After a 30-year hiatus, Val Verde Vegetable Co. is again producing Texas-grown broccoli. Frank Schuster, who heads the McAllen-based grower-packer-shipper, said he once produced as much as 350 acres of broccoli a year. That volume was split between freezing and fresh customers. In his return to the broccoli business, all production is destined for the fresh market to suit specific customer demand.

Val Verde’s broccoli deal will first be shipped about Dec. 1.

After more than a decade of robust category performance in the United States, Ambrosia continues to hold its position as one of America’s favorite apples. Hungry shoppers can seek out Ambrosia year-round in more than 10,000 retail locations across America — one of the highest distributions of any branded apple.

United Fresh is accepting nominations for the 2021 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program. This program recognizes 25 outstanding retail produce managers for their innovative merchandising, produce-related community outreach, increased store sales and recognition among company peers.

BJ’s Wholesale Club announced the expansion of its buy online, pick up in-club service to include fresh and frozen grocery items. BJ’s members can now order their weekly groceries on BJs.com or with the BJ’s app for curbside pickup or pick up in-club at any one of the company’s 219 locations.

ESPN announced that the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl will kick off on Saturday, Dec. 22 at Boise State University’s Albertsons Stadium. It will be televised on ESPN, reaching millions of viewers.

For college football fans, athletes and sports reporters, the FIPB is a much anticipated bowl game. It has become a breeding ground for top NFL prospects like Josh Allen, a first-round draft pick and now quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, who declared his eligibility for the draft at the FIPB when he accepted the MVP award in 2018.

Westfalia Fruit, one of the world leaders in avocado production and research, expects its sales and volume of avocados from Mexico to the United States to be robust this season because of expansion on both sides of the border.