The purchase and consumption of avocados during the week of the last Super Bowl are conservatively estimated to be in the millions. What made the popular fruit so attractive and available for such incredible demand? The answer lies in a variety of marketing strategies, by scores of marketing execs in fresh produce over the past few decades.

The Vidalia onion category experienced a strong season in 2024, with increased consumer demand and retail promotions helping to drive sales.

Color Orchids Inc., an indoor plant company that specializes in orchids, has acquired Floricultura Pacific Inc., a Salinas-based grower focused on pre-finished orchids for the North American market. Floricultura Pacific was previously owned by Floricultura Netherlands, one of the largest and oldest Dutch orchid breeders in the world, with operations in China, India, the Netherlands, Poland and Brazil.

Babé Farms grows, packs and ships a colorful assortment of baby and specialty vegetables in California’s Santa Maria Valley and things are looking strong at the company in 2025.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against JJD Produce LLC, Produce and More Enterprise LLC and Lucero Produce LLC for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. 

JJD Produce, operating from California, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to nine produce sellers in the amount of $458,339 from December 2021 through November 2022.

For retailers, wholesalers and consumers, the wait is almost over — everyone’s favorite sweet onion is just about ready to take root. Vidalia Sweet Onion season typically kicks off in mid-April and runs through Labor Day.