Jack Brown Produce Inc. has had wonderful movement for its apple crop this year. Movement is especially positive “in light of the overall national crop, which was anticipated to be a tad bit more difficult," said John Schaefer Jr., president of Jack Brown Produce Inc. in Sparta, MI. "But our numbers are above last year.”

Organic production at Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers continues on a steady path to meet consumer demand. “Our organic apple volume has grown from 800,000 boxes to 1.4 million boxes this season,” said Dan Wohlford, national marketing representative. “One of our grower partners brought all their organic apples to Oneonta this year.”

Berry Fresh has hired Evan Pence as its domestic sourcing manager. Pence will oversee grower relations and new grower acquisitions in North America.

Avocados From Mexico will join the ranks of top advertisers during the Super Bowl and, according to AFM, reign as the first fresh produce brand to broadcast an ad during the biggest American professional sporting event of the year. The Super Bowl will air on Sunday, Feb. 1 on NBC.

According to Stemilt’s FruitTracker program, pear category volume and dollars were down slightly year-over-year when the company looked at category performance over a four-week period in November 2014.

Steve Black has been appointed as president of Lucky’s Market effective immediately. Black brings more than 38 years of relevant industry experience to his new role, having previously served as vice president of operations, chief information officer and chief marketing officer of Sprouts Farmers Markets.