This year marks 20 years since Whole Foods Market first attained organic retail certification. To date, the company offers more than 37,000 organic products across its stores and remains the only national retailer to hold this certification.

Wilcox Fresh, a leading grower-shipper of Idaho russet potatoes, is expecting a solid crop this year with volume on par with last season.

Derek Peterson, vice president of sales and operations for the Rexburg, ID-based company, told The Produce News on Aug. 28 that favorable growing conditions this summer are at the root of his optimism for this season’s crop. “The summer growing conditions were ideal,” he said. “It got a little warm in July, but we experienced no significant setbacks.”

The Southeast Produce Council held its Southern Innovations expo in Charlotte, NC, for the first time Sept. 14-16. In the home city of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, SEPC redefined “going green” with its auto racing-themed event, which highlighted the latest innovations within the fresh produce industry, from organics and new product developments to technology and unique brand approaches.

AeroFarms Inc. announced the successful completion of its restructuring process and exit of its business from Chapter 11. To lead AeroFarms through its next stage of growth, Molly Montgomery, a veteran of the food and agricultural industry and a venture partner with Grosvenor Food & AgTech, has been appointed acting CEO and executive chairperson of the AeroFarms board of directors

announced that Joseph Wodyka, veteran in the CPG and beverage industries, has joined the team as vice president of sales and marketing. Wodyka comes to Nichols Farms with more than two decades as a sales and marketing leader from Wonderful Pistachios and Almonds and GT’s Living Foods.

Just in time for National Guacamole Day on Sept. 16 and in celebration of the kickoff of the Division I college football season, the makers of the Wholly Guacamole brand — the ultimate game-day dip — are giving college football fans a reason to cheer louder than ever. The makers of Wholly Guacamole foods are giving one lucky fan a shot at guacamole glory with a national sweepstakes that’s worth a whole lot of green — a package valued at $10,000 and a year’s supply of Wholly Guacamole products.