Not only has Avocados From Mexico been named to Fast Company's prestigious annual list of the World's Most Innovative Companies for 2021, but it also has been recognized as the No. 1 innovator in the Branding category. The list honors businesses that have found a way to be resilient in the past year and turned those challenges into impact-making processes. This year's list features 463 businesses from 29 countries; AFM's honor follows being named to Fast Company's List of 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators last year.

Vertical farming company Kalera announced that Sonny Perdue, former United States Secretary of Agriculture and Georgia governor, will join its board of directors and has also personally invested in the company in the latest financing round. Perdue’s appointment to the board follows the addition of Maria Sastre to the board of directors, as well as Kalera’s acquisition of Vindara Inc., which develops seeds specifically for use in vertical farming environments.

Avocados have found their way onto the tables of an increasing number of U.S. households as the category continues to develop and cement its place as one of the largest categories in fresh produce. A recent study by the Hass Avocado Board, available here for free, revealed that purchases of avocados have increased substantially over a four-year period (2016-19). The study indicates that the growth is coming from a growing segment of “Super” avocado shoppers.

Tanimura & Antle announced the acquisition of Boston-based Green City Growers.  The merger of the two companies is based on a common commitment and passion to provide communities, organizations and individuals with a hands-on educational experience to increase awareness, build engagement and provide education about where food comes from.  By providing a path to engagement with hands on experience, Green City Growers will assist Tanimura & Antle with reaching individuals of all ages, promoting a long-term healthy lifestyle with consumers.  The combined goal of this par

John Shuman, president and CEO of Shuman Farms in Cobbtown, GA, has been named the 2020 Grower of the Year by the Vidalia Onion Committee in recognition of Shuman’s contributions to the industry for more than 25 years.

The people that work in the produce department at Allegiance Retail Services, led by Kelly Davis, director of produce and floral, have gone above and beyond to make sure its customers have been able to find what they need during the pandemic. Headquartered in Iselin, NJ, Allegiance banners include Foodtown and Green Way Markets. The company continues to expand as it opened its first Green Way Market located in New Jersey, in Ridgewood.

Sightings Salutes: Allegiance Retail Services  is sponsored by Dole.