Family is a word often used around the produce industry these days and for good reason. Many successful farm companies today come from families who have built their legacy over the years, passing it from one generation to the next. In Mexico, Divine Flavor’s grower group is no different, and each of the growers the company works with today has ties to the produce distributor through family history.

Despite all of the weather challenges the past few months, the berry market will eventually open up. The winter storms and colder temperatures held back berry growth in many regions; however, the spring sunshine along with warmer days will soon have the berry growth flourishing and the supplies readily available for some great promoting.

In April, as the California avocado industry enters its peak shipping period, Del Rey Avocado Company is planning to roll out a new bag that specifically touts the Golden State origin of the fruit.

Through its simple and effective application method, HarvestHold Fresh by Verdant Technologies is helping the fresh produce industry reimagine supply chains with longer lasting fruits and vegetables. The company’s latest success has come with cucumbers, where HarvestHold Fresh has shown delayed yellowing and reduced shriveling, resulting in extended shelf life.

Careit, a Los Angeles-based free food donation and rescue app that connects businesses to nonprofits to combat hunger, is now available nationwide in all 50 states. The app provides a free online marketplace that makes it easy for restaurants, caterers, food distributors, corporations, grocery stores and more to donate surplus food and goods directly to local nonprofits.

Bagged avocados as a value buy at retail have been increasing almost exponentially over the past few years, and that trend should continue, according to Peter Shore, vice president of product management for Calavo Growers Inc., Santa Paula, CA.

“There should be a great market this year featuring California bagged avocados,” Shore said. “We see the bagged category as being very important to us for both conventional and organic fruit.”