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Matt Steve Pandol Jr. of Pandol Bros., 60, died unexpectedly April 21 at his home in Delano, Calif., according to a family statement.

Fusarium wilt is one of the most common reasons for crop loss and death, yet 55% to 59% of cultivars planted in the state since 2014 have not been resistant, according to research from University of California, Davis.

The Cincinnati-based grocer says its recycling program has processed more than 1 million pieces of iOur Brands flexible plastic product packaging. The company has also added two products made with upcycled ingredients.

A greater percentage of higher-income consumers reported fresh artichoke purchases; 14% of consumers making more than $100,000 per year said they purchased fresh artichokes in the previous year.

The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2023 survey found that 11% of consumers said they purchased apricots in the past year, unchanged from 11% in Fresh Trends 2022.

The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2023 survey, indicated that 58% of consumers purchased fresh apples in the past year, compared with 55% in Fresh Trends 2022.

More than 8 of 10 consumers in The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2023 survey said they were paying more for fresh fruits and vegetables than the prior year. Here’s what they said about how that’s affecting shopping decisions.

Organic offerings from Salinas, Calif.-based 68 Produce LLC will likely be over two times more than in past years, says Mike Reed, sales executive.

Consumers are becoming more health conscious, and that is a good sign for organic produce sales, says Michael Boskovich, organic sales representative for Boskovich Farms, Oxnard, Calif.

Placement is key to ensuring consistent mango movement in the produce department, and that can be especially true for Cinco de Mayo — or “Cinco de Mango,” as the National Mango Board refers to the holiday.