Peruvian avocados first gained access to the U.S. market late in the season in 2011, making 2013 the third year but the second full season that avocados from Peru have been available to buyers in the United States.

The Peruvian season runs from June through September, corresponding to the peak of the California avocado season, and also to the peak consumption months for avocados in the United States.

David H. Murdock, chairman and chief executive officer of Dole Food Co., signed a definitive merger agreement with the company to acquire for cash all of the outstanding shares of Dole common stock not currently beneficially held by him.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Dole stockholders will receive $13.50 in cash for each share of Dole common stock that they hold, in a transaction that places the total value of Dole at approximately $1.6 billion.

Supervalu announced Aug. 13 that John Jefferson has been named vice president of produce merchandising.

Taylor Farms has suspended production of salad mix and leafy greens from its processing facility in Mexico while the Food & Drug Administration investigates the Cyclospora outbreak that has sickened 535 people, the company announced Aug. 12.

Health officials have reported at least 535 cases of Cyclospora infection from 18 states, although federal health authorities are still unsure whether all the cases are tied to the same outbreak.

SAN ANTONIO, TX — More than 400 people packed the Westin La Canterra Resort, here, Aug. 7-9 for the 2013 Texas Produce Convention, co-hosted by the Texas International Produce Association, Texas Citrus Mutual and the Texas Vegetable Association.

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The late-season berry program at California Giant in Watsonville, CA, involves more than just strawberries. The company will also have California-grown raspberries and blackberries as well as Northwest blueberries well into September, according to Cindy Jewell, marketing director.