Like many annual events over the past 12 months, the Viva Fresh Open paused in 2020 while the world coped with an unforeseen pandemic. But now, the eagerly awaited tournament resurfaces in Dallas as the industry gathers at the first in-person produce expo in more than a year.

Presented by BEBO Distributing Inc. and Wonderful Citrus, the sixth annual Viva Fresh Open will be held at Cowboys Golf Club, an NFL-themed golf club, on March 26. With a course designed by award-winning architect Jeff Brauer, it seamlessly blends with its pristine natural setting in the rolling hills of Grapevine. The

PRO*ACT has hired Dave Franza as its new director of technology. "We've been looking for someone who can accelerate our vision to simplify the complexities of produce procurement and distribution through leveraging emerging technologies across the supply chain," said CEO Chip Walker. "Dave's leadership as the IT and digital asset management architect for NFL's multi-site broadcast infrastructure speaks for itself; we are glad to have him on board."

Franza's extensive information technology career includes over 30 years with NFL Films and the NFL Network as CIO and vice president of production

The total U.S. online grocery market posted $9.3 billion in sales during January as more than 69.7 million U.S. households placed on average 2.8 orders across delivery, pickup and ship-to-home, according to the Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopping Survey fielded Jan. 28-31. The delivery and pickup segment captured $7.1 billion in January 2021, accounting for 77 percent of all online grocery spending during the month.

Total sales grew 15 percent in January 2021 vs. November 2020, driven largely by a 16 percent increase in the number of households buying online. Among the total household

Last year was big for learning to enjoy cooking at home and 2021 will be the year of perfecting at home meals, and Gold Coast is looking to fight cooking-at-home fatigue. The new two-pound items offer a larger pack of fresh vegetables, giving consumers the versatility of cooking from home with fewer trips to the grocery store. Whether trying to eat more plant-based or looking to incorporate more greens to your diet, Gold Coast has something to help fill the 2021 healthy eating goals.

“Before COVID smaller pack sizes dominated at the retail level, but as consumers shop less, and cook at home

G&R Farms is excited to continue the “Growing America’s Farmers” program with regional and national retailers looking to not only grow sales, but support scholarships for FFA students planning careers in production agriculture.

GAF is the brainchild of Walt Dasher, a third-generation Southeast Georgia farmer and a strong advocate of Future Farmers of America. Thanks to past retail partnerships, this program has helped raised over $150,000 for FFA member scholarships. As it enters its sixth year, G&R is expanding the program to add more consumer-based initiatives such as geotargeting and

Avocados From Mexico is teaming up with Mission Foods, a leading tortilla brand in the U.S., for the second consecutive year for the return of "Taco Tip Off." The promotional program celebrates the college basketball season and championship and offers a full court advantage to boost avocado sales and increase basket size with Mission brand pitas, taco shells and wraps. The partnership between the two game-day grub powerhouses is led by in-store merchandising centered around tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more, with comprehensive consumer savings through April 5. 

Research from Numerator