The Produce for Better Health Foundation and the National Grocers Association announced a newly formed partnership between the two organizations focused on the continuing education of supermarket dietitians within the independent and small retail chains and wholesale grocers.

Supermarket dietitians are a key resource for shoppers looking to learn more about fruit and vegetables and the role they play in daily meals and snacks, disease prevention, and overall health and wellness, according to PBH.

The United Fresh Produce Association board of directors voted at its recent meeting to create a new floral membership category in 2015 to enhance services to members throughout the floral supply chain. In addition, United Fresh will appoint a new Floral Advisory Board of suppliers and retailers to lead the effort.

The California Fresh Fruit Association honored longtime Delano-based fresh table grape grower George Caratan, former principal of Anton Caratan & Son and Blanc Vineyards, with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Bakersfield Country Club in Bakersfield, CA.

“Organic mushroom demand continues with substantial increases,” said Kevin Donovan, national sales manager for Phillips Mushroom Farms in Kennett Square, PA. “Consequently we’re pumping up production to fill the demand and we’re promoting the category strongly. As organic production increases, prices compared to conventional products are leveling off, which makes them even more highly desired by consumers.”

Tom Lange Co. plans to introduce "Actual Produce," its new line of grab-and-go fruit cups, at the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit in Anaheim, CA.

Pear Bureau Northwest, a nonprofit marketing organization that represents the 1,600 fresh pear growers of Oregon and Washington, has named Publix as the 2014 Pear Retailer of the Year for its outstanding pear merchandising activities.

Publix is being recognized with this award due to its successful implementation of pear merchandising tactics that resulted in substantial increases in pear sales and volume over the past year.  By implementing proven pear merchandising strategies, Publix has taken advantage of the profit opportunity that pears offer at retail.