Consider just a few obvious facts of current times that are and will continue to influence the fresh produce industry profoundly.

First, we know from reports from the U.S. Census Bureau that the Hispanic population is the fastest-growing consumer category in North America today. The 2010 Census reported that the U.S. Hispanic population surged 43 percent, rising to 50.5 million in 2010 from 35.3 million in 2000. In 2010, Latinos constituted 16 percent of the nation’s total population of the then 308.7 million.

The worst drought in a century in California was eased somewhat by several inches of rain across the state and considerable snow in some mountain areas from Wednesday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, March 2, but it was a mixed blessing in some growing areas, particularly for strawberries and vegetables along the central and southern coast.

The Southeast Produce Council has completed what is surely another hugely successful event — its 2014 conference and trade show — with record overall attendance, including record attendance by members of the retail and foodservice sector, all leading SPC Executive Director Terry Vorhees to state, "I'm very pleased."

Coosemans Worldwide Inc., an international leader in specialty produce and fresh herbs, has acquired Consumers Produce Co. Inc., which is a premier regional distributor and produce re-packer with a diversified product line. The new company will operate as Consumer Fresh Produce Inc.

The 2014 international kiwi market is shaping up to be the shortest it has been in three decades. Prices for Italian kiwi are already up from 2013, and the volume of Chilean fruit looks to be down, which will raise prices.

"It's the hottest market I've seen in 28 years," Kurt Cappelluti, sales manager at Stellar Distributing in Madera, CA, told The Produce News. "It should be tight for the next four to six months, and it will affect pricing. The market was $16 to $18 per box in 2013. I expect it to be $24 to $26 per box this year."

The National Mango Board’s very successful “Mangover” campaign made a significant and positive impact among consumers and media in 2013, so the board is capitalizing on that success and expanding the program this year.

According to the NMB’s 2013 Consumer Marketing Program Tracker, more than 1.7 billion mango impressions were delivered in 2013, largely because of the Mangover program initiatives.