Harris Teeter Supermarkets announced that Harris Teeter's shareholders voted overwhelmingly to approve the previously announced agreement and plan of merger, dated July 8, among Harris Teeter, Hornet Acquisition Inc. and The Kroger Co.

Approximately 98.6 percent of the votes cast were in favor of the merger agreement, representing approximately 82.5 percent of Harris Teeter's outstanding common stock as of Aug. 22, 2013, the record date for the special meeting.

The California Avocado Commission is putting the finishing touches on its plans for the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit Oct. 18-20 in New Orleans. CAC communications will focus on California avocado proximity to the U.S. market and the commission's marketing programs to support retail sales growth.

Philip George Boskovich, co-founder of Boskovich Farms, died Sept. 30 at his home in Westlake Village, CA. He was two days shy of his 98th birthday.

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council has begun a new apprentice program designed to train and develop the next generation of leaders in the fresh produce and floral industry. The nine-month program, commencing in May and concluding at the FPFC's 2015 Dinner Dance, will include tours, seminars and panel discussions.

"Developing the next generation of industry leaders is a priority for the board," FPFC President Carissa Mace said in a press release. "We've been discussing different avenues toward that goal and the apprenticeship program is what has evolved."

Potato grower Roger Christensen, who for several years sold spuds for Skyline Potato Co., recently formed Maverick Potato Co. with Michael Kruse and will begin shipping from the Center Co-op/Apex facility in downtown Center, CO.

For 30 years, J.B. Cutsinger of International Citrus & Produce in Burlingame, CA, has been procuring top-notch citrus and other produce from around the world, including its Texas deal with oranges and grapefruit from the Rio Grande Valley, which will increase in volume this season. Since 2005, his son, Jim Cutsinger, has been on board and hopes to carry on the family tradition for at least another 30 years.