WENATCHEE, WA -- In a June 23 ceremony surrounded by family, friends, employees and colleagues, Tom Mathison, founder of apple packer-shipper Stemilt Growers Inc., here, announced that he will step down from the company presidency and hand the leadership reigns to his grandson, West Mathison. West Mathison has served as Stemilt's executive vice president since 2003. He is the son of Jan and Kyle Mathison. Kyle is Tom Mathison's youngest son. "This day basically formalizes what has been on the calendar for nearly three years," Tom Mathison said, referring to the company's established succession

Chiquita Brands International Inc., based in Cincinnati, announced June 28 that it has completed its acquisition of the Fresh Express unit of Richmond, VA-based Performance Food Group. The purchase price was $855 million. The deal, which was first announced in February, was supposed to close in April. But citing legal matters involving the conduct of some of its employees, Chiquita announced April 25 that the acquisition would be delayed for up to two months. At the time there was speculation that the deal would fall through, with some in the industry questioning whether Chiquita would be able

WASHINGTON -- The Senate Finance Committee has approved the controversial trade agreement that would eliminate tariffs on goods traded with Central American countries, clearing the way for a Senate floor vote in the next few weeks. Backed by President Bush, the Central American Free Trade Agreement would phase out or eliminate tariffs on products from the United States that are sold in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. While the accord's future is far from wrapped up in the Senate, supporters are expected to face even stiffer opposition in the

California Giant has launched a national foodservice program for its "Just Strawberries" juice drink. This new initiative is the next step in the product launch based on the strong distribution and increased consumer demand at the retail level for "Just Strawberries. The company is very pleased to announced that Chicago-based Fresh Connect is now representing "Just Strawberries within the foodservice trade. Led by CEO Andy Siegel, his national sales team will provide a targeted sales presence with headquarters calls to foodservice operators, distributors, school foodservice and other

Salinas, CA-based Classic Salads LLC teamed up with the Salinas Jaycees & Friends for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, which was held June 17-18. Classic Salads and Salinas Jaycees & Friends together made a sizable donation to the Salinas Relay for Life. Classic's donation helped with relay costs, such as apparel and booth supplies. All proceeds from the Salinas Jaycees will be donated to The American Cancer Society's Salinas Relay for Life. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is an overnight team event that raises awareness of cancer in the community and raises funds to

READING, PA -- Quietly tucked away in the scenic rolling farm country of southeastern Pennsylvania, independent retailer Redner's Warehouse Markets is doing just fine in this era of retail consolidation. Produce buyer Jim Hickey said that the firm was started in 1970 by Earl and Mary Redner. Today one of their sons, Dick, is company president. Another son, Gary, is executive vice president and heads distribution and buying. He buys meat and is the direct buyer of California produce. "I buy everything north, south, east and west of California," mused Mr. Hickey. The Redner family now owns 37