The National Watermelon Promotion Board has named winners in its annual Retail Merchandising Contest, which garnered more than 115 entries from various retail chains, independent retailers and commissaries throughout the U.S. and Canada.

With a significant rain event in Mexico in mid-October, there was expectations of an improved size curve and good avocado supplies for at least the next three to four months.

Calavo Growers Vice President of Product Management Peter Shore told The Produce News Oct. 12, “The supplies are coming on well and the harvesting of the (Mexico) crop is going well. There is a good mix of sizes especially from 40s to 70s.”

Mission Produce Inc. launched a marketing campaign, Discover the Mission Advantage, to communicate the key differentiators that it offers to retail, wholesale and foodservice customers throughout North America as a  supplier of avocados and mangos. Throughout the campaign, Mission is rolling out functional tools and resources to its partners to promote program profitability, reduce in-store shrink and attract more shoppers.

GrubMarket has completed the acquisition of PA China Farm, a prominent wholesale distribution business based in Philadelphia. PA sells a wide variety of fruits and vegetables but is best known for its specialty exotic goods like black cabbage, baby bok choy, napa cabbage, papaya and durian, as well as yogurt, tofu and other products sourced from a global network that includes the U.S., Mexico, Uruguay, South Africa, Spain, Morocco and Thailand.

Southeastern Grocers Inc. is celebrating Romay Davis, a Winn-Dixie associate and American Congressional Gold Medal recipient, ahead of her 104th birthday. The grocer hosted a special in-store birthday celebration at Romay’s home Winn-Dixie store alongside her friends, family and local community.

Oppy and Ocean Spray marked two decades of partnership in the U.S. this year, honoring their shared commitment to delivering the finest cranberries to families across North America, while commanding majority market share throughout the fall and early winter.