Coast Citrus Distributors, doing business as Coast Tropical, is enjoying a good start to its 2023 season and expects the remainder of the year to be just as fruitful.

“There’s been a lack of cold weather and overall, we’re happy,” said Isabel C. Freeland, vice president at the San Diego-based company. “It may not be as good as other years margin-wise; costs have gone up in California with new higher rates per hour, and freight has been extremely high, but we just keep trying to adapt and go forward.” 

The Hass Avocado Board kicked off 2023 nominations with an announcement of open seats and news of moving its process online. Between now and March 31, eligible Hass avocado producers and importers can nominate themselves or others at www.hassavocadoboard.com/nominations for one of 10, three-year terms opening on the board this November — six open seats for producers, four for importers.

The Eastern Produce Council will be hosting the John J. McAleavey Annual Gala on Saturday, April 1, at the Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park, NJ.

There will be an extended cocktail hour and dinner buffet 7-9 p.m., followed by Re-Live The Beatles: On-Stage Tribute Band. Adding to the night will be a DJ, photo booths and a dessert extravaganza.

The iconic Get Crackin’ campaign that helped Wonderful Pistachios become a household name is back. The company's newest commercial features Spot, an agile mobile robot with a decidedly doggy name from Boston Dynamics.

ORLANDO, FL — The theme of the Southeast Produce Council's 2023 Southern Exposure conference and trade show was "Produce, the final frontier," inspired by the popular "Star Trek" television shows and movies.

And after talking with SEPC executives, exhibitors, sponsors and attendees, their impression of the event, held here March 2-4, may be summed up in two words: mission accomplished.

The Kroger Co. announced a more than $770 million incremental investment in its associates during 2023. The company will use this investment to raise average hourly rates, improve healthcare options and build new training and development opportunities.