Cool Pak LLC is celebrating 25 years supplying packaging and supplies to the North American produce industry. Incorporated in May of 2001, Cool Pak opened with its first one-pound strawberry clamshell, entering a market dominated by two large suppliers. By providing grower-shippers with a more competitive and agile option, Cool Pak quickly grew into a key supplier for West Coast berry shippers.

California supplies about 90 percent of all U.S.-grown avocados, produced by roughly 3,000 growers. The season runs spring through early fall, with peak volume now through August. Of the 500-plus known avocado varieties, California commercially grows seven, with Hass representing 95 percent of the state’s crop. The Hass variety was first discovered in the 1920s by mail carrier Rudolph Hass.

Market Overview

We are pleased to announce that Matt Capelli has been appointed chief, bureau of inspection and grading for the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. In this role, Capelli manages and coordinates programs, grants and staff across several commodity inspection programs. These programs included food safety initiatives such as the USDA Third Party Audit Program and FDA Food Safety Modernization Act inspection programs for Produce Safety and Animal Feed.

Danziger, a global leader in bedding plant breeding, cut flower breeding and foliage production, invites growers, retailers, wholesalers, buyers and industry partners to discover what's next at Flower Trials 2026, taking place June 9-12 in the Netherlands.

This year, Danziger's display will bring together new genetics, practical grower knowledge, retail inspiration, branded programs and point-of-sale ideas – all created to help turn strong varieties into stronger opportunities for the season ahead.

Sunkist Growers unveiled a refreshed Sunkist.com experience, introducing a bold new digital platform built around a simple idea: Welcome to the Co-op.

The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association announced that Abir Akhand, industry engagement manager for Altria Group Distribution Co., has joined the PFMA board of directors.

Akhand is a member of Altria's industry engagement team and leads advocacy efforts in Pennsylvania and across the Northeast. He joins the board with eight years of industry experience, including his recent work leading advocacy efforts throughout the Midwest.