According to Kevin Donovan, national sales manager for Phillips Mushroom Farms in Kennett Square, PA, organic mushroom sales are really gaining ground, and the company has seen continued strong growth throughout the first half of this year.

Christopher Ranch, a leading grower and shipper of high-quality garlic and other specialty products has been growing organic garlic since 1997. Patsy Ross, marketing director for the Gilroy, CA-based company, said that every year the company increases acreage for its organic program.

RBest Produce Inc., headquartered in Port Washington, NY, has handled organic produce for over 15 years. Jasmine Hines, director of marketing and advertising, said the company has always supported local farmers.

“We handle approximately 300 organic items at a time,” said Hines. “Our full supply of organics ranges from fresh organic fruits, vegetables and herbs, along with lots of complementary items such as organic juices, tofu, nuts, croutons and salad dressings.”

The company, a wholesaler and distributor, services customers primarily in the Northeast region.

In response to the increasing demand for locally grown, year-round produce, Mucci Farms is breaking ground on a 30-acre expansion. The greenhouses will be state of the art and some of the most technologically advanced and sustainable facilities in the industry.

Ruby Fresh has been selected as one of 13 finalists for the 2015 New Product Award: Best New Packaging at the 2015 United Fresh Conference & Expo in Chicago.

The Grinstead Group, a consultancy and executive support organization specializing in the fresh produce industry, announced that Bobby Grinstead has joined the company in a sales and marketing position.