29 Design Studio, an agency specializing in branding and marketing for food, beverage and agriculture, has won three first-place awards and a merit award in regional competitions sponsored by the National Agri-Marketing Association. Their entries will now move on to the National Best of NAMA Awards where they will compete against winners from six other regions.

Stemilt said retailers ready to build up their pear categories better turn to the company's Rushing Rivers d’Anjou pears, which can turn heads and move volumes this upcoming spring. Stemilt’s marketing director, Brianna Shales, said retailers can effectively merchandise d’Anjou pears to boost category numbers and delight pear-loving consumers around the nation.

Gelson’s Markets, a premier Southern California-based supermarket chain, announced that Pan Pacific International Holdings and TPG Capital have entered into a definitive agreement pursuant to which PPIH will acquire Gelson’s from TPG Capital. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021 and is subject to customary closing conditions.

USA Pears said it is excited to launch its #WhatsInYourFruitBowl initiative at a time when consumers are more focused than ever on developing healthy eating habits at home. Taking place during the month of March, this year is set to be the most wide-reaching initiative yet with powerful industry partnerships and engagement.

Beachside Produce, based in Guadalupe, CA, and Total Quality Logistics Transportation, based in Cincinnati, are partnering to donate and deliver 40,000 pounds of fresh vegetables to the Central Texas Food Bank in Austin, TX.

After weeks of waiting, Tom Vilsack has officially been confirmed as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. During his confirmation hearing in early February, Secretary Vilsack noted his priorities included tackling the COVID-19 recovery and addressing climate change.