SAN ANTONIO — Editor-in-chief Tom Karst and retail editor Ashley Nickle discuss some of the big stories of the week, from news at the PBH Consumer Connection conference to a Walmart report and interviews with execs on what makes a great produce manager.

Mike Krage is the Idaho Potato Commission’s newest retail promotions director, covering the Northeast and Midwest.

Walmart plans to expand BrightFarms packaged salad offerings to 50 stores in the Columbus, Ohio, area, after a successful launch in the state.

Consumer prices for some tomato varieties from Mexico could initially rise 40% in the U.S. when domestic supplies are low, according to an analysis on possible effect of duties on imported tomatoes when the Tomato Suspension Agreement is dropped in early May.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Have a Plant will succeed Fruits & Veggies — More Matters as the new consumer marketing message from the Produce for Better Health Foundation to promote fruit and vegetable consumption.

The produce industry wants in on the plant-based trend, so what follows is a look at which shopper segments are using plant-based protein, followed by a snapshot of how the volume of hashtags related to the plant-based movement compares to those of other food buzzwords, from healthy to organic to local.

Vidalia onions are now shipping to retailers, and the Vidalia Onion Committee is celebrating its new marketing campaign, The Sweet Life.

Medicaid beneficiaries with diet-related chronic illnesses can receive prescriptions and coupons for fresh produce as a part of a pilot with a Giant Food store in Washington D.C.

Hanford, Calif.-based Flavor Tree Fruit Co. LLC now is focusing on specialty items for the California summer fruit deal, and perhaps its biggest is its Verry Cherry plum – a high-brix fruit cross between various cherry and plum varieties, said Maurice Cameron, president.

Index Fresh, Riverside, Calif., is again shipping Gem avocados, to complement full-size hass avocados grown in California.