In recognition of Ready Pac’s progressive efforts to actively reduce its carbon footprint with sustainable initiatives throughout its business, Walmart presented Ready Pac Foods Inc. with the prestigious Excellence in Sustainability Award. Chet Rutledge, director of private brand packaging at Walmart, honored Ready Pac during this year’s eighth Annual Walmart & Sam’s Club Sustainable Packaging Exposition held in Bentonville, AR.

Produce Alliance announced the addition of WILLETTE M. CRAWFORD as food-safety and quality assurance director.

The California Table Grape Commission has “a very comprehensive campaign” to communicate to basically a global audience positive messages about California grapes, according to Kathleen Nave, president of the commission. “I think the overriding theme is that grapes from California are always the perfect choice,” either as a snack or to enhance a meal, she said.

Consumers still love sweet onions, and Curry & Co. keeps their coffers full with seasonal varieties that fill the bill. “We are in the middle of our Vidalia sweet onion season,” said President Matt Curry. “Our storage quality is exceptional as we stored the best of our late season Vidalia harvest. We’ll have Vidalia onions all the way through August. We feel our product is the best we’ve had all season, and we’re excited about our summer.”

Not surprisingly, kale and Brussels sprouts are gaining great favor from chefs, who are adding the items to their menus in large numbers. It is a bit more surprising that beets and pumpkins, as a squash item, have also seen a big jump in their menu appearances.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods will now offer Meyer lemons year-round in an effort to meet the growing demand of the popular citrus item amongst consumers.