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Northwest potato suppliers say they are eager to rev up a major sales engine in their industry — foodservice — as the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic passes.

After a relatively light early crop — harvested from May to late June — California fig growers anticipate a full main crop when harvesting begins in July.

Potato production in the Northwest was strong in 2019, and the outlook for 2020 looks similar, said Chris Voigt, executive director of the Moses Lake-based Washington State Potato Commission.

California is forecast to have another record almond crop this year, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimating an increase of almost 18% over last season’s crop.

This month’s berry news and insights brought to you by The Packer and Produce Market Guide.

The National Mango Board is a sponsor of Kitchen Collaborative, a recipe development initiative in which chefs partner with sponsors to create recipes.

California Giant Berry Farms announced winners of its third annual Chef Invitational culinary competition.

California Prune growers are facing a 28% drop in prices and a 23% cut in crop deliveries.

Middleboro, Mass-based Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc. expects to have more fresh fruit this year compared with 2019.

Potato and onion marketers say COVID-19 has forced them to alter plans in certain channels, but the pandemic hasn’t stopped them.