Once grown primarily for export, white-flesh California peaches and nectarines have found a solid niche in the domestic market. They now represent roughly 25 percent of the state's peach and nectarine volume, and while they are still in demand in the Asian markets, growers say that majority of the white-flesh crop is now sold in the United States. That number is expected to grow as more and more consumers discover the white-flesh varieties, which are generally characterized not only by their snowy-white interior color but by high sugar levels and low acid levels. Industry crop estimates call

Jim Cranney, vice president of the Vienna, VA-based U.S. Apple Association, has resigned from his position at the association and will become president of the California Citrus Quality Council, according to a source familiar with the situation who wished to remain anonymous. Mr. Cranney, who has worked at USApple for the past 15 years, will depart the association on June 20. He was unavailable for comment as of this publication's deadline. The California Citrus Quality Council, which is based in Auburn, provides a variety of technical guidance, advocacy and quality-control elements to all

Salinas, CA-based Tanimura & Antle announced May 23 that Central Sales Manager John Killeen and Western Sales Manager Steve Koran both will be leaving the company to pursue other interests outside the Salinas area. "While both will be missed, we have made the decision not to fill these positions," Rick Antle, president of Tanimura & Antle, said in a press release announcing their departures. "In electing to not fill these positions, we have empowered each of our sales associates to be the key contact for their customers. By having direct contact on all aspects with their customers and our

J.R. (Jack) Simplot, a pioneer of the Idaho potato industry, founder of the J.R. Simplot Co. and one of the 100 wealthiest Americans, died of natural causes May 25 at his home in Boise, ID. He was 99. "Former [Idaho] Gov. Phil Batt, who knew [Mr.] Simplot well, said he was among the most important figures in the state's history," stated an obituary in the Idaho Statesman. The article quoted Mr. Batt as saying, "I think [Mr. Simplot] did more to build Idaho than any other one person." "The potato industry has lost one of its inspired leaders in the passing of J.R. Simplot," Frank Muir

A strategic alliance forged by two industry veterans will seek to advance tracking and traceability of fresh produce items. Anthony Totta, founder of the produce consultancy Grow My Profits, has teamed with agronomist Helmut Leili, who now carries the title of business intelligence consultant, track and trace specialist for Grow My Profits, which is based in Kansas City, MO. Grow My Profits is offering private consulting services on tracking and traceability. In addition, beginning early this summer, the firm will begin a series of related industry seminars. Mr. Leili, a graduate of the

LAS VEGAS, NV -- With more than 1,000 acres planted in its trademark SCS- certified, pesticide-free white, red, yellow and sweet onions, Peri & Sons has begun shipping product from a new, multi-million-dollar packing facility just outside Firebaugh, CA. The shipment represents a sizable investment for Yerington, NV-based Peri & Sons, which grows onions on more than 2,000 acres in its home state and will now offer its customers a longer supply of its own product. Tim Cummings, marketing director for Peri & Sons, said that the expansion into neighboring California represents part of the company