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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.

Tasteful Selections is giving away an indoor herb growing kit, a gardening tool set and a stainless watering sprayer in February as part of a 10-year anniversary celebration.

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

Rough weather during the U.S. potato harvest last fall continues to shake up the markets well into 2020, marketers say.

Delayed rain in Chile and Mexico and freezes in Southern California could mean the national market needs more volume from Southeastern berry growers.

Fresh Del Monte officials say 2019’s increase in earnings reflects the company’s diversification into fresh-cut and value-added, a move the company began with the purchase of Mann Packing two years ago.

Consumer research and sales data will take center stage at the Power of Produce education session Feb. 27 at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure.

The Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure marks the start of another year of the Southeast Training Education Program for Upcoming Produce Professionals — also known as STEP-UPP.