When Henry Avocado expanded to open its seventh distribution center in Charlotte, NC, the Philadelphia marketplace benefited from the avocado ripening and distribution center’s improved proximity. Opened in 2017 by the grower-shipper from Escondido, CA, the expansion established the presence of Henry’s CustomRipe operation in a very fresh way to millions of new retail and foodservice customers.

U. S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists at Los Angeles International Airport are racing against the clock to ensure all imported Mother’s Day cut flowers arrive on time, but most importantly are free of pests and diseases that could harm the agricultural industry and economy of the United States.

What do transformative changes in retail food and beverage mean for produce? The full retail supply chain will discover answers to that and more at The Retail Conference from the International Fresh Produce Association, June 7-8 in Oak Brook, IL, near Chicago.

The Retail Conference offers four expert education sessions, networking opportunities, discussion groups and a golf tournament.

As if Easter, Passover, Earth Day, Administrative Professionals Day and proms weren’t enough to keep Minnesota-based Bachman’s Inc. busy during the month of April, the company also added three more huge events to its crowded calendar.

For J&K Fresh, produce is not just part of its business, it is its business.

The company specializes in providing custom brokerage services to importers of fresh produce, working with various government agencies assisting produce importers in navigating through the multi-layered clearance process.

This process requires knowledge of CBP border security, customs entry, agriculture quarantine, food and drug including bioterrorism and food safety; and coordination with the inspection facilities and logistic providers.

Potatoes USA, the marketing and promotion board for the potato industry, elected new leadership during its recent annual meeting. Mike Carter of Rosholt, WI, was named chairman of the board, leading the organization and the Executive Committee through 2023-24.