With summer on the horizon, so is the seasonal peak to salad consumption — and companies are ramping up efforts to bolster sales of crispy greens and related items.

Retailers and third-party companies teach their personal shoppers to select the right produce and handle consumer tastes.

“Change happens, growth is optional,” said CPMA President Ron Lemaire in urging the Canadian fresh produce industry to find growth and opportunities where others see setbacks.

The USDA has conducted a competitive application process and selected 12 finalists to serve as leads of the Regional Food Business Centers.

D’Arrigo is vice president of communications and marketing at D’Arrigo New York, which has been a partner to the nonprofit organization that distributes produce as a way to introduce healthy lifestyles to families.

The Devens, Mass.-based cultivator of packaged lettuce grown through controlled environment agriculture is thinking big this National Salad Month.