The importance of Mexico as a supplier of avocados to the U.S. market is enormous. As demand for avocados in the United States has grown, Mexico’s exports to the United States have kept pace, accounting for roughly two-thirds of the total volume in the market.

The Mexican program is similarly important for Mission Produce in Oxnard, CA, which has long had its own packinghouse in Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico and last year added a second packinghouse in the avocado grove-covered hills of the state of Michoacán.

"Wonderful Halos" Mandarins, a palm-sized sweet, seedless and easy-to-peel fruit, launched Nov. 11.

Grown exclusively in California, "Halos" Mandarins are filled with “pure goodness,” are non-GMO and perfect for kids of all ages, the company said in a press release.

The National Potato Council unveiled a new commodity-specific food-safety guide that NPC President John Keeling says will help maintain the commodity's safety record for those growers who follow the new template.

"We have a very good food-safety record," Keeling said, announcing the new, 67-page commodity-specific food-safety guidelines for the production, harvest, storage and packing of potatoes, during a Nov. 8 webinar.

Mastronardi Produce’s SUNSET ONE SWEET line will be featured on NBC's “The Biggest Loser” as part of a contestant challenge airing Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. EST.

New York Apple Sales is the marketing arm for Empire Fruit Growers Co-op, which represents numerous apple growers that are spread across New York state.

Kaari Stannard, president of the cooperative, explained that last year’s New York Produce Show had excellent results and a great turnout.

“You bet we’re exhibiting at the upcoming New York Produce Show,” said Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association in Fishers, NY. “As a supporting sponsor, we have exhibited at the show since it began.

“Each year this show expands,” he continued. “It is the premier regional show in the Northeast, and it is rated as the second largest next to only the PMA Fresh Summit. After all, it is being held in the ‘Big Apple.’”