The 2024 summer holidays demonstrated strong growth for avocado sales, achieving four-year highs at retail. According to the latest Avocado Holiday Retail Recap by the Hass Avocado Board, unit sales increased by an average of 2.3 percent, while dollar sales soared 19 percent compared to the prior year. Combined, Independence Day and Labor Day generated 92.4 million units and $122.5 million in sales.

The tariffs President Donald Trump planned to put in place on Canadian and Mexican goods have been delayed for a month, though duties on products from China went into effect just after midnight. In response China announced its own tariffs on U.S. goods would begin Feb. 10.

Initially a 25 percent duty was announced for all imports from Mexico as well as most goods from Canada, while Trump enacted his plans for a 10 percent tariff on goods from China. 

Taylor Farms launched six new Chopped Salad Bowls. “Consumers know and love the Taylor Farms brand for our chopped kits” said Charis Neves, director innovation and product at Taylor Farms. “That delightful eating experience is available in a variety of product sizes to meet consumers wherever they are from our Chopped Kits to our Mini Chopped Kits and new Chopped Salad Bowls.”

Chiquita launched its Pop by Nature 2.0 campaign, building on last year’s electric collaboration with Romero Britto. The company is taking its vibrant campaign to the next level with internationally acclaimed Argentinian artist and illustrator, Sebastian Curi.

In 2005, United Fresh held its annual Produce Expo & Conference April 30-May 3 at McCormick Place in Chicago. In addition to the expo the event featured three produce-focused business conferences. Join us on a trip down memory lane as we see some familiar faces back in the day.

Hortgro, an organization that supports and represents the deciduous fruit producers of South Africa, announced its second annual Plum Possibilities consumer-facing sweepstakes to shoppers in the United States. Now through March 18, participants will be encouraged via email and social media platforms to enter the promotion for a chance to win one of two $500 gift cards.