Diamond Fruit Growers Inc., based in Odell, OR, has named Al Gosiak as its new chief executive. Mr. Gosiak, who is now on board full time in the position, was initially hired May 22. During a transitional period, he phased out his responsibilities as president of Pendleton Grain Growers in Umatilla County. PGG is a 2,400-member grower cooperative with extensive experience in seed growing and cleaning. Under his 12 years of leadership, the cooperative made significant strides to produce and market biodiesel made from waste grease and oilseed crops. "Diamond is one of the largest pear packers in

The 2006-07 tomato season was the last for Big Red Tomato Packers LLC. The Ft. Pierce, FL-based grower-shipper, one of the larger tomato operations on the state's east coast, closed its doors in June after 30 years in business, said David Neill, Big Red Tomato Packers' managing partner. "The decision was made over the course of the last couple of years looking at the economics of the tomato business," Mr. Neill told The Produce News. "The risk-reward ratio was out of kilter, and we decided we'd rather leave a winner rather than a loser. Tomatoes have been good to us for years and years, and it

Honeycrisp apples from Michigan are about to hit store shelves, according to the Michigan Apple Committee. Consumers can expect to see the Honeycrisp in supermarkets and farm markets soon. Some growers have already started to harvest the Honeycrisp, about two weeks earlier than originally anticipated, Denise Yockey, the committee's executive director, said in a press release. "Michigan apple growers are delighted with the overwhelming response apple fans have had to the Honeycrisp," Ms. Yockey said in the release. "In fact, the superb quality and taste have earned the Honeycrisp distinction as

Seald Sweet International LLC, a leading citrus marketer based in Vero Beach, FL, announced several high-level executive changes, including the appointment of the first female chief executive officer in its 98-year history. Mayda Sotomayor, who previously held the title of senior vice president, is now chief executive officer. Ms. Sotomayor was promoted to senior vice president of Seald Sweet in 2004, having been the company's director of import sales since 2000. For 11 years prior to that, she developed the import program of Great American Farms in Pompano Beach, FL. According to Seald Sweet

Bill Brewer, executive director of the Oregon Potato Commission, said that potato growers are looking for a return to normal production in 2007. "So far, we're happy with the quality," Mr. Brewer told The Produce News. "Potato growers are pretty happy with their crops at this time." In 2006, Oregon potato growers experienced a weather rollercoaster. Planting was delayed during a wet, cool spring. Temperatures then began to climb before a second cooling trend set in. In July, the mercury shot up. This season, Mr. Brewer said Mother Nature was more cooperative. "We had some late frost that set

The Washington Apple Commission is expecting the 2007-08 apple crop to be down approximately 3 percent when compared to 2006-07, which is expected to finish around 98.9 million boxes. In 2007-08 the Red Delicious crop, which accounts for approximately 35 percent of total apple volume from Washington, is expected to be down approximately 5.9 million boxes due to cold spring weather and light return bloom. Good supplies of top grades are expected, and quality is good. Gala production is expected to increase by approximately 1.4 million boxes. Quality is expected to be good with a range of sizes