Northern California received significant amounts of much-needed rainfall during the last week of March and first day of April, with Central California receiving smaller amounts. The central and northern Sierra Mountains received significant snowfall as well.

With California in its third year of what has been called the worst drought in a century, and with many farms already facing severe water cuts and dropping water tables, growers welcomed the rain and snow, but while it will improve the water situation somewhat in the state, it won’t come close to making up the shortfall.

Karen Brux, managing director North America for the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association in San Carlos, CA, said that she feels it is fair to say that this has been a very challenging season for everyone involved in Chilean fruit, from growers and exporters to importers, wholesalers and retailers.  

The sixth annual DOLE California Cook-Off recipe contest is accepting gas grilling recipes using at least one Dole Packaged Foods product at Dole.com/cookoff.

The Kroger Co. announced that Senior Vice President Robert (Pete) Williams plans to retire in May after 37 years with the company.  

Williams has served in his current role since 2007. Today, he leads seven supermarket divisions. His replacement will be named at a later date.

After a long, cold winter, Sunkist Growers is brightening up the greatly awaited spring by showcasing fresh, seasonal citrus from California and Arizona at the 2014 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention & Trade Show in Vancouver.

California Giant Berry Farms in Watsonville, CA, a leading producer and marketer of strawberries and other berries, is focusing its promotional efforts not so much on retail-specific programs as on consumer outreach, mainly through social media and other internet channels, according to Cindy Jewell, marketing director.

“We are doing a lot with consumers,” Jewell said.