Although the California avocado crop is smaller than last year, the 2023 marketing situation is much different than in 2022, and moving this year’s volume through the supply chain will create its own challenges. That seems to be the overarching view of several grower-shippers interviewed on the subject.

“The California avocado season is off to a slow start,” said Patrick Lucy, president of Del Rey Avocado Co. in Fallbrook, CA. “Because of the weather – we’ve had weeks of rain and wet groves – there has been a delay in the harvest.”

Instacart announced an industry-first online advertising capability, enabling produce brands to advertise fresh, weighted items — such as carrots, grapes, onions, oranges, sweet potatoes and watermelons — from the produce department across the Instacart Marketplace. The announcement is in collaboration with today’s White House event that continues the work started at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health to help end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases by 2030.

Western Growers will bestow John D'Arrigo, D'Arrigo Bros. Co. of California CEO, president and chairman of the board, with the 2023 Award of Honor, which is its highest recognition of achievement and is given to individuals who have contributed extensively to the agricultural community.

IFPA's Retail Conference, taking place June 7-8 in Oak Brook, IL, will tackle top industry issues, foster strong business relationships in an intimate setting and enhance networking through a golf tournament.

SpartanNash has promoted Ileana McAlary to executive vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary. McAlary was hired in November 2021 and oversees the company's expanding legal, government affairs, compliance and aviation team. She also serves as corporate secretary of the SpartanNash board of directors and president of the SpartanNash Foundation.

Wada Farms, a family-owned farming operation that began in 1943 with 160 acres of potatoes, is now one of the nation’s largest suppliers of fresh potatoes, onions and sweet potatoes, with long-standing partner relationships throughout the U.S. and in countries around the world.