California Strawberries kicks off peak season with the launch of its national Love, Strawberries jingle contest. Running April 1-22, aspiring musicians and strawberry enthusiasts alike are encouraged to write, record and post their original 45-second jingle masterpieces highlighting the love people have for the famous heart-shaped berry via social media. California Strawberries will award one talented winner $10,000 plus an all-expense-paid trip for two to California.

Chilean fruit exporter Subsole has signed an agreement to sell to Frutura, a sales and marketing network formed in 2021 with the acquisition of Agrícola Don Ricardo (Peru), Dayka & Hackett and TerraFresh Organics (U.S.) and the addition of Frutura Uruguay in March 2022.

Stemilt is utilizing Farmworker Awareness Week, taking place now through March 31st, to celebrate its company-wide Equitable Food Initiative certification, highlight continuous improvement achievements that its EFI leadership team in Pasco, WA recently completed and share appreciation for its Stemilters through a first-of-its-kind celebration.

Chilean grapes are timely for promoting. Higher volumes of red grapes are cost-friendly while the green market is slightly higher. There probably will be a big draw on grapes for the Easter holiday.

Asparagus is showing good volume coming out of Mexico. Demand is light on a steady market. The weather has been very favorable for growth. Prices are attractive now but may rise as we get closer to Easter ad promotions.

After being delayed for about six weeks the New England Produce Council held its 2022 Dinner Dance Gala at InterContinental Boston on Saturday, March 26. A full house enjoyed a fun-filled night of cocktails, dinner and dancing under the Starry Night theme.

In preparation for California’s upcoming avocado season, Del Rey Avocado has introduced a Compac packing line.

“We are very excited as it will allow us to pack more fruit in less hours so our efficiency and total output will increase drastically,” said Patrick Lucy, president of the Fallbrook, CA-based company. The new line is the year-long project of Jessica Hunter, CEO of Del Rey.