The Consumer Connection Conference is more than an event, a place to learn and connect. It’s one of the actions that drives the promise of the Foundation for Fresh Produce: Grow a healthier world. 

“Words are inspirational; actions make a difference,” said Foundation Board Member Bil Goldfield, director of global communications and marketing for Dole. “Everyone benefits from greater produce consumption – the health of consumers and the health of our industry. That’s why I attend this conference – to learn and to act on our mission.” 

The largest vessel in its 300-year history called on PhilaPort’s Packer Avenue Marine Terminal when the 1,300-foot M/V CMA CGM Marco Polo arrived March 8, greeted with a water cannon shower by the Philadelphia Fire Department’s Marine Unit.

The owners of the vessel are the French shipping company, CMA CGM, the third-largest shipping company in the world. CMA CGM’S “NAMEX” service originates in Yantian, China, continuing through Vietnam, Malaysia, Siri Lanka and Morocco before heading to the U.S. East Coast.

The opening of California avocado season marks a celebratory milestone for Index Fresh. The company's network of growers and customers spent the offseason preparing for the coming months of picking, packing, and marketing only the highest quality fruit. Fed on a balance of ample rain and nourishing sunshine, California avocados harvested in 2024 will stand out for impressive sizing and consistent quality now through August.

In order to enhance its sustainability efforts, GLC Cerritos LLC, a leading grower-shipper of avocados from the Mexican state of Jalisco, has hired Armando Garcia as director of sustainability.  This newly created position will evaluate current sustainability initiatives with in the company and define a strategy for future projects.

Maglio Cos. successfully protected its patent for the ReadyRipe quarter-sliced watermelon pouch. The company said this accomplishment not only underscores its dedication to innovation, but also serves to preserve trust with retailers who may not have previously utilized the original ReadyRipe pouch.

With an extensive array of dynamic speakers, informative educational sessions, an exciting opening gala, a great golf tournament, a trade show packed with buyers and sellers, and much, much more, the Southeast Produce Council welcomed the industry to its annual flagship event, Southern Exposure 2024.