As part of the Mushroom Council's renewed effort to increase demand for fresh mushrooms, it recently adopted a new logo and tagline -- "Mushrooms. Nature's Hidden Treasure." -- which will be used in consumer and foodservice communications.

The logo and tagline are available for use on packages of fresh mushrooms at retail, providing a unifying theme for U.S. mushroom growers or shippers whose mushrooms are sold under a variety of brand labels. The logo was introduced last month at the biennial North American Mushroom Conference in San Diego.

Dona Abbott, a director of Highland Supply Corp. in Highland, IL, and an internationally recognized artist, died March 2 in Boulder, CO, after a five- year battle with cancer. She was 66.

Ms. Abbott, vice president of advertising, worked for Highland Supply Corp. for 37 years handling creative design and advertising. She retired from Highland in 2000.

SALINAS, CA -- Blazer Wilkinson, one of the nation's larger shippers of fresh strawberries, will grow, market and ship California strawberries under the "Foxy" brand beginning in mid-March.

Under terms of the licensing agreement with The Nunes Co., owners of the "Foxy" brand, Blazer Wilkinson will handle all sales of "Foxy" strawberries to retailers and wholesalers throughout the United States.

WASHINGTON -- Federal food-safety officials publicized the release of the final guidelines for handling of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables on the same day U.S. Food & Drug Administration officials testified before Congress on produce safety.

FDA Commissioner Andrew C. von Eschenbach said that Americans should be eating fresh-cut produce as part of a healthy diet, but these products are one area where foodborne illnesses occur.

Chiquita Brands International Inc. issued a statement March 14 from Fernando Aguirre, chairman and chief executive officer, in response to an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice regarding the previously disclosed investigation of protection payments made by the company's former banana-producing subsidiary in Colombia: "The information filed today is part of a plea agreement, which we view as a reasoned solution to the dilemma the company faced several years ago.

Melissa's/World Variety Produce Inc. in Los Angeles began shipping Sicilian Tarocco oranges the week of March 12, and Robert Schueller, director of public relations for Melissa's, said that this season's crop is living up to its reputation for high quality.