The California Avocado Commission is shifting promotion plans during the COVID-19 crisis, including shifting billboard ads to online content.

Berry People is in growth mode, hiring people and moving to a larger office in Hollister to accommodate the new sales and administrative teams.

Antonio Villasenor, founder of Michoacan, Mexico, avocado grower-exporter Aztecavo, recently received accolades from the industry and government for his role in the growth of the industry.

The volume of bagged avocados continues to increase every year as consumers seek convenience and/or value options, and retailers discover another way to merchandise avocados and drive sales of multiple pieces of fruit.

Eco Farms, Temecula, Calif., has doubled the ripening capacity in its packinghouse, said Gahl Crane, sales director.

Mission Produce Inc., Oxnard, Calif., has hired Mike Browne as chief operating officer, according to a news release.

Exports typically don’t account for much of the volume from California avocado grower-shippers, but most companies have at least a small export program, which they say can be quite lucrative.

The Mission Viejo, Calif.-based Hass Avocado Board is looking for a few good men and women to serve as board members, according to a news release.

Just as demand for conventional avocados continues to climb, so does demand for their organic counterparts.

Several California growers offer the new GEM avocado, but credit for bringing the variety to the forefront should go to Index Fresh Inc., Riverside, Calif.