Looking for a product that could equal its hallmark Vidalia onions in quality, taste and appearance, Shuman Produce Inc. of Reidsville, GA started its Peruvian program in 1998, importing just a handful of containers. Now Shuman has become one of the nation’s leading players in the Peruvian deal.

Matthew D’Arrigo, vice president of D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of New York Inc., located at the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Cooperative Market, told The Produce News that last year’s New York apple deal was “unique.”

“Most growers in the state suffered some serious weather events that shortened the crop by about 50 percent,” D’Arrigo said. “The usual promotions, especially on local apples, were severely limited. Growers pretty much felt like they were in second gear throughout the season.

Misionero Vegetables, based in Gonzales, CA, introduced Lettuce Stackers — what it refers to as "the perfect size lettuce leaf" — at the Foodservice Produce Marketing Association in July.

The seed variety for Lettuce Stackers was selected for its user-friendly leaf size and its crisp, crunchy texture.

Publix Super Markets Inc. has announced plans to grow its presence in North Carolina with the addition of two new stores. Publix will enter the Winston-Salem market and add a third location in Mecklenburg County.

“We continue to deliver on our promise of serving the great state of North Carolina by adding yet another county to our market area,” Maria Brous, Publix media and community relations director, said in a press release. “We are more than your community grocer – we are your neighbors and look forward to sharing the Publix spirit with you.”

Saying the reputation of the Michigan Honeycrisp apple is too important to pack it like any other apple, Riveridge Produce LLC and its six Michigan packinghouses have implemented a 10-point protocol to ensure high-quality carton packs.

CHICAGO — U.S. apple industry leaders forecast that the 2013 U.S. apple crop will be 243.3 million bushels.

These "outlook forecast" numbers were announced Aug. 23 by three regional apple industry spokesmen, representing the culmination of the 2013 Apple Crop Outlook & Marketing Conference, held Aug. 22-23 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, here.

Those reporting the outlook forecasts were Don Kelly, speaking on behalf of growers in the western United States; Mike Rothwell, who represented the Midwest; and Phil Glaize, who represented Eastern growers.