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Despite higher food prices, consumers who typically include at least some organic fruits and vegetables in their grocery carts are not giving up on the category — and some are increasing their purchases.

The Packer caught up with Fair Trade USA founder and CEO Paul Rice at IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral Show to learn more about the organization’s newly launched Produce Program Innovation.

Ocean Mist Farms unveiled a 30-by-30-foot booth at the recent Global Produce and Floral Show, providing an opportunity to tell the story of the fourth-generation legacy company and its value-added products.

The total donation more than tripled a 75,000-meal goal that was issued as a challenge to employees as part of Lipman Family Farms’ 75th anniversary celebration, the company says.

The state’s 2023-24 tomato acreage should be similar to last season’s, but volume should be up because Hurricane Ian put a damper on production last year, said Michael Schadler of the Florida Tomato Exchange.

The competitive leadership program will enrich, connect and educate 12 mid-level produce and floral professionals through a series of in-person events over the next year.

The Omaha, Neb.-based company has joined FreshEdge, a family of fresh food distribution companies backed by private-equity investment firm Wind Point Partners.

For the avocado category to see continued growth at retail, it needs a strong presence around the perimeter of the store — not just the produce department, says Alvaro Luque, president and CEO of Avocados From Mexico.