Frieda's Specialty Produce takes another step to further its mission to change the way America eats fruits and vegetables with its new campaign, "Eat One Fruit a Day That Scares You."

Officials are guardedly optimistic that the 2014 runoff season in Colorado’s high country will be a good one. A potential for flooding does exist, however, if meltdown comes too quickly as a result of sustained hot temperatures during the prime runoff months of May and June.

A smaller California avocado crop for 2014 does not necessarily mean less fruit going into the market on a weekly basis but rather a more condensed marketing window, with good supplies available each week during that window, according to Steve Taft, president of Eco Farms Avocados Inc. in Temecula, CA.

Founded in the 1920s, Brooks Tropicals, headquartered in Homestead, FL, has solidly invested in research and development throughout its history in its goal of maintaining the company’s solid reputation for quality tropical fruits and vegetables.

This practice has proven essential in its ability to produce several revolutionary achievements over the past 30 years that help bring tropical produce to the market in top condition for the enjoyment of the North American consumer.

Virtually every year retailers can count on having Sonora spring grapes available in good supplies for the Fourth of July pull. Memorial Day, however, is generally another story. While some grapes from Mexico are usually in the market by Memorial Day, there is rarely sufficient volume for promotions in the period approaching that holiday.

This year, the earliness of the season will provide retailers with an unusual opportunity, as an anticipated early start to the Sonora grape deal, as much as two weeks ahead of normal, should assure promotable volumes for both holidays.

Jewel-Osco announced that Scott Hays has been named vice president of operations for the Chicagoland grocery store.  Most recently a district manager with Albertsons LLC’s Southern division, Hays will lead the operations team to support Jewel-Osco’s marketing and merchandising initiatives, including the company’s upcoming remodels and opening its five newly acquired locations.