ANAHEIM, CA — Perhaps the most well-attended workshop session during the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit convention was the Oct. 17 meeting to analyze the latest proposals concerning the Food Safety Modernization Act.

Most of the participants seemed relieved — judging by reactions and questions — as FDA Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Foods Mike Taylor and Dr. Samir Assar, director of produce safety, discussed the four supplemental proposals recently released for comment by the agency.

Chiquita Brands International Inc. and the Cutrale-Safra group announced a definitive merger agreement under which Cutrale-Safra will acquire all outstanding common shares of Chiquita for $14.50 per share in cash — approximately $1.3 billion, including the assumption of Chiquita’s net debt. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2014 or early 2015, at which point Chiquita will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Cutrale-Safra group. It will remain incorporated in New Jersey.

CMI was one of the five winning companies recognized for excellence in packaging. Its Go-Go Fresh cherry snacking pouch bag was one of 67 entries submitted by 56 companies.

Capespan North America, based in Gloucester, NJ, announced the addition of Dan Borboa to its Reedly, CA, team.

In his new position as senior sales representative, Borboa will be principally responsible for sales of imported and domestic citrus to Capespan North America’s western and southwestern retail and wholesale customers. He will also have responsibility for sales of other imported and domestic products.

“All signs along the East Coast are that harvests went well and will finish early,” Ken Gad, owner of Cambridge Farms in South Easton, MA, told The Produce News in early October. “Like our own crop, we’re also hearing that the East has good quality. Volumes are also good, and prices are OK. Growers don’t expect to hit home runs every year.”

He added that when you give customers quality and fair prices, things tend to work out, but if everyone in the country has quality and yields it can place downward pressure on prices.

The National Mango Board has honored George Hurst of Roundy’s Supermarkets as its 2014 Mango Retailer of the Year. Each year, the NMB selects four Model Mango Retailers, one from each region of the United States. All of these retailers are honored for their dedication to supporting the growth of the mango category. The winner was announced at the NMB’s Mango Industry Reception on Oct. 18 during PMA Fresh Summit.