Viva Tierra Organic, Inc. (VTC), Mount Vernon, Wash., introduced a new line of retail packaging for its California-grown, certified-organic apples and pears.

Hazel Technologies, Inc., a Chicago-based, USDA-supported agricultural technology company, announced $13 million in Series B funding, bringing the company's cumulative total raised to $17.8 million.

Farmhouse Culture, Watsonville, Calif., unveiled a new brand identity that represents the clean ingredients, freshness and flavor of its Kraut, Gut Shot probiotic drinks and Kraut Krisps kraut-based snacks.

Providing better fresh produce, bakery products and proteins thanks to quality packaging that extends shelf life is the core objective of the EU-funded NanoPack Project.

Ben E. Keith Foods, Fort Worth, Texas, announced a plastic reduction initiative, in conjunction with Markon Cooperative Inc., Salinas, Calif., intended to move the produce industry away from single-use plastic.

California Giant, Watsonville, Calif., conducted field tests on prototype cardboard clamshells for fresh strawberries to determine the most environmental-friendly package.

Flavorful Brands, LLC, Los Angeles, introduced new grab-and-go, snackable-size packaging for its Tasti-Lee brand of tomatoes.

Vision Produce, Los Angeles, announced plans to expand its Phoenix, Ariz., warehouse and transportation center.

Marks & Spencer (M&S), London, launched over 90 lines of loose fruits and vegetables completely free of plastic packaging in a trial at its Tolworth, London, store in an effort to reduce the amount of plastic it uses.

The research team at University of California, Davis, Davis, Calif., is taking a multidisciplinary approach to reduce microbial cross-contamination when produce contacts plastic totes and bins or plastic liners in bins.