LA MIRADA, CA -- A panel of Southern California retail produce executives discussed vendor relationships during the regular bimonthly membership meeting of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council, held here April 9, which drew an overflow crowd of 250 industry participants. Roger Schroeder, vice president of produce and floral for Stater Bros. Markets; Rob McDougall, vice president of produce for Gelson's; and Mike Yuro, produce buyer for KV Mart, discussed what vendors should and should not do when trying to sell them fresh fruits and vegetables, floral products and complementary items. Mr

WASHINGTON -- United Fresh Produce Association announced that it will expand its annual trade show and convention to focus on produce innovations, fresh meals and technology solutions for the retail and foodservice marketing channels, and the total fresh produce and fresh meals supply chains. United Fresh 2009 will be centrally located at the Sands Expo Center and The Venetian Hotel in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip, and will take place April 22-24, 2009. Both the full expo and all convention education programming will be easily accessible from the magnificent Venetian Hotel, which will

SALINAS, CA -- Local news sources reported that FBI and IRS agents executed a search warrant under a sealed affidavit on the offices of SK Foods on Wednesday morning, April 16, in Monterey, CA. Salinas, CA-based KSBW-TV reported that SK offices in the California towns of Williams and Lemoore were searched Wednesday morning in addition to the firm's Monterey headquarters, and that FBI agents confirmed a private residence also was searched. SK Foods began leasing the Monterey building in Ryan Ranch in February. The company's web site lists other facilities in the San Joaquin and Sacramento

FRESNO, CA -- FreshSense in Parlier, CA, which represents the "Ripe 'N Ready" brand of peaches, plums and nectarines from a group of California growers and packers, announced a new "Great Taste Guarantee" program for fruit packed under the "Ripe 'N Ready" label at an April 10 press conference. Under the guarantee, FreshSense promises "to buy back from consumers any piece of 'Ripe 'N Ready' fruit if it fails to deliver great taste," according to a prepared statement. FreshSense also announced the introduction of a new label, "Zeal," which will be used for fruit that is certified by Protected

SALINAS, CA -- California Leafy Greens Research Program is a new marketing order that replaces the longtime California Lettuce Research Board and now includes spinach and spring mix. The program's fiscal year began April 1 and operates under the California Department of Food & Agriculture, which oversaw the Salinas, CA-based California Lettuce Research Board. Mary Zischke, who was chief executive officer of the California Lettuce Research Board, retains her role as chief executive officer and sole administrator of the new program. She will continue to operate from the Grower-Shipper

"There are a million things going on at Frieda's," said Karen Caplan, president and chief executive officer of Frieda's Inc. in Los Alamitos, CA. "And some, like our 46th anniversary, are especially exciting. My mother, Frieda Caplan, started in business on April 2, 1962. Although every day is a celebration at Frieda's, this makes the day extra special." Ms. Caplan said that the company held a national sales meeting and then a celebratory luncheon, which included employees from other areas of the country. Frieda's is also celebrating new products and initiatives. The company launched a