Most everyone I know loves to have a salad whether at home or in a restaurant. Fast food establishments use a large amount of lettuce for their hamburgers and sandwiches. Fresh packaged salad mixes are a popular favorite among consumers and a profitable category for retailers. But lettuce is going through a bumpy road at this time.

The National Watermelon Promotion Board, named winners of its annual Retail Merchandising Contest, which garnered more than 120 entries from various retail chains, independent retailers and commissaries throughout the U.S. and Canada. This year’s contest — the 14th since its inception — continued to utilize mixed media marketing efforts in addition to in-store displays.

The Southeast Produce Council is expanding its education portfolio with a unique leadership development program designed for up-and-coming leaders.

William H. Kopke Jr. Inc. and the founders of Vision Import Group LLC are entering into a new joint venture in which Kopke is the controlling member. Vision Import Group is an industry leader in the lime, lemon and mango import-export business.

Ark Foods, a modern-day farming company bringing bold flavors and a new take on veggies to the produce aisle, will highlight its recently launched Chopped Salad Kits that aim to reimagine staples in the bagged salad set. All non-GMO project verified, the refreshing new salads will be featured front and center during the Global Produce & Floral Show, Oct. 27-29.