Excellent growing conditions are on tap for Northwest fruit, and that means organic fruit volume will increase later this year for Yakima, Wash.-based Sage Fruit Co., says Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing.

McAllen, Texas-based Fox Packaging continues to seek packaging solutions that meet criteria for responsible design while supporting fresh produce.

Produce executives, retail dietitians, suppliers and marketers mingled as the Arizona sun softened, creating a festive evening air for the welcoming party at Produce for Better Health’s Consumer Connection Conference.

The grower says it is the first private company in the Mexican state of Jalisco to receive this conservation certification, which will help preserve and protect various species.

Drought pressures plagued the Golden State at the beginning of the year, but an unexpected series of atmospheric rivers this spring that inundated the state with precipitation changed the outlook for water districts.

Conner O’Malley will take the reins from Tim Lane, who plans to retire later this year after leading the Yakima, Wash.-based company for 25 years.