This has been a year like no other. It has presented our industry with both new challenges and disruptions as well as a renewed urgency, momentum and spirit of collaboration that saw volunteers from across the global produce and floral communities step forward to address many of these challenges in new and powerful ways.

Continental Fresh LLC, operating in Miami, specializes in tropical imports from Latin America to retail, foodservice and wholesale customers in the United States.

“Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good,” said Albert Perez, the company’s CEO and manager of grower relations, who has led Continental Fresh to big success over the years. “2020 has certainly thrown everything but the kitchen sink at us; however, we have been truly blessed.”

Whether lounging by the pool or luxuriating in a spa treatment, the 2021 sweepstakes winner for the Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest will be able to savor some well-earned R&R. Everyone who enters the Idaho Potato Commission’s 30th annual retail display competition will be part of a random drawing for a trip for two to world-renowned Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa in Arizona.

Fowler Farms is a regular face at the annual New York Produce Show, having been a participating exhibitor since its inception.

“We consider it an important show because we can showcase the value and quality of local apples,” said Austin Fowler, the co-owner of the Wolcott, NY-based company. “Most apple shippers have to make the 2,800-mile trip just like their fruit to get to the East Coast. We can deliver to the same population within hours.”

New York Apple Sales has been exhibiting at the NY Produce Show since its inception and now that the Glenmont, NY-based company has launched its consumer-facing brand, Yes! Apples, the show serves as a great venue to share all of the exciting efforts and results that it put forth since the launch of the brand with customers in the greater metro area.

Mission Produce, Inc., a leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh avocados, announced that James (Jim) Donovan, senior vice president of global info. & industry affairs, is retiring after over 36 years with the organization. During his expansive stretch at Mission, Donovan garnered a strong reputation in sales, operations, and industry relations, but spent the better part of his career in a senior level global sourcing position.