While rain has recently fallen in all three significant North America strawberry-producing regions, enough volume is expected for the always-popular Valentine’s Day promotions.

Crunch Time Apple Growers, a cooperative of more than 150 growers throughout New York State, market two apple varieties, SnapDragon and RubyFrost.

“SnapDragon is marketed straight out of the orchard in late September,” said Jessica Wells, executive director of the Lockport, NY-based entity. “RubyFrost is harvest primarily in mid-October and put into storage. A small number of RubyFrost are kept on the trees a little longer and harvested later in October for marketing immediately.”

Honeybear Brands has added organic Pazazz apples to its offerings. The year-round apple known for its perfectly balanced combination of tart and sweet flavors and explosive crunch is now available to retailers and shoppers as an organic option exclusively from Honeybear.

The winter artichoke season in Coachella, CA, is well under way for Ocean Mist Farms, peaking with harvests of its Gold Standard (green globe) artichokes, as well as first picks of highly sought-after purple artichokes. Peak season on artichokes means promotable volumes to retailers through February.

Nicole D’Amour Schneider has been named Big Y Foods Inc.'s senior vice president of retail operations and customer experience. She has assumed the responsibility for the chain’s entire retail division and will also lead the asset protection and front-end operations teams.

Rice Fruit Co., a leading producer of high-quality Eastern apples, announced the beginning of Lemonade apple packing. With recent plantings coming into increased production this past season, Rice Fruit is saying “Hello Yellow” to its newest offering — Lemonade apples, a vibrant, yellow apple sensation.