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During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gardners, Pa.-based grower-shipper Rice Fruit Co. has sharpened its focus on sustainable packaging, said Brenda Briggs, vice president of sales and marketing.

The Oppenheimer Group is reporting growth in its Envy and Jazz apple programs, while Pacific Rose remains strong with exports and in certain domestic markets, said Roger Aguirre, director of apples and pears.

Exports play a role in the marketing plans of many citrus grower-shippers, but that role can vary from company to company and season to season.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged produce grower-shippers throughout the U.S., but a silver lining for the citrus industry is consumers’ perception of citrus as immunity boosters.

The Blend, a mushroom promotion success, now goes to Food Network.

The exit of President Donald Trump from the White House and the beginning of a new administration isn’t expected to have any immediate ramifications for produce safety policies at the Food and Drug Administration.

If fresh produce had archetypes, the mushroom would be the hippie.

Mushroom growers are experiencing trends similar to those with fresh produce in general, powered by what consumers buy at retail.

What is the one thing produce safety professionals need the most?

The 10-year old Food Safety Modernization Act is aging nicely, most industry leaders think.