Endless rain on the West Coast set back crops and harvests as excessive water hit fields. A considerable amount of California strawberry volume became very light. Mexico and Florida experienced cooler weather, lowering production. The Arizona desert crop escaped freezing and just had light rain.

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council held its first luncheon of the new year Jan. 18 at the Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton, CA. This luncheon featured Master of Ceremonies Daniel Bell of Grocery Outlet and 2023 FPFC Chairman Michael Schutt of Raley’s. Lori Taylor of The Produce Moms was the guest speaker and was joined by panelists Alex Jackson of Frieda’s, Marissa Ritter of Naturipe Farms, Myisha Nathaniel of Raley’s and Daniel Bell of Grocery Outlet.

Over the final two weeks of January, the projection is that Mexico will send almost 150 million pounds of Hass avocados to the U.S. market, according to data compiled and released by the Hass Avocado Board each week.

In what is expected to be a down crop overall for Washington state, the Honeybear Brands premium variety Pazazz is up in volume and quality. “We have a nice crop of Pazazz coming along, our largest crop yet,” said Don Roper, vice president of sales and marketing at Honeybear Brands.

AgriFORCE Growing Systems Ltd., an intellectual property-focused agtech company dedicated to advancing sustainable cultivation practices and food and plant products, has entered into a binding letter of intent to acquire Berry People LLC for $28 million.

Pete Pappas & Sons, a Maryland-based fresh produce grower, shipper, distributor and award-winning green business, bolstered its management team with a new general manager and a new director of human resources.

Anjanette Bizzarro joined as director of human resources, bringing new ideas and enthusiasm to the position. She is highly passionate about the fresh produce industry, as well as human resources, and brings over 12 years of industry experience to the company.