Big Chuy Distributors & Sons Inc. in Nogales, AZ, which specializes in watermelons and hard shell squash from Mexico, has Mexican watermelons available every month of the year except August, according to Jesus (Chuy) Lopez Jr., president of the company.

The Sonora spring watermelon crops have been “a little delayed due to the effect of the cold weather we had,” Mr. Lopez said. "I think that is the same for everybody in Mexico.”

Sweet Clover Produce of Walla Walla, WA, is expecting to start shipping Washington’s State Vegetable, the Walla Walla Sweet onion, in mid-June, with irrigation in place and stands looking healthy and strong.

Sales Manager Bill (Sweet Willie) Brownfield told The Produce News that the company’s primary Walla Walla Sweet growers are the father/son team of Fernando Enriquez Sr. and Jr. again in 2013.

"Enza" Taylor's Gold pears have added sparkle to The Oppenheimer Group's imported pear lineup for a decade-and-a-half, but this season promises to be among the best ever, according to David Nelley, the marketer's apple and pear category director.

The annual Sonora Spring Grapes Summit, held April 25-26 in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, was well attended with strong participation from U.S. grape marketers, Mexican producers, Latin American buyers and even two California-based Pacific Rim traders.

Retailers have an opportunity for potential increased sales and distribution of the bagged avocado segment, according to a recently published report by the Hass Avocado Board.

While the majority of major grocery chains sell bagged avocados, traditional retailers, smaller chains and independents can increase category distribution by adding bags in their stores. According to the study, bagged avocados are a complementary driver to category growth in addition to bulk avocado sales.

Consumers weren't the only ones professing their love for Idaho spuds during the annual Potato Lover's Month retail celebration in February. Supermarket chains and independent retailers alike submitted 4,049 entries in the Idaho Potato Commission's 2013 retail display contest — the highest total ever in the competition's 22 years and more than double the average number of entries over the past eight years.