The California Fresh Fruit Association has hired Ian F. LeMay as its new director of member relations and communications. In his new position LeMay will be responsible for membership recruitment and retainment, as well as a multitude of legislative concerns for association members at both the state and federal levels.

The record 2014-15 Washington apple crop is currently forecasted at over 140 million boxes of fruit. This vintage crop is expected to provide good quality, sizing and aggressive promotional opportunities benefiting retailers and consumers alike.

Avocados from Mexico plans to keep avocado consumption strong following the Super Bowl with its new Fanwich campaign. Launching nationwide and running Feb. 2 to March 13, the Fanwich campaign will feature a variety of consumer-focused marketing efforts to encourage consumers to create their own unique and delicious sandwiches featuring avocados from Mexico.

The Federal Trade Commission approved a modified final order settling charges that grocery store operator Bi-Lo Holdings LLC’s $265 million acquisition of 154 stores from Delhaize America would harm competition in markets in Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. Under the new order, Bi-Lo will retain ownership of three Sweetbay stores in Florida for which it could not find a buyer.

A press release issued by the Teamsters Union on Jan. 17 announced that Teamsters Local 202 had reached a tentative contract agreement with Hunts Point Terminal Market. The union’s 1,300 market members, who have the final say, will vote Jan. 21 on the agreement.

“Our members stood strong and the market knew we were serious,” Daniel Kane Jr., president of Teamsters Local 202 said in the press release. “We said we deserved a fair wage, we fought for it and we got it.”

Sustainability, careful use of the land and protecting the environment are key to the produce industry. Today, many major chain retailers and foodservice operators are asking fruit and vegetable producers and distributors about their corporate sustainability practices, and some are even asking for written commitments from suppliers to guarantee they will do their parts to help to protect the environment.