Southeastern Grocers Inc. is advocating for the health of pollinators this National Pollinator Week and promoting the importance of these small, yet vital populations by reaffirming its Pollinator Health Policy and highlighting collaborative, like-minded supplier partners, including Sunkist.

It is no secret that the marketing of avocados in the United States is challenging this year as a very large 2022/23 crop from Mexico has set the stage for abundant supplies and lower FOB prices.

This is good news for consumers, which should see avocado promotions throughout the summer. The situation has also led to both Peru and California grower-shippers shifting their peak shipping periods to later in the year. This is also advantageous for South Florida-based Pacific Produce and its Peruvian owner/supplier Agrokasa.

With the summer months upon us, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture has turned its attention to peaches, actively participating in meetings with the New Jersey Peach Promotion Council and assisting in making connections with growers, packers, distributors, retailers and businesses that use peaches as a value-added product.

Hudson River Fruit Distributors, a leading apple grower, packer and shipper based in Milton, NY, is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

Western Growers and S2G Ventures are accepting applications for the 2023 AgSharks Competition, a unique event where startup companies pitch their innovations in front of a live audience of the world’s largest specialty crop producers to win a $250,000 minimum investment. Impact-driven entrepreneurs and startups developing technologies that promote a more healthy and sustainable food and agriculture system can apply for the AgSharks Competition by clicking here: https://2023agsharks.splashthat.com.

Yvonne Morales of Little Bear Produce, based in Edinburg, TX, died June 20, at McAllen Medical Center after a brief illness. She was 70.