Twice as many produce companies have gone out of business owing money so far this year than in a comparable period last year, according to the records kept by The Produce Reporter Co. on firms listed in its Blue Book industry directory and rating service. "[The years] 2006 and 2007 were average for the number of listed companies being reported to have ceased operating with obligations not fully liquidated," Ken Schultz, vice president of rating services for the Carol Stream, IL-based firm, told The Produce News. He called the increase this year "unusually large," even when compared to other

Usually, an industry event brings out the best in people with much boasting about their great sales, new store openings, growth in the company and loads of promotional success stories. However, the scenario has changed from a braggadocio tone to a much more oppressive atmosphere. For example, at a recent industry food show, people could be heard off to one side discussing their business woes and bewailing about the poor economy, weakening sales, wary government politics, company tensions and tough competition. And the griping, grouching and grumblings are getting intense and louder by the day

ORLANDO, FL -- In his state-of-the-industry address at Fresh Summit 2008, Produce Marketing Association President Bryan Silbermann stretched back some 45 years to borrow inspiration from Bob Dylan's seminal song, "The Times They Are A-Changin.' " Mr. Dylan sang in part, "Then you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone, for the times they are a-changin,'" to which Mr. Silbermann added, "We're not swimming fast enough." Mr. Dylan also sang, "For he that gets hurt will be he who has stalled," a theme Mr. Silbermann wove through his remarks. Mr. Silbermann also borrowed a quote from

The Idaho Potato Commission's comic book capers are back again to help fight against evil and -- even worse -- lackluster produce sales. The award-winning ad series launched last fall to rave reviews, and will return this year, according to the commission. The eight-ad campaign features an array of comic book characters including caped crusaders, superheroes, mad scientists and Old West cowboys all touting the power of stocking Idaho potatoes. "We have received nothing but positive feedback from our retailers and industry peers since the comic book ad campaign launched last fall," Seth Pemsler

WASHINGTON -- There is every incentive for the produce industry to follow the industry's new traceability guidelines, but there is no need for the federal government to mandate a new traceability system, produce trade groups said at an Oct. 16 meeting. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration held its first of two public workshops to discuss what needs to be done to enhance a tracking system during outbreaks. The second workshop in Oakland, CA, is planned for Nov. 13. At the Oct. 16 meeting in College Park, MD, FDA officials focused on gaps in the traceability system that have tripped up

River Ranch Fresh Foods LLC, a leading processor of fresh produce based in Salinas, CA, announced the addition of Romaine Garden to its line of salad blends. Reflecting a rapidly growing demand for Romaine lettuce, the introduction of this blend will expand the appeal and reach of the "Garden Fresh" family. With the goal of boosting the sales momentum of the Romaine Garden blend and sharpening the shelf appeal of its entire line of Garden Fresh salads, River Ranch introduced a new design for its packaging, based on the considerations of overpopulated supermarket shelves and the increasingly