It has been a hot, dry summer and autumn in the California desert, and that is considered ideal growing weather for dates. That is “a typical year from a weather standpoint” for the Coachella Valley and “perfect for dates,” said D.J. Ryan, who handles sales for SunDate LLC in Coachella, CA. “They like very hot, dry weather and plenty of water, and we have that. We are able to keep them well irrigated.” That has contributed to an increased crop volume this year.

Organic avocados have become “a very big part of our program” at Del Rey Avocado Co. Inc. in Fallbrook, CA, according to Robert (Bob) Lucy, president of the company. That is true with the company’s California production, and it is also true with the fruit Del Rey brings in from Mexico.

“We’ve got Mexican organic coming in, as a company,” in good volume over the next six months, Lucy told The Produce News Oct. 10.

IFCO Systems has opened its newest reusable plastic container service center in Fresno, CA. The 200,000-square-foot facility is equipped to wash, sanitize and dry more than 95,000 RPCs per day, and ship and receive approximately 120 truckloads of RPCs for IFCO's grocery retail partners and grower shipper customers weekly.

IFCO's Fresno service center currently has more than 80 employees and is designed to allow expansion as for IFCO RPCs continues to grow.

“Our message at the New York Produce Show on Dec. 2-4 is all about freshness and delicious innovations,” said Vice President, Business Development for The Safeway Group LLC, Amy Erianne. “At our booth, number 466, we will be showcasing microwave vegetables that are fresh from the farm to your table. Safeway Fresh Foods introduces ‘Sunny Sides!’ These fresh veggies in vogue feature quality ingredients, delicious flavors and are cooked to perfection.

RBest Produce Inc., headquartered in Port Washington, NY, and its sister company, El Sol Brands, headquartered in Medley, FL, will be exhibiting together at Booth No. 574 at the New York Produce Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center North Hall in Manhattan, Dec. 2-4.

“This is the fourth year that RBest Produce has had the pleasure of participating in the New York Produce Show,” said Jasmine Hines, director of marketing and advertising. “Every year it is good to be amongst our peers, to see new innovative products and to engage with those in the industry.”

WASHINGTON — Tuesday’s Republican landslide will change the political landscape on Capitol Hill as the produce industry fights for immigration reform, Child Nutrition Act reauthorization, trade access and other legislative reforms in 2015.

While some election results still are not final, Republicans in the House gained at least 13 seats, handing them a historic majority, and took control of the Senate by picking up at least seven seats.