A new partnership with Golden Maid Packers in Strathmore, CA, has added domestic citrus to items shipped by Vancouver, BC-based The Oppenheimer Group. According to a press release from Oppenheimer, California-grown Valencia and Navel oranges and lemons will begin shipping in early May, marking the first time the "Oppenheimer" brand has appeared on domestically grown citrus. John Anderson, president, chairman and chief executive officer of Oppenheimer, said in the press release, "The global citrus category is very dynamic right now. Adding domestic fruit to our repertoire enables us to market a

LAS VEGAS -- The national fruit and vegetable promotion concept being advanced by the Produce for Better Health Foundation was the subject of two add-on workshop sessions at the recently concluded United Fresh Produce Association convention, here. Foundation President Elizabeth Pivonka, who has been traveling around the country giving a presentation about the proposed program to numerous individuals, associations, media and allied industry groups, ran through the concept for convention attendees before opening the floor to comments. She and foundation Chairman Paul Klutes of C.H. Robinson

LAS VEGAS -- The United Fresh Produce Association wasn't really gambling when it came up with the timely idea to showcase a Produce Traceability Demo Center, here, at United Fresh 2009. The demo center was a natural extension of the Produce Traceability Initiative launched last year by United Fresh, the Produce Marketing Association and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association. The demo center accommodated plenty of foot traffic to the 13 exhibiting companies. There also were daily roundtable discussions on traceability systems and meeting areas adjacent to the demo center. The center was

OVIEDO, FL -- Bob Gray has announced that he will step down as chief executive officer of Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc., effective June 1. He will remain with the company in an advisory capacity through Aug. 1. Mr. Gray's decision comes at a time when the company is planning to consolidate its diversified business unit leadership teams here. "This is something I have known about for some time and is also something that I have been reluctant to embrace," Mr. Gray said in an April 30 statement. "I will always cherish and remember the time I have spent with the Duda company, as I truly believe that

In late April, Salyer American Fresh Foods Inc., based in Salinas, CA, told its growers to stop planting crops for the firm as it was planning to close its doors after the crops already in the field are harvested. Although Salyer American President Eric Schwartz did not return multiple phone calls requesting comment, many people in the Salinas Valley had first- and second-hand knowledge of Salyer American's decision with regard to its growers. "It is true," said Glen Dupree, vice president and chief financial officer of Merrill Farms, a longtime Salinas operation that was one of Salyer

WATSONVILLE, CA -- The California Giant Berry Farms cycling team will be competing this weekend (May 2-3) at the Tour of the Gila in Silver City, NM. This five-stage road race has been a favorite of the team for the past several years, but this year might be a little more memorable for the riders. The incentive to win this year is even greater as the Cal Giant riders get the opportunity to finally race against seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong. Race organizers confirmed that Mr. Armstrong is returning to competition at the upcoming Tour of the Gila after recovering from