Fruit Patch Sales LLC in Dinuba, CA, which hired Rick Eastes as vice president of sales and marketing in December, has announced the addition of several other people to its sales team. Tony Supino, who has been in the produce business for about 12 years including the last eight years as a sales executive at Wawona Packing Inc. in Cutler, CA, and George Neves, who sold a diversified tree fruit program at Ito Packing in Reedley, CA, for the last 15 seasons, have joined Fruit Patch as sales executives, according to a Jan. 5 press release. A third veteran salesperson, whose name has yet to be

William F. Consalo, a former president of Wm. Consalo & Sons Farms Inc. in Vineland, NJ, died Sunday, Jan. 4, at his home in Vineland following a bout with cancer. He was 82 years old. Mr. Consalo was one of four sons of company founder William Consalo, who started the wholesale produce distribution firm in 1927. The other sons were Anthony, known as Andy, who died some years ago, as well as Augustus (Augie) and Vincent Sr., who both retired a few years ago. William Francis Consalo was born Dec. 29, 1926, in Medford, NJ. He lived in Richwood, NJ, and Union, NJ, for much of his life before

To-Jo Mushrooms, based in Avondale, PA, has partnered with EnerNOC Inc. for Demand Response, an energy-conservation program that reduces stress on the electric power grid during periods of high demand. Anthony D'Amico, executive vice president of To-Jo, cited environmental stewardship as a company priority and a driving force behind the decision to implement the program that conserves energy and makes a positive impact with community neighbors. "The combination of To-Jo's desire to conserve energy and EnerNOC's monitoring and technical capabilities make for a strong partnership that should

After 23 years with Philadelphia-based John Vena Inc., Charles D. Pigliacelli, partner and director of store operations, retired on the final day of 2008. "I will miss everyone in this industry," Mr. Pigliacelli said in a press release. "I was proud to be a part of John Vena Inc.'s growth and expansion and rise to one of the best houses on the street." Mr. Pigliacelli started in the produce industry immediately after graduating from St. Joseph's College (now University) with a bachelor's degree in accounting. He began his career at M. Levin & Co. before moving to Ralph D. Hughes Inc. He joined

The Southeast Produce Council will honor Ferdinand S. Duda with its 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award at the council's annual conference in early March. Mr. Duda, who has been a member of the board of directors of Oviedo, FL- based A. Duda & Sons Inc. since 1981 and chairman since January 2005, will receive the award Saturday, March 7, during the keynote luncheon, part of the council's annual retail and foodservice conference and exposition, scheduled for March 5-7 in Tampa, FL. Mr. Duda is the second recipient of the award; he follows Joe McGee, founder of L&M Cos. in Raleigh, NC, who received

When Ted Campbell, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Association in Dover, FL, joined the firm in early August, he brought many years of retail experience with him. That experience is proving helpful in the production and wholesale ends of the business. "I was the corporate director of produce and floral for Supervalu in Minneapolis for many years," said Mr. Campbell. "Historically, there has always been a disconnect between farmers and retailers, especially regarding prices. When the market is depressed, there can be animosity between the two sectors. When there is a market glut