After 27 years and millions of pounds of avocados sold, Index Fresh Vice President of Sales and Marketing Todd Elder is retiring.

U.S. agricultural trade saw a record year in 2022, topping $196 billion. Despite an 11 percent increase from 2021, it wasn’t all good news for America’s farmers and ranchers. While export values increased, overall export volume decreased by 6 percent. Imports of agricultural goods also increased by $28 billion, creating a trade deficit for 2022.

Members of the global avocado community attending the World Avocado Congress NZ 2023 can expect to be challenged by Eric Imbert, an international researcher, agri-economics and food technologies engineer.

The World Avocado Congress, taking place in Auckland New Zealand April 2-5 will address the changing world of avocado production and consider how sustainable the global industry is across environment, people and economics.

The Southeast Produce Council announced this year's SEPC Vorhees Vision Scholarship recipients: Bryan Biederman, son of Bryan Biederman of Scotlynn Sweet Pac Growers; Brian Dunleavy, son of Kevin Dunleavy of Super Marketing Promotions; and Brittany St George, daughter of Kimberly St George of Dole Food Co.

Now in its 16th year in operation, Divine Flavor has carved out a niche as a leading supplier of Mexican produce. While the reasons ftor its success are varied, at the crux is the relationship it has with its growers.

Flagship Food Group LLC acquired Yucatan Foods LLC, adding guacamole and dips to its growing portfolio of Southwestern foods. Yucatan manufactures and markets fresh guacamole and salsa under the Yucatan and Cabo Fresh brands. Sold nationwide and throughout Canada, Yucatan has long been a pioneer in the retail, pre-made guacamole category and is one of the larger brands in the set.