Today’s berry market is versatile. It involves not only fresh soft fruits, but also dried products, extracts, juices and beverages, oils and other highly specialized ingredients. The growing trends of convenience, naturalness and intrinsic health benefits compute to mean that the role of berries is more important today than ever. The category is experiencing strong growth in all areas of commerce.

At the July 2012 American Pistachio Grower’s Annual Grower’s luncheon, Executive Director Richard Matoian opened up with the problem and the opportunity facing pistachio growers.

“Production is increasing dramatically and we need to increase marketing and consumption, because the production increase is expected to continue,” Mr. Matoian said to the crowd of over 250 in Visalia, CA.

Since August, industry veteran Martin Maldonado has been in charge of the tropical program for Southern Specialties, which is headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL.

Charlie Eagle, the company’s vice president of business development who operates from its Atlanta office, said Mr. Maldonado has been hired to expand the firm’s tropical category. He said tropicals are an important part of the Southern Specialties mix but the company is known as a diverse player with a wide array of products.

In January, Panorama Produce Sales Inc. of Mamaroneck, NY, will celebrate its 30th anniversary as an importer and broker in the fresh produce industry.

The firm was founded by brothers Jeff and Rick Nagelberg and includes Jeff’s son, Eric. “We are all integral parts of the company,” said Jeff.

A recent Stanford University nutritional comparison study has generated intense consumer interest about the differences between conventionally and organically grown fruits and vegetables. But a website — www.safefruitsandveggies.com — was created specifically for consumers who are interested in science-based information and perspectives about the safety of both conventional and organic produce.

Del Monte is now offering 100-percent fresh Hass avocado pulp in a convenient four-pack of two-ounce cups. The new value-added Hass avocado product is available for national distribution.