Produce directors and managers as well as buyers can start to be at ease and get ready for more lettuce supplies. Ad promotions can start up again on Iceberg and leaf varieties since desert yields have improved out of Arizona. Lettuce demand is moderate along with a slightly lower market.

Atlanta’s reputation as the King of the Southeast continues to hold firm, with the region experiencing one of the most dynamic periods of growth in its produce industry. A combination of robust retail and foodservice demand, a booming population and Georgia’s diverse agricultural output has positioned the metro area as a key engine for fresh-produce movement across the eastern half of the country.

Dole Fresh Vegetables/Bud Antle is giving holiday revelers compelling new reasons to add a salad kit to their holiday dinner and entertaining plans.

Reflecting the trend of more Americans eating salad for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s, the produce leader is teaming with Instacart to offer special savings on its best-selling Dole Chopped Caesar and Chopped Bacon Caesar Kits.

Prime Time Produce has tapped Nicole Bryon to be its head of sustainability and social responsibility, signaling a deeper investment in environmental performance, transparency and community impact across the company’s operations.

Philip Sheridan Beese IV, former owner of Southeast Farms Inc., died Nov. 27 following an illness. He was surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.

Mr. Beese’s story is one of hard work, determination and vision. He began his career at age 14 as a bag boy at Winn-Dixie and, through dedication and leadership, became the company’s youngest store manager at just 24. At 32, Mr. Beese made the bold decision to leave Winn-Dixie and establish Southeast Farms Inc.

Brighter Bites recently held a silent auction, which also included an in-person event at this year’s New York Produce Show. As a direct result of the generosity and enthusiasm of sponsors and donors, the auction raised a total of $225,515 in support of its mission to improve access to fresh food and nutrition education.