ATLANTA — As the curtain closed on the International Fresh Produce Association's wildly successful Global Produce & Floral Show Oct. 17-19, here, JOH welcomed valued clients and partners to keep the party going at a post-convention celebration. Dozens of industry members gathered at the High Note Rooftop Bar atop the Moxy Hotel to enjoy food, drinks and the company of friends and colleagues as they wrapped up a busy week of business.

Brazilian melon grower Agricola Famosa unveiled a new campaign for its popular ultra-premium melons at the recent IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, paying homage to the unique ecosystem where they are produced in the South American nation.

Back in the day, Red and Golden Delicious apples were the apple of choice. Jonathan, Cortland, MacIntosh, Empire and Rome varieties have had their day in the sun. Then there were Braeburn, Gala, Fuji, Cameo, Opal. Newer varieties like Honeycrisp, Envy, Jazz, Pink Lady and Cosmic Crisp are hot — and the beat goes on.

Coming around the bend to the final quarter of this year and looking into the halfway point of the decade in 2025, produce growers and sellers are balancing tried-and-true assortments and merchandising tactics with innovative approaches to get more fruits and vegetables in the basket and end the year on a positive note. Looking back and ahead, that mix of proven tactics and new strategies keeps produce top of mind among increasingly-choosy shoppers who browse the in-store perimeter, fresh and frozen aisles and digital screens.

Major restaurant chains across the country are pulling onions “out of an abundance of caution” in light of the recent E.coli outbreak tied to McDonald's. Included in that list are Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, KFC and Burger King. The outbreak, which has reportedly killed at least one person in Colorado, is tied to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. At present time, the CDC reports that about 50 people spanning 10 states have been infected.