Avocados have found their way onto the tables of an increasing number of U.S. households as the category continues to develop and cement its place as one of the largest categories in fresh produce. A recent study by the Hass Avocado Board, available here for free, revealed that purchases of avocados have increased substantially over a four-year period (2016-19). The study indicates that the growth is coming from a growing segment of “Super” avocado shoppers.

Tanimura & Antle announced the acquisition of Boston-based Green City Growers.  The merger of the two companies is based on a common commitment and passion to provide communities, organizations and individuals with a hands-on educational experience to increase awareness, build engagement and provide education about where food comes from.  By providing a path to engagement with hands on experience, Green City Growers will assist Tanimura & Antle with reaching individuals of all ages, promoting a long-term healthy lifestyle with consumers.  The combined goal of this par

John Shuman, president and CEO of Shuman Farms in Cobbtown, GA, has been named the 2020 Grower of the Year by the Vidalia Onion Committee in recognition of Shuman’s contributions to the industry for more than 25 years.

The people that work in the produce department at Allegiance Retail Services, led by Kelly Davis, director of produce and floral, have gone above and beyond to make sure its customers have been able to find what they need during the pandemic. Headquartered in Iselin, NJ, Allegiance banners include Foodtown and Green Way Markets. The company continues to expand as it opened its first Green Way Market located in New Jersey, in Ridgewood.

Sightings Salutes: Allegiance Retail Services  is sponsored by Dole.

Fyffes aims to have 100-percent of its owned sites in Latin America benefitting from Gender Equality Programs by 2025, as well as 50-percent of its suppliers by 2030.

Global agricultural supply chains are a major employer of women, yet many of them often face significant gender inequalities on a regular basis, such as a lower status at home and in the workplace, harassment, violence, and discrimination. A key goal of Fyffes sustainability strategy is to create a more inclusive workplace with women as equal partners with men.

The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association reported a 3 percent increase in volume year-over-year for 2020 imports. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service statistics, Peruvian asparagus imports have grown to over 206 million pounds in 2020.  Peru is ranked as one of the top five countries that make up the majority contribution of fresh asparagus consumption in the United States for 2020.