Although Mexican avocado shipments to the United States have been increasing nearly every year — and with it the volume of Mexican fruit handled by Eco Farms Avocados Inc. in Temecula, CA — President Steve Taft expects the volume for the 2013-14 season to be similar to what it was the prior year, or perhaps up just a little. Yields per acre could be a bit lighter, but with additional acreage certified for export to the United States, overall volume could be up a bit.

“We have been growing in Mexico at a nice steady pace and will continue to grow at that pace, probably around 10 to 15 percent a year,” said Dana Thomas, president of Index Fresh Inc. in Riverside, CA, Oct. 21. “Our plan will be to continue with that.”

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, the San Francisco Wholesale Produce Market held a ceremonial groundbreaking event for market tenants on the first phase of a 10-year renovation project that will ultimately expand the market by 200,000 square feet.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued its initial forecast pegging the 2013-14 Florida orange crop at 125 million boxes, down 6 percent from last season.

The USDA estimated early-mid varieties at 58 million, down from 67.1 million at the end of last season, while the Valencia orange total is at 67 million boxes compared to 66.5 million in 2012-13.

The United Fresh Produce Association will honor Joseph G. (Joe) Procacci with its Lifetime Achievement Award during its 2014 Winter Leadership Meetings this January at the Trump National Doral Resort in Miami. The award will be presented Jan. 21 at the Produce Legends Dinner, an annual event hosted by the United Fresh Foundation to recognize a career of lasting achievement in the produce industry. The evening will support the foundation’s programs that are investing in the next generation to increase their produce consumption.

Kroger is expanding its presence in one of the largest metropolitan regions in the United States. Over the next 24 months, Kroger will invest $150 million in north Texas to build five new Marketplace stores and to expand three locations, along with opening multiple fuel centers and remodeling existing properties.

The growth initiative will create more than 1,700 full- and part-time career opportunities that offer competitive pay, healthcare plans, retirement options, product discounts and other incentives.