Kurt Zuhlke Jr., owner and president of Kurt Zuhlke & Associates Inc., recognizes how customers and consumers alike have embraced the company’s 100 percent recyclable earth-friendly PETE clamshells, and now he’s out to demonstrate the many ways they can be used for fresh produce. “The clamshells we produce with perhaps one use in mind are great for a multitude of fresh produce items,” said Zuhlke. “For example, clamshells designed for grape tomatoes can easily hold kiwi, bean sprouts and many other products.

Weis Markets Inc. announced that Robert F. Weis, currently the chairman of the board, will not stand for re-election to its board of directors at the company's annual meeting of shareholders, scheduled to be held April 23. He indicated that his decision not to stand for re-election was motivated by his desire to focus on his health. 

NewStar Fresh Foods LLC, based in Salinas, CA, has promoted Mark Solis to inside sales manager and Antonio Ojeda to commodity group manager, two newly created positions within the company.

Solis has extensive experience in commodity management, transportation and customer service, having worked for Tanimura & Antle, Church Bros. and NewStar. He was most recently an inside sales executive with NewStar. In his new role, he will be responsible for the day-to-day sales activities within NewStar.

RIO RICO, AZ — Omega Produce Co. Inc. is exporting Mexican honeydew throughout North America and to Japan in April and May.

Company founder George Gotsis said in mid-March that the company will be shipping five- and six-count honeydew packages under the “Omega” brand.

“The quality was very good last year and it should get better this year,” Gotsis said

The melons will be coming out of Hermosillo, Sonora.

Perfect storm conditions during the current growing season will translate to quality watermelon volume for Kid’s Choice Fresh Produce Inc. “Promotions are running strong,” owner and President Tom Glenos told The Produce News. “Orders are coming in quickly.”

The Sykes Co. will have a fast Mexican watermelon deal this spring.

Bill Sykes said his firm, which is based in Rio Rico, AZ, is shipping 90 acres of seedless watermelons out of Hermosillo from April 6 until May 15.

“We’ve had good weather and they’re a little early,” said Sykes, who started the firm in 1978.

The deal “is always shipped in bins,” he noted.