McDaniel Fruit Co. is a third generation, family-owned produce business, specializing in avocado production. “You know, we’ve been at it for a while,” said Rankin McDaniel, president of the seventy-five-year-old company.

Purchasing its first acreage in 1944 in Vista, CA, the Southern California grower takes pride in its legacy. From that first parcel purchase to helping establish the global avocado market, McDaniel Fruit Co. has developed partnerships with growers in Mexico, Chile, Colombia and Peru giving it a year-round portfolio of premium avocados.

Freska Produce International is entering into an equity partnership with Tallanes Packers SAC of Tambogrande, Piura, Peru for Peruvian mangos. This partnership will strengthen Freska’s Peruvian import program and help Tallanes strengthen its packing and sourcing operations in Peru.

Albertsons Cos. announced that customers now can use supplemental benefits to purchase over-the-counter medications and fresh produce in the company’s stores. The new program provides convenient access to customers using pre-paid cards funded by Medicare Advantage plans, employer incentives, healthcare providers or local governments, furthering the company’s commitment to support the health and well-being of the communities it serves.

California got off to a great start to its avocado season and has already shipped a fair amount of fruit with great returns.

Every edition of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s annual convention and trade Show is special, but the 2022 version, which will take place April 5-7 at the Palais des Congrès in Montreal, is shaping up to be an especially exciting event.

California Strawberries kicks off peak season with the launch of its national Love, Strawberries jingle contest. Running April 1-22, aspiring musicians and strawberry enthusiasts alike are encouraged to write, record and post their original 45-second jingle masterpieces highlighting the love people have for the famous heart-shaped berry via social media. California Strawberries will award one talented winner $10,000 plus an all-expense-paid trip for two to California.