Mike Cavallero, who spent his entire 40-year career at Dole Food Co., was honored Jan. 13 with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the United Fresh Produce Association's Midwinter Leadership Forum in La Quinta, CA. Cavallero was the fifth recipient of this award, joining Bob Grimm, Reggie Griffin, Frieda Caplan and Joe Procacci.

Mastronardi Produce kicked off the new year by announcing its latest greenhouse venture: Pepperco USA, which will begin harvesting this spring.

NOGALES, AZ — The volatile nature of the produce industry is good for its long-term health, noted Alejandro Canelos, director of Apache Produce Imports LLC.

The New England Produce Council will hold its annual dinner dance gala Saturday evening, Feb. 7, at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston.

The theme of this year's event is Moonlight Garden.

"We had about 225 people last year, and we expect about 250 people this year," NEPC Executive Director Laura Sullivan said Monday, Jan. 12. "Our annual gala is a nice opportunity for our members to bring their spouses or significant others and enjoy some fine dining, dancing and great company. It's just a great social event."

Opal apples were sent up to the International Space Station Jan. 10. The news came last fall when the Johnson Space Center sent the request for apples to FirstFruits of Washington, a collaborative apple marketing company owned by growers.

New York Apple Growers has launched another new apple variety, called RubyFrost, which will be available at participating retailers in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions.