Dole Food Co. is honoring a beloved New Orleans restaurant, a pioneering Pennsylvania city and a 7-foot banana mascot for helping to make the banana into the world’s most popular fruit and a global icon.

Continental Fresh LLC, a grower, shipper and importer of fresh fruits and vegetables from Latin America, will feature its Water For All branded mangos at this year’s SEPC Southern Exposure in Tampa, FL. Known for its deep grower relationships, the importer prides itself for connecting dependable growers to its retail, foodservice and wholesale customers in the U.S. market. 

The Chuck Olsen Co. has been working in California’s San Joaquin Valley successfully for more than a century.

“It’s been a little slow this year,” said Jeff Olsen, president of the company. “The markets have been good, but the volume has been down a little bit. And there has been a lot of rain, which has effected the market some. Plus, the economy is just not too friendly right now.”

The berry category plays a significant role in boosting sales volume for produce departments. Strawberries are the major player in drawing shoppers to the store, especially when they are on ad promotion. Blueberries are also a powerful sales builder within the berry category.

D’Arrigo California named Henry Dill as its new director of sales. With 18 years of experience in the fresh produce industry, Dill brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to his new role.

Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. announced the appointment of Chris Coborn to the company’s board of directors. Coborn replaced Jeff Reasor, who recently resigned from his position on the board. Reasor was president of Reasor’s, a division of Brookshire Grocery Co..