The conversation about healthy food choices is “pervasive among most Americans” who generally recognize that “fruits and vegetables are building blocks for a healthy diet,” said Emiliano Escobedo, executive director of the Hass Avocado Board in Irvine, CA. Yet “despite what we all know,” studies show that most Americans are still not yet consuming as many fruits and vegetables as suggested by dietary guidelines and continue over-consuming sodium, sugar and saturated fat.

On Oct. 30 The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, based in Tubac, AZ, held its opening fiesta and networking event on the Plaza at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. The FPAA convention convened that day with an education session. Friday, Oct. 31 was to bring the first day of a two-day golf tournament and a Gala Event, as well as the “Pillars of the FPAA” awards ceremony.

The California date industry in its promotional efforts focuses on a series of special events at various times of the year, beginning with participation at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit expo, which was held in Anaheim, CA, this year.

The produce industry is changing at lightning speed. There are a number of new products, merchandising techniques, equipment and other ideas constantly being introduced into the world of produce.

Walt Disney once said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

Houweling’s Tomatoes has been growing hydroponic greenhouse tomatoes since Casey Houweling built British Columbia’s first large-scale tomato greenhouse farm in 1985.

Crunch Pak, a supplier of fresh sliced apples based in Cashmere, WA, announced the hire of Jenni James as its new business analyst.