The U.S. Department of Agriculture decreased its forecast of the 2014-15 Florida orange crop by almost 5 percent, or 5 million boxes.

The USDA now says Florida will produce 103 million boxes of oranges this season, down from the 108 million predicted in December. The early-mid orange varieties dropped by 4 million boxes to 48 million, while the Valencia forecast decreased 1 million boxes to 55 million.

The Fresh Market Inc., a specialty grocery retailer, has named Sean Crane, executive vice president and chief operating officer, as interim chief executive officer, effective immediately. Craig Carlock, president, CEO and a member of the board of directors, has left the company.

Mary Blackmon, founder of Farm Star Living, a national lifestyle brand highlighting farms, farm-fresh foods and the farm-to-table food movement, has been selected as one of Country Woman magazine's "Most Amazing Women." In honor of its anniversary, Country Woman has identified their 45 "Amazing Women" — including Tricia Yearwood, Loretta Lynn, Danica Patrick and Blackmon.

By the time the 2015 Super Bowl reaches the end of the first quarter on Feb. 1, at least 125 million people will have the opportunity to see a fresh produce item advertised along with the top consumer brands in the world.

When Scott Danner moved from Kansas City, KS, last July to become the president of the foodservice supplier Premier Produce, his mission was to profitably build sales.

“So far, so good,” Danner said of progress at Premier, which is located in Pembroke Park, FL.

Apples stored at Hess Bros. Fruit Co. in Lancaster, PA, are in very good shape this year. On Dec. 12, Fred Hess, co-owner of the company, told The Produce News that the storage condition is excellent.

“The apples have good pressure and all other conditions look great at this time,” he said. “We calculate pressure — or firmness — of the fruit by weight. We weigh them when they go into storage and then weigh them throughout the year.”