Procacci Bros. Sales Corp. announced the expansion of its tropical and ethnic produce program and the launch of its new "Feliz" premium brand of items.

The company said it is seeking to increase its growth in the category in response to the changing demographics and demands of consumers in the United States.

California pomegranate growers have confirmed that the popular Wonderful variety has now achieved the deep red color and high sugar for which it is justly famous.

Tom Rouse at PomWonderful said that he has been patiently waiting for the Wonderful variety to reach maturity.

Wada Farms Potatoes Inc. in Pingree, ID, whose potatoes are marketed by Wada Farms Marketing Group LLC in Idaho Falls, ID, has for several years been putting a lot of emphasis on developing innovative potato products, with regard both to potato varieties and value-added packaging. Among the value-added products are the “Easy-Baker” with individual potatoes sealed in a microwave-ready plastic wrap, and the “Microwave in Bag” line with russet, red or yellow potatoes in microwave-ready steam bags.

If you build it, they will come. That seems to be the theme behind the National Mango Board’s Mango Mania Display Contests, and from a the perspective of a couple of San Diego retailers, it works.

Working with Coast Tropical in San Diego, CA, a Foodland location and a Save A Lot Mercado outlet registered huge sales gains during week-long mango extravaganza events in July.

“It was amazing,” said Isabel Freeland, vice president of Coast Tropical. “We helped both stores build big displays and they significantly increased sales during the promotion period.”

Potatoes and onions are seen as classic commodity crops by many growers, who place too much emphasis on growing and harvesting their products as inexpensively as possible so that they can sell at lower prices.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced up to $31.5 million in grants are available to test new ways to make fruits and vegetables more affordable to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants.

News of the program launch drew immediate praise by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and the United Fresh Produce Association.