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A new crop of asparagus is about to burst onto the produce scene, and whether it’s imported or domestic, grower-shippers say consumers are in for a treat.

(CORRECTED, Feb. 7) At the turn of the century, California growers were farming 36,000 acres of asparagus. Twenty years later, that number has plummeted.

Des Moines, Iowa-based Loffredo Fresh Foods — formerly Loffredo Fresh Produce — is rebranding and expanding its offerings.

Ocean Mist Farms now is receiving regular arrivals of organic asparagus out of Mexico, said Joseph Angelo, sales manager.

The Packer is seeking nominations for its annual Canadian Produce Person of the Year award, which will be presented May 14 at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s convention banquet in Toronto.

Del Monte Fresh Produce and Mann Packing Co. will showcase fresh, fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, as well as snack solutions, at the Southern Exposure trade show.

Miami-based Crystal Valley Foods finished remodeling its Miami warehouse.

MountainKing Potatoes is providing its retail partners with “turnkey, display-ready options” aimed at driving sales of its baby golds, baby reds and fingerlings.

Ben Josephson has returned to Wada Farms Marketing Group LLC as sales director after having stepped away temporarily, said Eric Beck, marketing director with the Idaho Falls, Idaho-based potato grower-shipper.

A slight majority of consumers polled by The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2020 survey say they would pay a premium for fresh produce packed in containers made from recycled materials.