The Really Cool Food Co. LLC, a leading natural and organic prepared foods company, and Renaissance Food Group LLC, a leader in the distribution and production of fresh value-added fruits and vegetables, have announced a merger that will offer retailers and consumers a broad selection of the freshest prepared and value-added fresh foods available. Renaissance Food Group will lead the sales and marketing team for the combined companies and will additionally utilize a network of production facilities and distribution centers strategically located across the country. The merger will combine the

CHICAGO -- The United States and Canada signed a historic equivalency agreement that will allow the smooth flow of certified-organic products between the two countries and support the continued growth of the rapidly expanding organic market in North America. The agreement -- the first of its kind for the organic industry -- was signed June 17 during the Organic Trade Association's All Things Organic conference and trade show, held here June 16-18. "This is the first step toward global harmonization of organic standards and marks a historic moment for the organic community," Kathleen Merrigan

Keystone Fruit Marketing's successful advertising campaign last summer encouraged consumers across Southern California to Make a Burger (or Salad) Better by adding Walla Walla River sweet onions to their favorite recipe. This year, Keystone has plans to make its Summer marketing push bigger and better by expanding efforts into new West Coast markets, focusing more effectively on key geographic locations and outdoor media, and introducing a new message targeted at consumers. Keystone's 2009 Walla Walla Sweet Onions advertising campaign -- The Sweet Taste of Summer -- will feature larger-than

So the headline is not exactly accurate. Adam Bazarnick is the produce director for the nine-store Nugget Market chain based in Woodland, CA, which was recently named by Forbes magazine as one of the top 10 retailers for which to work in the nation. As far as concert promoter goes, Mr. Bazarnick said, "There really is no title for what I do. When the company puts on an event, I put together the light show, contact the bands and the sound guys, and put it together. I do what a tour manager does. " More on that later. Mr. Bazarnick grew up in Davis, CA, which is home to one of the top

Continuing a series of successful growing seasons, New Jersey growers are anticipating more of the same for 2009. In New Jersey, the term "normal season" has come to be characterized by strong consumer and industry demand, excellent volume and high quality, all backed up by a comprehensive advertising and promotional plan. With a world-renowned reputation for quality and taste, plus a string of consecutive successful growing seasons, New Jersey blueberry growers are already seeing great interest in this year's crop. Early indications show that New Jersey growers expect this season to closely

With its specialty tomato offerings continuing to expand each season, Mastronardi Produce, based in Kingsville, ON, has begun delivering the European sensation Kumato tomato variety to retailers across North America. "We continue our worldwide research and development of unique, flavorful, gourmet tomatoes, and in launching the Kumato in North America, believe this authentic European variety will be a hit with tomato connoisseurs," Paul Mastronardi, executive vice president of Mastronardi Produce, said in a press release. "For years, consumers throughout Europe have enjoyed the Kumato, and we