NASHVILLE — Produce companies visited with buyers about organic products, packaging that uses less plastic, value-added foodservice items and more during the Southern Innovations Organics & Foodservice Expo.

The Organic Trade Association took out a full page ad in the Wall Street Journal Sept. 12 pushing back against what the group called misleading and derogatory attacks on organic food.

Fallbrook, Calif.-based Del Rey Avocado Co. Inc. is reaping the benefits from its decision 12 years ago to make a commitment to growing organic fruit.

Houston-based Brothers Produce has hired James Brock as marketing and media director.

Reedley, Calif.-based Family Tree Farms has hired Lauren Tomasello as the company’s marketing administrator.

Hartsville, S.C.-based Sonoco Corp. has acquired three other packaging companies in the past 18 months.

Are fresh fruits and vegetables getting their “fair share”?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced it is planning to purchase up to $3.369 million in fresh lemons in January.

Argentina blueberry prospects appear solid for the September through December season, marketers say.

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and Southeast AgNet are partnering to provide the latest news on citrus-related research in a monthly podcast.