“Organic is a huge focus for us in January and February,” said Patrick Lucy, president of Del Rey Avocado Co., based in Fallbrook, CA. “People are trying to eat healthy starting off the new year, and there is not a better tasting or healthier option for food than organic avocados.” The California grower-packer oversees groves stretching from San Diego to San Luis Obispo County, and imports from Mexico, Peru, and Chile, making Del Rey an industry leader for year-round supply of conventional and organic avocados. Del Rey cites its deep roots, with over 40-years of growing and packing experience

The Hass Avocado Board is expanding its partnership with the nonprofit Walk with a Doc for a second year to step up education about the importance of investing in heart health through nutrition, movement, and community. With heart conditions linked to greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19, the public health campaign helps address preventable risk factors starting with an interactive virtual walk event during American Heart Month (February). The program will engage WWAD’s network of over 28,000 current and future healthcare professionals and walkers, and continue throughout the year with

Avocados From Mexico is headed back to the big game with a multifaceted campaign designed to engage consumers and make avocados shoppable at every touchpoint during the biggest avocado occasion of the year. From the House of Goodness digital experience, to in-store QR codes that drive directly to the brand's website and a new partnership with eCommerce Acceleration platform MikMak, AFM's 2022 big game campaign will link brand awareness and sales like never before. During the weeks leading up to the big game weekend, AFM is responsible for approximately 95 percent of avocado sales in the United

Mission Produce Inc. appointed Shaunte Mears-Watkins to its board of directors. She will stand for election at the company’s 2022 annual meeting of stockholders. Mears-Watkins is an accomplished global sales and marketing executive with over 20 years of experience and is known for her innovative strategic perspective and global P&L leadership in the consumer product and food industries. She currently serves as the chief commercial officer at Clif Bar & Co., a double-digit growth manufacturer in the energy food and drink space. Before joining Clif Bar & Co. in the summer of 2021, Mears-Watkins

The Hass Avocado Board announced two producers and two importers have been seated to HAB’s executive committee for the 2022 board year following an election by the 12-member board of directors. The 2022 HAB executive committee members are: Producer Salvador Dominguez from Santa Paula, CA, as chairperson Producer Ben Van Der Kar of Carpinteria, CA, as vice chairperson Importer Sergio Chavez as secretary Importer Aaron Acosta as treasurer “Having served on the committee in 2021 as vice chairperson, I’m pleased to serve as chairperson for the upcoming board year,” said newly seated HAB

Calavo Growers Inc. has appointed Brian W. Kocher as president and CEO of the company effective Feb. 1. “After conducting a thorough search, including interviews with several well qualified candidates, Brian Kocher was the clear choice of our board of directors to become the next president and CEO of Calavo Growers,” said Calavo Chairman J. Link Leavens. “Brian’s deep knowledge, expertise and operational leadership in the fresh produce industry as a CEO, COO and CFO make him uniquely qualified to lead Calavo forward and position our company for growth. We are delighted to welcome Brian to our