Shipping over 1.9 million refrigerated containers — also known as reefers — in 2020 alone, topping its previous record of 1.8 million in 2019, MSC continues to successfully sail the seas bringing fresh produce to consumers around the world.

For the latest 12 weeks ending Feb. 21, apples continued their dollars up and volume down trajectory and experienced a 1.2 percent growth in dollars, according to Stemilt's Fruit Tracker Fast Facts The Cast series, which is based on Nielsen retail scan data. The pear category was up 13 percent in dollars and 6 percent in volume over the latest 12 weeks.

Albertsons Cos. has partnered with Tortoise, an automated logistics company focused on last-mile solutions, to pilot its remote-controlled zero-emission delivery cart in Northern California.

Tarrytown, NY-based fresh fruit importer, Jac. Vandenberg, Inc. has announced that their Sunrays brand grapes will now be available year-round thanks to the addition of California to its lineup of growers.

Already sourced from Peru, Chile and Mexico, the addition of California gives retailers and consumers alike a year-round grape brand to trust and rely on.

D’Arrigo California was approved as the first site for mass vaccinations for agriculture workers in Monterey County. D’Arrigo California in partnership with the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California and Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas, hosted a one-day, drive-thru vaccination clinic for Monterey County residents ages 65 and over who are at risk of exposure while working in agriculture, per Monterey County’s most recent eligibility criteria.

Avocados From Mexico unveiled Avocado Nation, a multi-area platform powered by artificial intelligence that allows AFM to leverage its consumers' content preferences to deliver highly personalized experiences. Inside Avocado Nation, avocado fans everywhere can access entertaining videos by AFM's premier content partners; get fitted with AFM's debut sportswear collection; and, for the first time ever, earn rewards for purchasing avocados through AFM's new loyalty program.