The United Fresh Produce Association is now accepting nominations for the 2015 United Fresh Retail Produce Manager Awards Program. The program will honor 25 outstanding retail produce managers at the United Fresh 2015 convention June 8-10 in Chicago.

Village Farms International Inc., with U.S. headquarters in Heathrow, FL, announced that it has entered into a long-term exclusive partnership with Axia Vegetable Seeds BV, located in Naaldwijk, the Netherlands.

Building on the momentum of its new facility opening and the launch of the "Crystal Cove Berry" label, Veg-Fresh Farms has added Jeff Davis to its national restaurant solutions division. Davis joins the team as a sales manager in the growing division. He is a 15-year fresh produce industry veteran based in California's Salinas Valley. He brings extensive packing, distribution, and client-side foodservice experience to the Veg-Fresh Farms team.

The recent surge in sweet potato popularity and consumption can be attributed to consumers learning about its high nutritional value.

WASHINGTON — The produce industry will likely be gearing up for a fight in Congress this year as the School Nutrition Association released its 2015 position paper Jan. 29 vowing to fight the federal requirements that children eat one-half cup of fruits and vegetables in school meals.

Christopher Ranch, headquartered in Gilroy, CA, has recently added organic shallots to its well-known line of garlic, onions and other specialty organic items.

Patsy Ross, vice president of marketing for the company said shallots are a close relative of both garlic and onions.