As with so many other produce industry events, the annual Big Idaho Potato Harvest Meeting went virtual this year. Held Thursday, Nov. 12, the meeting zoomed in on the industry’s response to market disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hy-Vee Inc. is seeking employees to help fill multiple positions in stores across its eight-state region as well as its distribution centers located in Chariton and Cherokee, IA. Hy-Vee is adapting to meet the evolving needs of its customers who plan to shop differently this holiday season and beyond. New employees are also needed as the company continues to expand and open new stores.

Southern California-based Gourmet Trading Company transitioned its year-round production of blueberries to Chile in November, starting with organics just before the month dawned and adding the conventional blueberry SKUs by the middle of the month.

Luciano Fiszman, blueberry category manager for the two-commodity organization (asparagus being the other), explained that the company’s blueberry rotation transitioned from Mexico to Peru in the summer and now on to Chile.

Mission Produce, Inc., one of the world leaders in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh avocados, announced the launch of Mission Jumbos, a pack full of larger, shareable avocados that offer more to eat and more to love.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association is moving forward in 2021 to connect members and build business opportunities, even within these unique times. "Recognizing you cannot recreate our amazing event online we are working to deliver a new and exciting virtual world, something totally reimagined," the association said in a statement.

CPMA invites industry members to join its first Fresh Week event beginning April 12, 2021. Fresh Week will celebrate the sector with education, virtual tours, networking opportunities, social activities and connections across the supply chain.

Ahold Delhaize and Centerbridge Partners have entered into a definitive agreement to acquire FreshDirect, an online grocer based in New York City.

Ahold Delhaize will acquire the majority share, funded by cash on hand, and Centerbridge Partners will be a minority equity investor with a 20 percent stake.