The Blue Book will begin offering its extensive credit-reporting services to the lumber and building materials industry after being selected from among a half-dozen candidates to fill a void created when a long-time credit agency for that industry ceased operations. Since 1876, the lumber and building materials industry had relied on industry-specific credit information from an organization known as Lumbermens, according to Nicholas Kent, president and chief executive officer of the North American Wholesale Lumber Association, based in Rolling Meadows, IL. "Our association members were

Salyer American, based in Monterey, CA, is now offering a full line of cauliflower in a variety of colors under the "American Classic" brand. Harvested fresh from Salyer American farms in California and Arizona, these varieties are available year round and are all-natural, with no artificial colors or dyes added. Popularized by local farmers' markets, these heirloom varieties have made the jump to grocers' shelves nationwide. "American Classic" colored cauliflower can be found at select Safeway, Wal-Mart, Kroger, Albertsons, Ralphs and Dragers locations. While white cauliflower is a source for

Combs Produce, a company that celebrated its 50th year in Dallas in 2008, has partnered with a private equity firm in a concerted effort to grow itself with regard to geography and product lines. "We consider this a very good time to grow," Brett Combs, president of the family-run operation, told The Produce News Jan. 20. "Our business is strong - probably as strong as it has ever been." He acknowledged that the country is going through a difficult economic time, but he said that this has not hurt business for Combs Produce. "Sometimes you can make your best deals during a recession," he said

The Produce Marketing Association's I Know Produce on-line reference library has completed a major refresh to increase its value to wholesalers, foodservice companies and retailers who are seeking to increase produce sales, lower their shrink and get the most value for their produce investment. I Know Produce now delivers information on nearly 200 produce commodities and more than 2,800 varieties, making it the one of the more comprehensive and inclusive list of items available. The interactive on-line library provides global availability to help quickly source product, consumer- friendly

OJAI, CA -- The versatility of lemons was on display during a recent culinary showcase sponsored by Sunkist Growers Inc. and held at the Ojai Resort & Spa, here. While much of the country was in the grips of a cold snap the second week of January, foodservice editors from the consumer and trade media gathered Jan. 12-14 in this Southern California hamlet 15 miles east of Ventura, where temperatures soared to 90 degrees. The showcase featured presentations by Chefs Robert Danhi and Jill Davie, who prepared drinks, appetizers, salads, main courses and desserts featuring lemons as a key

The Produce Marketing Association Foundation for Industry Talent is pooling efforts toward identifying and attracting talent to the fresh produce industry. PMA FIT has raised about $3.5 million toward its goal of $5 million. "Philanthropy actually steps up in tough times," said Cindy Seel, executive director of PMA FIT, a nonprofit, 501(c)3 corporation that was founded in 2006 and is dedicated to ensuring a quality workforce for the industry. PMA FIT aims to identify and nurture current and future produce professionals. It uses individual and corporate contributions to fund a number of