RipeLocker, a leader in extending the post-harvest life of perishables, announced its RipeLocker containers recently held freshly harvested organic blueberries in pristine condition for eight weeks.

James Hideo Iwamoto, a long time Los Angeles produce wholesaler, died on Dec. 5, after a short battle with COVID-19. He was 68.

Mr. Iwamoto was the son of Jimmie Iwamoto, a longtime produce buyer for the Vons supermarket chain when it was independent, and the father of Jimmy Iwamoto, who has also spent his career on the wholesale produce market, currently working for Valley Fruit & Produce Co.

For more than a decade, private grape breeding programs have been releasing proprietary varieties and changing the face of the table grape industry. Andy Higgins, CEO of IFG, one of the leading privately-funded grape breeding programs, believes that trend will continue and consumers will start buying fresh grapes by variety, just as they do with fresh apples.

The new year has forever been a time for resolutions, new beginnings and lifestyle changes. 2021 is a beacon of hope for so many who suffered through trials and tribulations in 2020. Will the new year deliver? I don’t know for sure, but I do know there are many excited for a fresh start, and what better way to help them do that than through marketing fresh and healthy products?

After reading through end of year and new year trends, here are a few highlights to kick off your marketing and merchandising strategies for 2021.

Avocados From Mexico is bringing the big game stadium experience directly to fans with the launch of its Virtual Guac Bowl Stadium. This digital experience is a one-stop-shop for anyone looking to score big in celebration of the big game: inside AFM's Virtual Guac Bowl Stadium, visitors can access exclusive messages from sportscasters Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews and game day guacamole recipes.

Innovation has always been an important driver in the fresh fruits and vegetables world, and that influence continues at an ever-increasing pace. CPMA members are often at the forefront of these changes as industry looks for more efficient, cost effective and labour-saving opportunities for growth. The transformation to a digital world has introduced artificial intelligence, big data, block chain and a myriad of other data/software driven innovations.