With the development of wrap-around banners and other graphics for in-store use, the use of reusable plastic containers in the produce industry are on the rise, in part because of their retail-ready capability.

At least that is the view of Hillary Femal, vice president of global marketing for IFCO Systems Inc. in Tampa, FL, who recently told The Produce News that IFCO is focusing its efforts on creating retail-ready solutions for the supermarket community.

At the PMA Fresh Summit convention in New Orleans, Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo, a leading organic grower and shipper based in Pescadero, CA, will launch a new brand, "Kitchen Harvest" living herbs, and will also announce that it is bolstering its social mission with new Fair Trade-certified product offerings.

Alsum Farms & Produce Inc., a grower-packer-shipper of potatoes, a repacker of onions and a wholesale distributor of a full line of fresh fruits and vegetables, based in Friesland, WI, is nearing completion of its 15,000-square-foot specialty potato packaging facility and expects to have it up and running in early November.

With the completion of the facility, Alsum Farms & Produce will have a total of 130,000 square feet of production and warehouse facilities with 140 full-time employees.

As the Texas citrus season is getting under way, TexaSweet Citrus Marketing Inc. has a new mission and program focus.

For the 2013-14 season, TexaSweet has been charged with educating Rio Grande Valley residents about the threat of citrus greening disease and its implications on the future of the Texas citrus crop. The Texas citrus industry contributes approximately $200 million to the region's economy and a significant number of jobs.

To promote usage through the fall and winter months, California Giant Berry Farms is partnering with Concord Foods, launching a winter baking promotion targeting consumers Nov. 1-30. The promotion is focused on keeping consumers buying blueberries as they make the switch to heartier, warmer meals.

Lone Star Citrus Growers in Mission, TX, has made some significant strides in infrastructure coming into its seventh season, with upgrades in the packinghouse and office and its second season of fruit from its own groves coming off in great shape.