Prices for Chinese garlic have reached historic highs in recent years due to light crops, but this year's crop is expected to be up in volume by about 35 percent with a corresponding drop in price, according to Jim Provost, managing partner of I Love Produce in West Grove, PA.

For the past three years, prices for Chinese garlic have been "stronger than they have ever been" previously, said Mr. Provost, who had just returned from a three-week visit to China when he spoke with The Produce News in late June.

Nash Finch Co., a Minneapolis-based food distributor, promoted Tom Swanson to senior vice president of retail operations.

Since joining Nash Finch in 2012, Swanson has successfully led corporate retail through several key growth initiatives, including new store openings, implementation of innovative retail marketing and merchandising programs, execution of a focused family fresh market remodel strategy, and the integration of Bag ‘N Save and No Frills stores into Nash Finch.

Following the precedence set by its 2012 onion grilling campaign, USA Onions/Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee is launching an all-new program this football season in conjunction with Boise State Bronco Football home games.

As part of the tailgate-themed promotion, Idaho Gov. Butch Otter will compete at the grill against a surprise "opponent" during the Broncos' match up with University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles at Boise State on Sept. 28.

Claims against the 97-year-old Walla Walla Gardeners' Association in Walla Walla, WA, continue to mount after the onion and asparagus packer and shipper shut its doors in November 2012 following a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing.

According to court documents, the dollar amount of unsecured nonpriority claims in late March surpassed $1.5 million, and the packing facility itself was bought by Sweet Clover Distribution of Walla Walla in early April.

Marketing Plus in Fresno, CA, celebrated its new facilities with an open house on Friday, June 28. The move will enable Marketing Plus to bring on a full-time graphics and creative department.

RPE Inc. has entered into a partnership with Imperial, NE-based Frenchman Valley Produce Inc., in which RPE will serve as the exclusive marketer for Frenchman Valley’s fresh potato sales.