Ippolito Fruit & Produce Ltd. hired Steve Roberts as its director of sales, retail. In this role, Roberts will be responsible for maintaining and growing Ippolito's sales within the Canadian and eastern U.S. markets. Roberts' focus will be growing the company's presence as well as developing and implementing a retail market strategy. He will report directly to Steve Dimen, chief operating officer.

Mission Produce Inc., a world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, announced the launch on Thursday, Feb. 25., of For the Love of Avocados, the first-ever podcast to focus on avocado tips and tricks, avocado farming, marketplace trends and everything in between. Hosted by Patrick Cortes, senior director of business development at Mission Produce, the podcast will also feature special guests, such as industry experts, foodies, and health and wellness experts, and be published on a monthly basis. 

The lull between the Super Bowl and Easter often leaves grocery stores and shoppers looking for a bit of retail excitement — making it the perfect time to leverage that treasure hunt mentality and introduce new tropical favorites like dragon fruit.

While the COVID-19 pandemic presented many challenges to the retailing of fresh produce and floral products, the important role flexibility plays in the sector might have been the biggest learning from this consequential year.

29 Design Studio, an agency specializing in branding and marketing for food, beverage and agriculture, has won three first-place awards and a merit award in regional competitions sponsored by the National Agri-Marketing Association. Their entries will now move on to the National Best of NAMA Awards where they will compete against winners from six other regions.

Stemilt said retailers ready to build up their pear categories better turn to the company's Rushing Rivers d’Anjou pears, which can turn heads and move volumes this upcoming spring. Stemilt’s marketing director, Brianna Shales, said retailers can effectively merchandise d’Anjou pears to boost category numbers and delight pear-loving consumers around the nation.