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Some Florida spring produce items are getting off to a slower start than usual, but grower-shippers expect volume to pick up quickly and say quality should be top notch.

Lee E. Cole, a former president and CEO, is returning to lead the company effective immediately. He succeeds Brian W. Kocher, who has stepped down from the role.

The eighth annual Viva Fresh Open, presented by BEBO Distributing Inc. and H-E-B, is set to tee off March 30 during the Viva Fresh Expo at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas, March 30-April 1.

The global fresh produce provider is hosting Dole Fruit and Veg Tournament Brackets, a competition between produce-rich recipes inspired by the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament.

The brand is on the scene at SXSW, where it’s bringing its digital House of Goodness to life with a pop-up, where consumers can enjoy Avocados From Mexico through multisensory, interactive experiences.

The Oxnard, Calif.-based company achieved avocado volume growth of 14% in the first quarter ended Jan. 31, outpacing the industry as a whole, says Founder and CEO Steve Barnard.

U.S. banana imports totaled $1.96 billion in 2022, up 4% from $1.88 billion in 2021 and up from $1.89 billion in 2020.