, and shipper of fresh produce, started in bulk citrus in 2016 and organics followed shortly after.

“Over the years, we have increased the program by adding grower partners in all California citrus regions as well as Mexico,” said Jaime Greger, senior marketing coordinator for the Los Angeles-based company.

Mission Produce is the go-to source for fresh, organically grown avocados.

“We have mastered the art of growing, packing and ripening certified organic avocados to meet the needs of our customers all year long,” said Megan Berenbach, director of sales for the Oxnard, CA-based company. “Demand for organic avocados continues to grow, so Mission continues to invest additional resources into organic programs, pursuing innovative ways to support and develop the category.”