As consumer shopping habits continue to evolve, a new study is shedding light on how retailers can rethink their approach to fresh departments to better align with changing expectations.

Double Date Packaging is a grower, packer and shipper of California Medjool Dates, operating in Coachella, CA.

Whether it’s package uniformity, improved taste of the product or communication of its nutritional value, the company is constantly looking for new ways to bring life into the date industry.  

So far, 2026 has started out with a short crop and high demand, and the company is doing what it can to be successful. 

The Peruvian Avocado Commission, through its flagship brand Avocados from Peru, announced that Stephen J. Barnard and Bob Lucy were honored with the Global Leadership Award for their contributions to the avocado industry.

The awards were presented April 8, during a dinner at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the evening before the PAC 2026 Annual Membership Meeting.

GLC Cerritos is riding a wave of momentum in 2026, driven by advancements in sustainability, expanding supply opportunities and evolving consumer demand, positioning the company as a forward-looking leader in the Mexican avocado category.

For La Bonanza Avocados, growth is not simply about expansion; it is about building a more controlled, efficient and reliable supply chain in an industry where consistency, quality and timing define success.

The company’s evolution into a fully integrated operation reflects that long-term vision, with a recent milestone marked by the opening of its new warehouse in Pharr, TX. More than a physical expansion, the facility represents a decisive step toward full vertical integration.

Nominations are now open for the Southeast Produce Council's The Unseen Hero Award. This prestigious honor is dedicated to the tireless individuals who work behind the scenes, ensuring the produce industry continues to flourish without ever seeking the spotlight.

In an effort to better highlight the diverse talent across the entire supply chain, and due to the overwhelming response of nominees this past year, SEPC expanded the award into three distinct categories: retail, foodservice and grower-packer-shipper.