When Debbie Willmann began her journey with Index Fresh in 1990, George H.W. Bush was the U.S. president, California was the cornerstone of the domestic avocado industry and the total weekly U.S. avocado inventory averaged around 8 million pounds. Thirty-five years later, Willmann has advanced from her entry-level start to vice president of sales, growing alongside both Index Fresh and the rapidly evolving avocado industry.

In November, a small group of big-hearted mountain hikers will lace up their boots in the Dominican Republic. They’ll hike to the summit of the Caribbean’s highest peak, Pico Duarte, over a five-day trip. This is no endurance race or record attempt. Instead, it’s a mindful journey that invites participants to connect with things that matter most.

With football season under way, Side Delights announced solutions for shoppers and retailers to turn the season into innovative snacking and sales opportunities. 

We’re down to the final few weeks of the Salinas season, and the challenges in the field haven’t let up. After multiple rain events earlier this month and a stretch of warm, humid weather, growers are still managing quality issues across key row crops like Iceberg, Romaine and broccoli. 

Naturipe Farms is turning up the flavor this Halloween with Berry Scary, a limited-edition 12-ounce package of fresh blueberries and blackberries in spook-tacular, seasonal packaging. Shipping now, this scarily-delicious offering is the perfect combination of convenience, taste and festive fun.

October is the ideal time to showcase berries as a sweet, healthy snacking option, and combining blueberries and blackberries in one package makes it easier than ever for snack monsters of all ages to enjoy both.