EASTON, CA -- Around 18 months ago, drawing on the results of consumer research, the California Raisin Marketing Board in Fresno, CA, developed a new advertising and marketing concept for California raisins that focused on the health and nutritional benefits of raisins in the diet. The resultant campaign, now in its second year, is built around the theme "Wise Choices," and consumers as well as retail, foodservice and industrial customers have all been responsive to the message, according to Larry Blagg, senior vice president of marketing. Speaking at the San Joaquin Valley Grape Symposium

WASHINGTON -- Food safety will remain the top concern for produce industry trade groups in 2008, but they will be juggling other matters as Congress looks to capitalize on issues during an important election year. "I see significant attention to food safety in 2008," said Robert Guenther, senor vice president of public policy for the United Fresh Produce Association. More than 75 legislative proposals were introduced on food safety in 2007, and Congress is looking at comprehensive reform of FDA's food safety authorities after scares involving pet food and seafood late last year. Despite the

Dale Liefer of Westlake Produce Co. retired from the Los Angeles-based company he has headed for nearly 20 years. His retirement was effective Dec. 31, 2007. Jeff Miller, president of the company since January 2007 and one of the four remaining partners, will continue in that position. He joined Westlake in 1997 when Ed Miller Co. merged with Westlake. Bill Brooks, a partner since his company Brooks & Sims merged with Westlake in 2001, will share equally with Mr. Miller in the day-to-day operation and management of Westlake. Partners Wayne Giddings, who manages the day-to- day operations of

Dave Eldredge, president and chief executive officer of Salinas, CA-based NewStar Fresh Foods LLC, relinquished those titles in mid-December. Mr. Eldredge, who remains a partner in NewStar, retains his role on the board of directors of the California Leafy Green Handler Marketing Agreement and serves on that board's communications committee. The decision to leave NewStar was strictly his own decision, Mr. Eldredge said. That view is shared by Mark Drever, one of several owners of NewStar, who has stepped in to fill Mr. Eldredge's role with the company. Mr. Eldredge said he's pleased with

Albert's Organics announced that its Albert's Twin Cities General Manager Leonard Bibb has been promoted to the position of national operations director, a new position. Mr. Bibb will report to Greg Cota, vice president of operations. Mr. Bibb, a fourth-generation food industry veteran, spent 18 years at Fleming, where he held various positions including division president, prior to joining Albert's in 2006. "We are extremely pleased to have such a seasoned individual to lead our new operations organization," Kurt Luttecke, Albert's Organics president, said in a statement. "We look forward to

Santa Maria, CA-based Red Blossom Farms and Fresno, CA-based ASG Produce Inc. have merged companies to form Red Blossom Sales Inc. in Santa Maria. The merger was effective Jan. 1. ASG Produce has been the sales arm for Red Blossom Farms, and after working as a team for three years, Red Blossom Farms and ASG have joined forces to build a seamless marketing company with in-house sales. The merger creates administrative and service synergies for Red Blossom Sales as well as for the firm's growers and customers. Sales will continue to be headquartered in Oxnard, CA, under ASG's Craig Casca; David