As part of its strategy to help reduce food waste, West Pak Avocado has partnered with Apeel, the developer of a plant-based, end-to-end solution allowing a more extended shelf life for their premium avocados. Apeel’s plant-based protection is made from materials that are found in the skins, peels and seeds of all plants. It creates an edible coating that keeps moisture in and oxygen out — the two primary causes of spoilage. This plant-based protection helps produce last two times longer, offering a sustainable way to fight food waste by enabling more time to enjoy West Pak avocados.

The National Mango Board elected new officers during its March board meeting. As dedicated members, the NMB officers will fulfill their duties and responsibilities by leading the board in accordance with the Commodity Promotion, Research, and Information Act of 1996, and the Mango Order.

Now more than ever customers are looking for contactless options for their shopping experience, and Tops Friendly Markets aims to deliver that with its new Tops Shop + Scan app. Already available in six area Tops locations, this service is now expanding to include stores in Amherst, NY, and Derby, NY.

On March 9, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced suspension of the South Texas Onion Marketing Order provisions. This action is a result of a referendum held by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service concerning continuance of the marketing order.

National Watermelon Promotion Board held its biannual board meeting virtually on Saturday, March 6 during which board member Jordan Carter was elected president by her peers, becoming the first woman to serve in this position. Prior to this nomination, Carter (District 3, Cordele, GA) served as secretary/treasurer as well as interim president since January 2021.

The Kroger Co. and 80 Acres Farms bring farm-fresh produce to customers across Ohio. Today, the companies are growing their partnership to reach more shoppers in the Midwest — both in store and online.

"Everyone deserves easy access to fresh, affordable, delicious food," said Dan De La Rosa, Kroger's group vice president of fresh merchandising. "This newly expanded partnership means more communities will have just-picked produce at their fingertips 365 days a year. We're proud to partner with 80 Acres Farms as we work together to create a world with Zero Hunger | Zero Waste."