The Fresno, Calif.-based California Table Grape Commission has hired Jodi Devaurs as director of trade policy.

Good growing conditions should result in plenty of high-quality vegetables out of the California desert this winter, grower-shippers say. But rain in Yuma, Ariz., could affect early iceberg lettuce volume.

Grape buyers don’t need to hit the panic button. California grape holdings are down compared with a year ago, but promotable fruit volumes will be shipped through early January.

Mexico’s avocado output and exports will rise again in 2020 at the same time growers are looking to improve increase yields and improve environmental conditions, according to a new report.

Robinson Fresh continues to grow its pineapple program from Central America, said Jose Rossignoli, vice president of global sourcing.

Supplies of fresh produce from Mexico will remain tight for a while, and f.o.b. prices will be higher than customers are used to paying, distributors say. Wicked weather is the culprit.