“Locally grown programs are a strong focus for our company,” Jack Collotti, president of Collotti & Sons, located on the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market told The Produce News. “Our company has operated in Philadelphia for over 50 years, and during our history — in addition to our many other programs — we have always been committed to local produce. We support locally grown initiatives in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and other regions we source from that have programs in place.”

Heading toward its third anniversary in June, the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market continues to set standards around the world for its cutting-edge technology, cleanliness and unbroken cold chain that result in numerous benefits for tenants as well as for customers.

Dan Kane, general manager of the PWPM, pointed out that the advantages reaped by everyone involved in the market are numerous.

Clifford Produce, a longtime produce marketer based in Ruthven, ON, has apparently closed its doors.

On April 22, the Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corporation in Ottawa issued an expulsion notice regarding Clifford Produce Sales Inc. The memo stated, "Clifford Produce Sales Inc., 1593 Essex County Rd. # 34, Ruthven, ON, Canada, N0P 2G0, has been expelled from the DRC membership effective April 17, 2014."

The reason given for the expulsion in the memo is due to Clifford Produce Sales not meeting its debts as they came due.

PATERSON, NJ — South Carolina hosted the Eastern Produce Council's April 22 dinner meeting, the 43rd time the state has done so. "We thank them for their continued support," EPC President Paul Kneeland, vice president of produce, floral, seafood and meat at Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Markets, said in his introductory remarks at the meeting, held here at The Brownstone.

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CERRITOS, CA — Nearly 300 Southern California produce professionals turned out April 23 for the Fresh Produce & Floral Council's membership luncheon, held at the Sheraton Cerritos Hotel, here.

Packingline food-safety upgrades at Wiers Farm Inc., located in Willard, OH, will provide “100 percent stainless steel lines” this year, according to Ben Wiers, a family owner. Stainless steel is ideal for such lines because it can be sanitized very thoroughly.