Kingston Fresh, a distributor of potatoes, onions, pineapples, grapes, mangos and melons sourced from farms in the United States, Mexico, Central America and South America, announced that supplies of its Costa Rican MD2 variety golden pineapple program — the Kingston “Sugar Pine” — are lining up nicely to meet peak demand for spring promotions.

Potandon Produce LLC has promoted several key employees as part of a sales reorganization.

Bernie Pavlock was promoted to director of business development, responsible for growing the category with existing customers and bringing new business on board. Pavlock is a 1993 graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, holding a bachelor's degree in business management, and he has compiled 20 years of industry experience. His former position was sales manager with Potandon.

Due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes, Dole Fresh Vegetables is voluntarily recalling a limited number of cases of bagged salad. This precautionary recall is due to one sample of Dole Italian salad that yielded a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes in a random sample test conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Dole is coordinating closely with regulatory officials, and no illnesses have been reported in association with the recall.

TUBAC, AZ — About 200 produce professionals gathered at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, here, March 12-13 for the fourth annual America Trades Produce Conference, where they participating in an exchange of ideas and networking opportunities designed to facilitate the flow of fruits and vegetables across the southern border of the United States.

Leamington-based Nature Fresh Farms continues to see tremendous growth in its Heritage heirloom tomato specialty category.

Yellow, green, brown, orange and purple are amongst the rainbow of colors that can be found in its heirloom pack. Available from April through early December, the Nature Fresh season will start with the great-tasting and beautiful Heritage heirloom tomatoes.

“Demand continues to skyrocket for these gems and we continue to see tremendous growth in this specialty category,” said Ray Wowryk, director of business development for Nature Fresh Farms.

The 2014 CPMA Convention and Trade Show will take place April 2-4 in Vancouver, BC, at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Below are some of the highlights of this year’s show. For more details and the full schedule, visit CPMA.ca.

Tuesday, April 1 & Wednesday, April 2:

The convention kicks off on Tuesday, April 1 with the Directors and New Members’ Reception, followed on Wednesday, April 2 with the Retail Tour, CPMA Members Annual General Meeting and Chair’s Welcome Reception.

Thursday, April 3: