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Produce companies and organizations continue to think of innovative ways of helping consumers and customers during the pandemic, from celebrating Cinco de Mayo to new ways of keeping employees safe.

Fresh markets apples in storage on May 1 totaled 46.8 million 42-pound bushels, which is 21% more than a year ago, and 18% more than the five-year average, according to the U.S. Apple Association.

Royal Rose LLC and Taylor Farms Florida Inc. have been Endorsed. Allwell Greens, Blanchard and Boyaca Trading Company LLC are new companies to the Market. Cultiva Farms USA LLC, Giamarese Farms and others have changes.

All Express Freight LLC, City Market, Onion River Co-op. and Tennessee Tomato Company LLC are new companies to the Market. Bayers Melon Farm, Bell Blueberries, Naturpac Inc., and others have changes.

Despite increased volume this year and lost foodservice business because of the COVID-19 crisis, avocado prices will remain steady through 2020 and into the first quarter of 2021, a new report from Rabobank predicts.

Northwest Cherry Growers, Yakima, Wash., estimates production for this season will be 20.5 million 15-pounds boxes.

Dierbergs and Slice of Earth Farm Stand are new companies to the Market. Del Bosque Farming, GOLDEN BASIL FARM LLC, Gordy’s Market, Kennies Markets Inc., Mariposa Food Co-op, Porter Farms and others have updates.

Harvest of the California cherry crop, estimated at 7 million 18-pound boxes, is underway in southern growing regions near Bakersfield and Fresno.

Kori Tuggle, whose industry experience goes back more than 20 years, has joined Braga Fresh, Soledad, Calif., as vice president of marketing and product development.

Blue River Legacy Farms LLC, Select Berries LLC, Tropical Sales of Florida LLC, and Western Sky Produce LLC are new companies to the Market. Clements’ Marketplace, Okimoto Corp., Sanchez Market and others have updates.