J&K Fresh is an industry leader when it comes to providing a fresh clearance for on-time delivery of fresh produce. So much so that its mission statement is to provide its clients with the most professional and personalized service available.

“Our team prides itself on being proactive, rather than reactive,” said John Ercolani, vice president of the Philadelphia-based company.

It’s not every day that companies hit historic milestones and become legacy companies, but Bushwick Commission is one of those companies. Since 1934, Bushwick has been doing what its founders, the Koondel family, did best: serve the community.

Following the Koondels came a new generation of civic-minded produce entrepreneurs. Jack Hyman and David Gray were innovative leaders who carried on Bushwick’s legacy, thrusting it forward into the next era of growth. Today, 90 years and four generations later, that legacy continues.

The Giumarra Cos. expanded its organic avocado program tailored for grocery retailers and foodservice operators. The company will feature organic avocados at the upcoming Organic Produce Summit in Monterey, CA.

“We are delighted to announce the expansion of our organic avocado offerings to better serve our customers,” said Bruce Dowhan, senior vice president for the Giumarra Cos. “With increased supplies from California and Mexico, we are meeting the rising consumer demand for both bulk and bagged organic avocados of various sizes.”

Growing broccoli on the East Coast is a challenge to be sure. Volatile weather and fluctuating markets can strike at any time, leaving growers leaning hard on backup in the West to cover commitments to their customers.

Recent heat and weather-related quality issues in Eastern crops at the end of June have been humbling for the Smith team. Risk mitigation with backup supply in other areas only goes so far when you are losing weeks of total acreage and the market is high.

Last month, I had the privilege of attending the International Fresh Produce Association & Partnership for a Healthier America’s Produce for All Summit. More than 150 people filled the room with passion and determination as we plotted toward the goal of doubling consumption of produce in 15 cities by 2030.