A display of large and vibrant Desbry tropical avocados creates excitement and stops shoppers in their tracks. And this bigger fruit means bigger margins and a bigger avocado category, which is why tropical avocados have been gaining traction and distribution with retailers across the country.

iTradeNetwork, a global provider of supply chain management solutions for the food and beverage industry, has implemented a Walmart-compliant ASN on its platform. This solution allows perishables suppliers to seamlessly adhere to Walmart’s new SQEP protocols, which are updated by the nation’s largest retailer from time-to-time.

Ark Foods has launched a major refresh of its brand identity via arkfoods.com. The website features a new look, expanded content, and a purposeful communications strategy, all celebrating the magic of vegetables.

Little Leaf Farms has raised $90 million in debt and equity financing that has been earmarked to build new sites on the East Coast to satisfy growing demand for its beloved baby greens with customers, large retailers and foodservice providers.

Similar to how ripening has impacted the world of avocados, bananas, pears, kiwis and other produce items, it has completely revolutionized the mango industry. The National Mango Board, working alongside produce professionals, has determined that ripening protocols, sometimes called pre-conditioning, have had a positive impact on consumer satisfaction and sales for ripened fruit. “We have seen retailers who have converted to the ripening program sustain increases in volume, said Tammy Wiard, retail marketing manager for the National Mango Board.

Dole Food Company Inc. and affiliates of Castle & Cooke Inc., which own a 55 percent interest in Dole’s parent company, have entered into a binding transaction agreement with Total Produce plc, one of Europe’s leading fresh produce companies, to combine under a newly created U.S.-listed company, Dole plc.