The California Avocado Commission announced the winners of its advertising and display contests for 2013, which ran concurrently from May 1 through Sept. 11 to encompass the period of American summer holidays that included Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Save Mart Supermarkets earned the top spot in CAC’s advertising contest and Food Town store No. 7 in Houston claimed the grand prize in the display contest.

A second night of cold temperatures is expected to leave behind some damage to the San Joaquin Valley's citrus crop, according to a Dec. 6 press release from California Citrus Mutual in Exeter, CA.

"Although the extent of damage cannot be known for certain at this time, the industry along with county and state regulators will begin assessments as early as next week," the release stated.

Gourmet Trading Co. is debuting its new tray and flow-wrapped asparagus product. The packaging features a modern, natural look that is expected to garner a positive response from consumers. The new pack is state-of-the-art — extending shelf life to ensure the product is at its freshest — all while having a natural, eco-friendly look and feel. 

At its December luncheon meeting, the Fresh Produce & Floral Council held its annual holiday auction and raised more than $116,000 for charity. The designated charity this year was Caterina’s Club, a private Southern California organization that serves nightly meals to 300 underprivileged kids who would otherwise do without a real dinner. The event was held on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at the Sheraton Hotel in Cerritos, CA.

Norcross, GA-based Rock-Tenn Co. recently hired MICHELLE L. ALLEN-ZIEGLER as its corporate business manager.

“Business is good. No one is complaining about it being slow,” Ted Kreis said of Red River Valley potato shippers on Nov. 15.

Kreis is the marketing director for the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, which is located in East Grand Forks, MN.

“Demand for red potatoes is good throughout the country,” he added. “Prices are ok but they could be better. There are a lot of red potatoes on the market. Wisconsin yields are high. Idaho grew more potatoes. All of the U.S. has got to be up for red potato production.”