NOGALES, AZ — To illustrate the importance of Nogales as a port of entry for Mexican produce into the United States, Lance Jungmeyer, president of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, pointed to numbers.

The most remarkable of these numbers may be Jungmeyer’s own prediction for the growth of produce arriving into the United States: “Six to ten percent annual growth forever.”

This will be driven by Mexico’s extension of growing seasons and an increasing variety of produce being produced in the country.

On Thursday, Feb. 20, the Fresh Produce & Floral Council held its semi-annual Northern California luncheon meeting at the Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton, CA. The event featured well-known Northern California sportscaster Joe Starkey who was the voice of the San Francisco 49ers for many years and also broadcasts games for the Cal Bears. Chris Vasconcellos of Lucky Stores/Save Mart served as the master of ceremonies.

From picking at the peak of ripeness, to polishing and preserving freshness, to packing, there are a lot of steps involved in making sure that "KIKU" brand apples are high in quality and exceptionally sweet.

Columbia Marketing International provided this new behind-the-scenes video of the journey that apples go on from tree to table. Sit back and enjoy a tour inside one of CMI's apple-packing warehouse.

Guacamole has historically been considered a dip. A new two-ounce “mini” serving of Wholly Guacamole, however, brings the popular guacamole line a little closer to the dressing category.

Albert Perez, president of Continental Fresh LLC, in Coconut Grove, FL, said that the Southern Exposure conference and expo provides the company with great exposure to key retailers in the country.

“And at a significant value over larger shows like the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit,” said Perez. “I also like that all booths are on equal footing. I can present my goods and services in a manner equal to a large multi-national company.”

The Southeast Produce Council is expecting to break a variety of attendance records when it convenes its very popular conference and trade show at the end of February.