“We look forward to increased availability again this year as we continue to focus on our imported berry program,” said Cindy Jewell, director of marketing for California Giant Berry Farms headquartered in Watsonville, CA. “If weather cooperates, we are expecting our volumes to increase by between 15 and 20 percent over last year.”

Porterville, CA-based Homegrown Organic Farms announced that SETH TILLERY has been hired for the newly created role of grower relations and operations manager for the San Joaquin Valley, effective Aug. 29.

In a company press release, Scott Mabs, director of marketing, said that Mr. Tillery’s new position is a great opportunity for the company to better serve its growers in a more comprehensive manner.

In the late summer early fall period — when Brazilian mangos dominate U.S. imports — the market is typically firm, but this year it is as strong as any season in recent memory and there is no let up in sight.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued a consumer advisory against eating "Daniella" brand mangos, stating that the affected mangos were supplied by Agricola Daniella, a mango supplier in Sinaloa, Mexico, due to concerns that the mangos may be contaminated with Salmonella Braenderup bacteria.

In response to the FDA announcement, William Watson, executive director of the National Mango Board, released the following statement:

McDonald’s USA says it plans to test adding more seasonal fruits and vegetables and additional produce to food dishes for its 2013 menu as it tries to entice more health-conscious consumers.  

Back-to-school lunches and snacks just got a whole lot more fun – and nutritious – with the help of Ready Pac Foods, which launched a new line of Disney-themed Ready Pac Cool Cuts salads and mini-meals.