On Tuesday, Nov. 5, the San Francisco Wholesale Produce Market held a ceremonial groundbreaking event for market tenants on the first phase of a 10-year renovation project that will ultimately expand the market by 200,000 square feet.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued its initial forecast pegging the 2013-14 Florida orange crop at 125 million boxes, down 6 percent from last season.

The USDA estimated early-mid varieties at 58 million, down from 67.1 million at the end of last season, while the Valencia orange total is at 67 million boxes compared to 66.5 million in 2012-13.

The United Fresh Produce Association will honor Joseph G. (Joe) Procacci with its Lifetime Achievement Award during its 2014 Winter Leadership Meetings this January at the Trump National Doral Resort in Miami. The award will be presented Jan. 21 at the Produce Legends Dinner, an annual event hosted by the United Fresh Foundation to recognize a career of lasting achievement in the produce industry. The evening will support the foundation’s programs that are investing in the next generation to increase their produce consumption.

Kroger is expanding its presence in one of the largest metropolitan regions in the United States. Over the next 24 months, Kroger will invest $150 million in north Texas to build five new Marketplace stores and to expand three locations, along with opening multiple fuel centers and remodeling existing properties.

The growth initiative will create more than 1,700 full- and part-time career opportunities that offer competitive pay, healthcare plans, retirement options, product discounts and other incentives.

During Prima Notte, the gala event preceding the this year's San Gennaro Feast of Los Angeles, members of the Hronis family and staff were invited onto the Jimmy Kimmel Live stage in recognition for Delano-based Hronis Inc.’s support of the 11th annual event, Sept. 27-29, and the company's generous donation to The San Gennaro Foundation, which benefits underprivileged and homeless children in Southern California.

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas kicked off its 45th annual convention with an opening reception Nov. 7 at the Tubac Golf Resort in Tubac, AZ. The reception drew a capacity crowd, which feasted on southwestern food and drinks while reconnecting in a festive atmosphere. The convention also features a golf tournament Nov. 8 followed by a closing gala, where the FPAA Pillars of the Industry will be announced.