WASHINGTON -- Attendees of the upcoming United Produce Show in Chicago will have new opportunities to network this year with the addition of a hospitality center on the trade show floor, a new daily Retail Executive Forum and new space to squeeze in more exhibitors. While United's Produce Show has evolved by sharing its meeting with retailers at the Food Marketing Institute, the Fancy Foods Show, All Things Organic and the U.S. Food Export Showcase, it has left produce executives with too little time for formal networking throughout the supply chain. "Too often we just seem to be running so

Weight Watchers, a long-trusted authority on promoting healthful eating, has chosen Vidalia onions as its second quarter 2006 Pick of the Season. Weight Watchers started its Pick of the Season program in 2004 to promote the health benefits of fresh produce. Since its inception, the quarterly spotlight on seasonal fruits and vegetables has touted the benefits of carrots, watermelons, bananas and similar fresh "picks." During the second quarter of 2006 (April 1 to June 30), Weight Watchers will promote Vidalia onions in several ways. About 1 million fold-out Vidalia onion recipe and fact cards

CHESHIRE, CT -- Bozzuto's Inc. has announced the promotion of Greg Veneziano to director of produce and floral, where his responsibilities will include overseeing the administrative, procurement and merchandising functions of the produce and floral departments for the wholesale grocer based here. He will report directly to Steve Heggelke, senior vice president of merchandising and procurement. Mr. Veneziano has been with Bozzuto's since 1993, when he joined the company as produce merchandiser for the corporate stores. He quickly advanced to store manager, and in 1995, he was brought to the

SALINAS, CA -- Green Giant Fresh by Growers Express, a leading producer of fresh vegetables, has named Gary D. Andreasian director of produce management. In addition to managing broccoli and Iceberg lettuce sales, Mr. Andreasian will oversee international sales and manage the following product managers: John E. Corea, who will manage celery and back up for several key items. Martin R. Johnson, who will manage green onions, radishes and other items and will become more involved in international sales. Robert E. Ligon, who will manage cauliflower, spinach and cabbages and back up on other items

James Nolan Cook, founder of Cook Produce Inc. in Glendale, AZ, died Dec. 5, 2005, after a short illness. He was 85. Born Nov. 17, 1919 in Key West Township, Coffey County, KS, Mr. Cook moved with his family to Salinas, CA, in 1935, where he soon found employment in the produce industry. During World War II, Mr. Cook served in the U.S. Navy, and while stationed in the Panama Canal Zone, he met his wife, Katheryn (Kay) Jane Sanders of Fort Worth, TX, who was serving there with the Red Cross. After the war, they moved to Salinas where Mr. Cook worked for Bud Antle Inc. as sales manager. In 1956

The "Wholeaves" bagged salad program of Salinas, CA-based Mills Family Farms has been certified by the American Heart Association as heart-healthy -- the first bagged salad to receive such designation. The "Wholeaves" green leaf, red leaf, green cascade mix and Romaine lettuce all have been certified by the American Heart Association, which certifies products that meet food criteria for saturated fat and cholesterol for healthy people over age 2. "Wholeaves" are ready-to-use, individual premium lettuce leaves that are individually selected, separated from the core with a patented "no-cut"