Newly formed WEA Farms in Lima, Peru, is launching a new line of value-added fresh asparagus products for retailers. Focusing on providing value-added items like Euro covers, microwavable bags, MA bags, tips, clamshells and other special packs, WEA intends to energize the fresh asparagus industry.

Nogales, AZ-based Damon Distributing opened an office in Los Angeles the week of June 19 across from the Los Angeles Wholesale Market.

Though Damon Distributing is well acquainted with the Los Angeles Wholesale Market and services customers in Los Angeles, the opening of its L.A. facility marks the first time Damon Distributing has opened an office in Los Angeles.

The Perishables Group, an independent consulting firm specializing in the fresh foods industry, has a new agreement with BI LO and Bruno's to provide the necessary data and tools for a customized perishables performance tracking and category development program.

The agreement will enable BI LO/Bruno's and its supplier partners to gain new insights into category performance across the perishables departments including produce, meat, seafood, deli and bakery.

The Vidalia Onion Committee has designed three new brochures and point-of-sale cards available to growers and packers, produce managers, the public and anyone else wanting to find out about Vidalia onions and how to prepare them.

Vidalia Onions - Just the Sweet Facts is an informative brochure that tells all about the history of Vidalia onions, interesting facts, growing season and availability, planting and harvesting, and how to store and save.

Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc. in Coral Gables, FL, announced that it will partner with Disney to promote the upcoming DVD release of "Leroy & Stitch," the newest adventure from the original "Lilo & Stitch" series.

"We are very excited about this promotional tie-in with Disney because it promotes the release of the DVD in a fun way that encourages kids to eat more healthy fruits, and in this case, our delicious Del Monte Gold extra sweet pineapple," Matt Smith, vice president of marketing, said in a statement .

WASHINGTON -- A Senate subcommittee found fewer funds for specialty block grants and the fruit and vegetable snack program compared to the House's spending bill, but the produce industry pledged to push the funding levels back up during conference.

Western Growers Association praised Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D- CA), Larry Craig (R-ID) and other members of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee for securing $10 million in funding for Specialty Crop Block Grants in the Fiscal Year 2007 Agriculture Appropriations bill.