The Nov. 1 storage report for Washington apples was released was officially released Nov. 7. Data were based upon recently received grower feedback. According to the report, figures for this season’s crop were revised to a projected 113.2 million boxes. “Some folks are still picking later varieties, and so this figure is based partly on an estimate,” said Jon DeVaney, executive director of the Yakima Valley Growers-Shippers Association. “Adjustments often happen in our December report as final harvest numbers come in.”

For Farm Fresh Produce Inc., which is based in Faison, NC, sweet potato production and sales were the basis for domestic growth and international market development. The firm has expanded its fresh produce export offerings, but sweet potatoes will remain its core business.

Farm Fresh ships between 800 and 900 40-foot containers of sweet potatoes a year. About 600 of these containers are exported. The firm has a large network of growers who pack the “Farm Fresh” brand, and all Farm Fresh products are GlobalGAP-certified.

Since opening its doors in 1906, Ben B. Schwartz Inc., located on the Detroit Terminal Market, has been on the cutting edge. “The railroad decided to build a terminal market in Detroit,” said Chief Operating Officer Nate Stone. “Ben B. received the first load that ever arrived at the terminal.”

Cruz Carrera has joined Progressive Produce, a Los Angeles-based grower-packer-shipper, as sales manager in the asparagus sales department.

Carrera was previously working for Mission Produce Inc. in its asparagus sales company, Mission Asparagus LLC. Carrera joins Progressive Produce as a result of the recent acquisition of Mission’s asparagus business, which was completed last month.

The Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee-USA Onions announced on Nov. 11 that Weber Grill Master Kevin Kolman will make a special appearance at the Nov. 16 USA Onions pre-game Boise State/Wyoming grilling competition at Boise State University.

BSU Broncos host the University of Wyoming Cowyboys, and USA Onions Marketing Director Sherise Jones said the match-up between two Western state teams promises to be exciting.

RIO RICO, AZ — Robert Hathaway, a former head of the West Mexico Vegetable Distributors organization, was named FPAA Pillar of the Industry Nov. 8 during the 45th annual Fresh Produce Association of the Americas convention, here.

In recognizing Hathaway as a Pillar of the Industry, Alejandro Canelos, chairman of the FPAA, cited Hathaway's ability to open doors for the association with his experience and connections.