This year's United Fresh 2014 is shaping up to be the largest ever, hosting high-level speakers in sports, business and politics and providing the produce industry with cutting-edge insights from top branding experts.

The National Mango Board will once again conduct the Mango Mania Display Contest throughout the month of July and give away more than $12,000 in cash prizes to retailers.

The display must be kept in place for at least one week between July 1 and July 31, and this year's contest will include both small and large retail chains. All entries must be received by the mango board office by Aug. 20, 2014.

The California Table Grape Commission announced the hire of Tina Garcia as its new research analyst.

In this newly created position, Garcia will be responsible for managing a broad-based research program focusing on consumers, the trade and table grape industry.

“We are extremely excited about our new microwavable vegetable line,” said Sam Tedesco, a partner and the vice president of Safeway Group, headquartered in Vineland, NJ. “This line is all about fresh quality ingredients and delicious flavors that are cooked to perfection. Lightly dressed with olive oil, sea salt and cracked black pepper, the veggies natural flavor is about letting simplicity shine through in nutritious fast food.”

“During the past few months we have launched a tropicals line of fruits and vegetables,” Matthew D’Arrigo, vice president of D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of New York Inc., located at the Hunts Point Produce Market, told The Produce News. “The line is comprised of many of the items that are in high demand by ethnic groups and even foodservice operations today. To mention just a few, the line includes plantains, chayote and yucca.

This will be a special summer as retailers and consumers alike celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner and the nation's heritage and culture. "We will stitch together a colorful patchwork of summertime Americana that includes picnics, parades and patriotic motifs," said Stephanie Barlow, director of public relations and social media for the National Watermelon Promotion Board.