While globalization opens a world of opportunity to today's produce sector, added complexities and demands also leave companies and their brand reputations open to greater risks. Naturally, these challenges fall to top executives for clarification.

Celebrity chef and lifestyle expert Ingrid Hoffmann, host of "Delicioso" on Telefutura and "Simply Delicioso" on The Cooking Channel as well as spokesperson for the Chilean Avocado Importers Association, was recently the featured guest of a holiday-themed satellite media tour. To date, the first-time event has generated 124 television and 21 radio segments -- including Spanish-language media -- and reached a total audience of nearly 4 million.

Oviedo, FL-based Duda Farm Fresh Foods announced Dec. 20 that it has donated 40,000 pounds of fresh produce to the Families in Transition (FIT) program, according to a company press release. The fresh produce will be available to children at food pantries at Seminole County public schools, and children will be able to pick up food to take home with them for weekends. The retail value of the donated produce is approximately $30,000.

MEMPHIS, TN -- International Paper and West Pak Avocado Inc. have teamed to produce an innovative box design that is a win-win for both companies. West Pak Avocado wanted to redesign its box and brand, and it looked to International Paper to help create a new box that would stand above the rest.

"Our goal was to provide our customer with a new box style that was stronger and more efficient than current packaging, while also meeting the needs of the marketplace in terms of visual appeal and handling," said Ed Arriaga, International Paper field sales manager.