Procurant, a cloud-based software company, announced the signing of Merchants Distributors LLC, a North Carolina-based grocery retail distribution division of Alex Lee Inc. MDI and its network of perishable goods suppliers will use the Procurant One technology platform for purchasing and order management across its network.

Fruit World, a family-owned, flavor-focused grower-shipper of organic and conventional fruit, is now shipping its organic cherries and will begin packing and shipping organic apricots the first week of May. "What a difference one year makes," said Bianca Kaprielian, Fruit World co-founder and CEO. "2020 was a bumpy stone fruit season in California, but this year we had enough chill hours and favorable weather, and the trees are full of great looking fruit."

Progressive Produce will begin shipping its strongest supply of nutritious and versatile potatoes and asparagus to shoppers across the United States and Canada.

The Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board has named Jamie Clover Adams as its new executive director, effective May 10. She takes over from John Bakker, who is set to retire as executive director after serving the asparagus industry for nearly 20 years.

Wonderful Pistachios takes a fresh approach to snack marketing in a dedicated new campaign to bring its Wonderful Pistachios No Shells BBQ and Sea Salt & Vinegar flavors to life. The highly tailored digital and social campaign is designed to reach consumers who love great flavors, no matter their preferred online platform.

There is a level of excitement and optimism in the produce world because people are getting vaccinated and we seem to get closer and closer to normalcy with each passing day. And that, according to Tom Kovacevich, has the Philadelphia area’s produce professionals looking forward to a busy and successful spring and summer.