Atlas Produce & Distribution Inc. in Bakersfield, CA, producer of California-grown Medjool dates, has introduced a new style of packaging for its “Caramel Naturel” brand date products, according to Robert Dobrzanski, president of the company.

The new packaging is an air-tight clamshell that “extends the shelf life of the product, so that the consumer is happy with what they buy,” Dobrzanski said. Made by Safe T Fresh, the containers are also tamper resistant. “We have those in the eight-ounce, 12-ounce and one-pound” sizes as well as in a two-pound size, he said.

Loop Fresh Produce in McAllen, TX, and Los Angeles-based transportation partner the Allen Lund Co. are celebrating the first anniversary of a successful Rio Grande Valley partnership.

Malena Produce Inc. in Nogales, AZ, is a diversified shipper and distributor of vegetables from Mexico best known for its eggplant but also handling an assortment of other commodities. Founded in the 1950s, the family business has traditionally crossed its products into the United States at Nogales.

Three years ago, however, Malena began going through McAllen, TX, with some of its products, according to Chief Executive Officer Gonzalo Avila.

Cauliflower prices have been through the roof and most Western vegetables have had a very good fall season, with growers and shippers alike looking forward to the winter vegetable deal as they anticipate strong pricing will remain the order of the day for at least a while.

"Pepper prices haven't been through the roof," deadpanned Mike Aiton, "but they are on the second floor."

The 2013 season ramped up early for Washington's potato producers. "Year to date, shipments have been running a little ahead of schedule compared to recent years," said Chris Voigt, executive director of the Washington State Potato Commission. "Most of this is due to early season movement in July and August when potato supplies were very short across the country."

Sales of citrus from Chile heated up as a result of joint promotions with Tajín, a tangy, spicy seasoning powder that many Hispanic consumers sprinkle on top of fresh produce. The Chilean Citrus Committee partnered with Tajín on 35 demos in two major retail chains with a strong Hispanic customer base.