Ahold USA has appointed Jennifer Carr-Smith to president and general manager of Peapod, effective June 15. Carr-Smith replaces Andrew Parkinson who has been appointed to a newly established advisory role.

The Peruvian Avocado Commission has a full slate of promotions planned to help consumers associate Peru as the summer avocado source.

The summer promotions kicked off in early May with a Peruvian-avocado themed breakfast for the men and women who serve on the U.S. Navy’s USS Cole, a first of its kind event for the avocado industry, according to the PAC.

Big Y, which sells locally grown produce from the spring into the fall as it follows the growing season in southern New England, has begun selling the first native produce of the season.

With stores in Massachusetts and Connecticut, it is committed to supporting as many local growers as possible within its 63 stores.

After decades of giving back to the community as part of its corporate culture, the owners of California Giant Berry Farms, a leading provider of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, have established a 501(c)3 non-profit to formalize the California Giant Foundation, which supports local organizations by donating well over $100,000 annually to charitable causes.

Black Gold Farms is launching a fresh look and feel this summer that encompass all aspects of the grower, packer and shipper of potatoes. The brand and materials will be a comprehensive, consistent look and feel throughout all audiences that Black Gold Farms serves.

Although there will be a slight delay to the beginning of the Eastern Shore potato deal for Cambridge Farms Inc., marketing of the quality crop is expected to proceed in an orderly fashion.

“Like most people, the season was delayed somewhat due to cold, wet weather,” said Vice President Ken Gad. “We are maybe five to seven days late. I think they’ve made up time.” He said growers often remind people, “Potatoes are ready when they’re ready. Ninety days is 90 days. One hundred twenty days is 120 days.”