Pat McDowell, a longtime produce industry leader and early pioneer of value-added produce, died Friday, April 17. He was 75.

Mr. McDowell's career spanned over 45 years in Southern California. He was a huge advocate for the Fresh Produce & Floral Council, and he served many years on its board before and after his term serving as chairman in 2005. 

Ahead of the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention & Trade Show, where Ark Foods will be exhibiting at booth No. 327, the modern-day farming company is advancing its approach to specialty crop development with the launch of a large-scale R&D trial in South Carolina. As a part of its broader effort to expand variety, enhance flavor and bring new inspiration to the produce aisle, the trial spans 114 unique varietals of eggplant, tomatoes and specialty peppers.

Over several decades, Beachside Produce has been showcasing its wide variety of vegetables to buyers at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s annual Convention and Trade Show.

“Beachside is proud to be a partner and excited to be exhibiting at the CPMA show,” said Adrian Espinoza, chief revenue officer at Guadalupe, CA-based Beachside Produce. Espinoza will be available to meet visitors to the Beachside Produce booth No. 1532 on the expo floor.

GreenFruit Avocados, a California-based avocado supplier with a decade-plus track record in ripening, cold storage and distribution, has been acquired by a powerful partnership of industry veterans committed to building a vertically integrated avocado company with global supply reach and California leadership.

Why has aggressive produce merchandising decreased in many produce departments? Are management policies turning to simpler, more conservative selling displays?

I have seen a noticeable decline in enthusiasm and energy within produce sales environments. There has been a passive approach to merchandising lately by simply displaying produce and waiting for customers to make purchases. This method lacks the proactive sales strategies necessary to stimulate growth. It is essential to shift the focus back toward actively generating sales again.

The California Association of Flower Growers & Shippers will host its highly anticipated Fun ’N Sun Floral Convention Aug. 5–8, at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena, CA. This milestone year marks the association’s 85th anniversary, celebrated under the theme “A Legacy in Bloom: 85 Years of Floral Excellence.”