With fruit and vegetable consumption remaining below recommendations, awareness is not the problem — execution is. As March marks National Nutrition Month in the United States, and buzz around federal nutrition guidance remains in the headlines, the produce industry has a real opportunity.

Heritage Grocers Group named David Hinojosa as its new CEO, following a comprehensive search. Hinojosa will lead Heritage into its next phase of growth, with a continued focus on operational excellence, fresh food leadership and strengthening the company’s deep connection to the communities it serves. Under Hinojosa’s leadership, Heritage plans to accelerate strategic growth across its banners while continuing to invest in fresh foods, operational excellence and community-driven retail experiences.

With the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s focus on regenerative agriculture, the International Fresh Produce Association was awarded federal funding as part of USDA’s Advancing Markets for Producers grant program, marking a successful navigation of administration priorities from a climate smart emphasis to market competitiveness.

After spending last year celebrating its centennial, Henry Avocado is in the familiar position of looking forward this year. Chris Varvel said the company will meet the increasing demand for California avocados in 2026, just as it did last year.

Although the crop in 2025 was smaller than the prior year, Henry saw a 38 percent increase in packing volume. Based on customer feedback, Varvel says Henry is the preferred supplier to elite retail and foodservice buyers because of the consistency found in the Bravocado brand.

Let’s be honest for a second, not all data is created equal. Every year there are dozens of reports, surveys, polls and papers that are intended to help shape the way the produce industry conducts business.

Bako Sweet is strengthening its team with new hires in sales and marketing to support the existing sales and supply chain team. The company said additional staff reinforces Bako Sweet’s focus on delivering strong customer partnerships, category expertise and supply chain management for retail and foodservice partners nationwide.