In a lightning fast educational session, Texas International Produce Association President and CEO Dante Galeazzi laid out an expansive list of accomplishments and goals for the organization’s advocacy program during the recent Viva Fresh Expo.

Viva Fresh, the regional show held by the Texas International Produce Association, had an intentionally healthy vibe exhibited most visibly during its keynote luncheon session on March 31.

With more than 2,500 attendees roaming the 200-booth Viva Fresh Expo in Dallas on April 1, the show got very high marks from exhibitors who lauded both the intimacy of the show and the great turnout by buyers.

With the California avocado crop for 2023 expected to reach only 257 million pounds, which places it at about 10 percent below the four year volume average, the California Avocado Commission’s is expecting very strong demand throughout its truncated season.

Solar Shrink, a patented mulch film, offers great advantages to growers including being a “greener” product that is easier to use, cheaper to apply and more effective.

“The industry needs a fully recyclable product that doesn’t make the grower suffer in terms of costs and use,” said Neil Weisensel, marketing manager of consumer and industrial segments at Charter Next Generation, which is the manufacturer of the product.

Carson McDaniel, a third generation member of the family that established and is running McDaniel Fruit Company in Fallbrook, CA, has been elevated to the position of vice president and is now a member of the senior leadership team.