Avocados from Mexico is inviting retailers and wholesale partners to team up with the top-selling avocado brand at the 2014 United Fresh Show June 10-13 in Chicago.

Retailers that visit the Avocados from Mexico booth (No. 437) will get a preview of upcoming fall and winter promotions, including two new co-branded partnerships that leverage the excitement around football and tailgating.

This season, the California Avocado Commission has launched a variety of co-marketing promotional activities designed to encourage demand of California avocados and partner products.

The Original Spring Lamb Barbecue celebrated its 55th anniversary on Saturday May 17 at the Crosetti Ranch nestled in the foothills of Watsonville, CA. Organizers raised $75,000 for the American Cancer Society this year.

Earl’s Organic Produce, on the San Francisco Wholesale Produce Market, announced the hire of Peter Klimczak as its new sales manager on May 12.

Michele Hoard, senior marketing manager for Zespri North America, said domestic consumers can expect to find kiwifruit of exceptional quality and size at the retail shelf in the very near future.

“The weather during the growing season has had plenty of sunshine, sufficient rainfall and good pollination,” Hoard told The Produce News in an interview. “Kiwifruit quality is great with sizing for SunGold being larger than expected and Green conventional and organic trending slightly larger than last season.”

Customer excitement for Walla Walla sweet onions is starting to build and phones are already ringing at Curry & Co. in Brooks, OR.