Eggplant done right in the kitchen can provide a wonderful eating experience for consumers. Eggplant done right in the produce department can be profitable for retailers.

But eggplant is not as forgiving as some produce. Prepared improperly, it can be a culinary disappointment, and improper handling at store level can result in costly shrink.

NEW ORLEANS — The hottest new trend is already around, it just hasn't gotten hot yet.

Boiled down, that was the message delivered at the Oct. 19 general session by keynote speaker Peter Sheahan during the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit, here.

On Oct. 15, Attorney Forrest W. Lewis filed a complaint with the District Court in Prowers County, CO, requesting a six-person jury trial in behalf of his client, Jensen Farms of Holly, CO. Primus Group Inc., a California corporation doing business as PrimusLabs, was named as the defendant.

Maria Menounos, best-selling author and host of television's "EXTRA," shared her "red" hot secrets for staying fit Oct. 15 in New York City's famed Rockefeller Center at Ocean Spray's annual bog display event that featured 2,000 pounds of fresh, floating cranberries.

The Hass Avocado Board announced Saborea Uno Hoy, its new Spanish-language mark and website to offer information to Hispanic consumers in the United States and encourage them to include fresh Hass avocados in their everyday meals.

The Kroger Co. announced that Michael L. Ellis will be named president and chief operating officer, effective Jan. 1, 2014, completing the succession plan announced in September.