Emil Serafino, vice president of Exp Group LLC, in North Bergen, NJ, said that the company, which is a multinational group based on several companies, is adding limes, papayas and vegetables to it’s line this year.

The group of companies, which also includes Exp Serafino Inc., Exp Banana Services LLC and Exp Logistics LLC, together create the most efficient network of production, exportation and distribution of tropical fruits and vegetables from the Caribbean, South and Central America. Serafino said Exp Fresh LLC will launch in 2016.

“We R Nuts” is RBest Produce Inc.’s snack line of gourmet candies, dried fruits, dried vegetables and numerous nut varieties. 

The line is comprised of over 350 items packaged in convenient resealable clamshells. Customers have the option of displaying their own company or brand name logos on the label.

Jasmine Hines, director of marketing and advertising for the Port Washington, NY-based company, said while “We R Nuts” is the company’s snack line of gourmet candies, the company continually promotes its Tropicals’ division.

New programs are a constant addition at Nathel & Nathel Inc., located at the Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, NY. The firm’s hallmark to success is to stay at the industry top, and that means to always handle the best produce at the best possible prices.

Shelly Nathel, vice president of the company, told The Produce News that its stellar staff has equally contributed to the company’s success since it began in 1922.

Michael Muzyk, president of Baldor Specialty Foods, headquartered in the Bronx, NY, told The Produce News that the company has opened a Miami, FL, operation. This news comes about one year from when it officially opened its Washington, D.C. facility. The company opened its Boston, MA, operation in 2006.

The focus at E. Armata, located on the Hunts Point Terminal Market, is to provide the highest quality, freshest produce possible. Following the completion of the renovation of its facility from the ground-up, including its warehouses, salesroom and corporate offices with the latest technology, equipment and processes, the company has received a strong and positive response.

Chris Armata, company president, and third-generation family member, said the company is better able to service growers, shippers and customers alike.

Upstate New Yorkers certainly felt that winter might never lean over and let spring in this year. On April 24, Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association headquartered in Fishers, NY, told The Produce News that it was 32 degrees that morning.

Molly B. Zingler, director of marketing for the association concurred, saying it has been a bit brutal this winter. Her seven-year-old daughter, Lia, saying it best: “We have a new season now, ‘Sprinter.’”