IRVING, TX – Avocados from Mexico held a celebration Oct. 3 at its headquarters, here, to launch its AVOLAB culinary innovation center and recognize its 10th anniversary as a leading marketing organization of the beloved fruit for which it is named.

Attended by a smattering of media representatives from both trade and consumer outlets, as well as executives and staff from AFM, the intimate event featured avocado-inspired dishes curated by celebrity chef Pati Jinich, cookbook author and host of the popular PBS series Pati’s Mexican Table, who was also in attendance.

Divine Flavor, a Nogales, AZ-based produce grower and distributor, announced the restructuring of its executive sales team, elevating Patrick Cortes to vice president of sales and Carlos Bon to senior vice president of sales.

SpartanNash has named Andy Smith its senior director of merchandising for produce and floral. In his new role, Smith will oversee all aspects of produce and floral merchandising to include retail, category management, distribution and procurement.

“I’m pleased to promote Andy from within to fill this critical role on the merchandising team,” said SpartanNash Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Bennett Morgan. “As we look to improve our fresh credibility in our new Go-to-Market Strategy, floral and produce are going to be big bets for us.

Northland Potatoes, which previously was known as the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, has been promoting the profitability and unity of the potato growers of the adjoining states of Minnesota and North Dakota since its formation 77 years ago.

The corrugated packaging industry has achieved substantial reductions in the environmental impacts of a corrugated cardboard box, according to a new life cycle assessment. The study shows a 50 percent per unit reduction in greenhouse gas emissions between 2006 and 2020, tackling the most urgent and predominant causes of our changing climate.

The Giumarra Cos. announced its exclusive, domestic Lemonade apple volume will increase to promotable levels this fall. The vibrant, yellow apple sensation will see a dramatic increase in production in the state of Washington, complemented by more availability in Pennsylvania.