The Southeast Produce Council kicked off a morning of educational sessions with “The Prime Directive: Food Waste & Nutrition Insecurity.” Hosting the conversation was moderator Pete Pearson, global initiative lead of food circulatory at the World Wildlife Fund, who set an important tone for the morning reminding the audience that an estimated 30-40 percent of food goes to waste and represents the largest category of material placed in landfills.

Born of necessity because of a Listeria outbreak in the apple industry, a Canadian-based company has developed and is offering a 30-second innovative waterless technology to kill up to 99.99 percent of pathogens on virtually any fruit or vegetable.

Pacific Trellis Fruit, owner of the Dulcinea brand, has promoted two of its team members to leadership roles. Rob Markel has been promoted to the newly created position of vice president of sales-melon division, and Dan Carapella, Jr. to vice president of sales-fruit division.  These promotions reflect the organization’s strategy of delivering partner value, volume growth and reputation as a market leader.

ORLANDO, FL —Former NFL coach and Super Bowl winner Bruce Arians was the featured speaker at the Southern Flavor Cocktail reception March 2, here, during the Southeast Produce Council Southern Exposure convention. This was the third year for the Southern Flavor Cocktail reception, which celebrates Georgia Grown agriculture. The event featured a Q&A session with Arians, moderated by Tampa Bay radio personality TJ Rives.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against James Corrado Inc., doing business as Corrado Specialty Goods and Corrado’s Wine Grapes Inc., for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.

The strawberry season just got a bit sweeter with Naturipe Farms’ debut of its Mighty Reds strawberries, which come bigger in size, taste and sweetness. These high-quality jumbo berries provide endless eating possibilities for any strawberry lover.