The United Fresh Produce Association released the 2013 year-in-review edition of the FreshFacts on Retail report, which examines overall retail trends in produce for the past year. The report shows that during 2013, the produce department averaged more than $47,000 per week per store, which was up 4.8 percent over the previous year.

Weis Markets announced the promotion of Kurt Schertle to chief operating officer. Prior to his promotion, he was the company’s executive vice president. 

Schertle will continue to oversee all aspects of the company’s marketing, merchandising, procurement and advertising for its center store, perishable and pharmacy departments; store operations; and the company’s supply chain, including its distribution and transportation teams.

H-E-B is introducing H-E-B Organics, the company's own line of organic products offered at everyday low prices, to strengthen its commitment to offering customers more food choices to fit their lifestyles. The company believes making organics more prevalent and affordable will create better access to a wide variety of food choices for all Texans.

Christopher Ranch, headquartered in Gilroy, CA, ships its wide range of high-quality products across the U.S. and Canada. The company opened a Pompano Beach, FL, office and warehouse in 1997 when it became clear that it needed to be more responsive to its customer base in the Southeast.

“Our Pompano office is headed up by Gus Battaglia,” said Patsy Ross, vice president of marketing. “Gus is originally from Chicago and is a veteran of the produce industry.”

MASHANTUCKET, CT — A large and enthusiastic crowd gathered March 11-12, for Bozzuto's Inc.'s 2014 Independent Retailer Conference, held at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods, here.Vendors from bakery, deli, meat, frozen food, dairy and grocery were all key parts of the annual event, but fresh produce again was front and center, as vendors from the fresh produce sector were situated in the lobby area that leads to the main trade show area.

Florida Fresh Potato Growers Inc. is a grower cooperative comprised of potato growers in southern Florida. The cooperative moves product to retail, foodservice and wholesale distributors primarily on the Southeastern and Eastern seaboards and in the Midwest, as well as into Canada. Varieties grown and marketed are new-crop red, gold, white, purple and fingerling potatoes.

Ken Wiles, vice president of sales with cooperative member Mack Farms Inc., a cooperative member, said that the 2013-14 south Florida potato growing season has been one of mild weather.