Results of a recent study conducted by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Western Human Nutrition Center scientifically support anecdotal information that consumption of sweet Bing cherries significantly decreases circulating concentrations of specific inflammatory biomarkers in human blood.

A new produce company has opened in southern New Jersey with some familiar names at the helm.

Jonathan Consalo and Robert Consalo Jr., formerly with Wm. Consalo & Sons in Vineland, NJ, are the new owners of Vivid Fruit & Produce LLC. It officially opened April 15 but started to move product around May 5, Jonathan — known as Jon — told The Produce News June 18.

The company, which he described as a grower, packer and shipper, is located in Buena, NJ, just a few miles from Vineland, the heart of the southern New Jersey produce deal.

Key Food Stores Co-operative Inc., a chain of independently owned and operated grocery stores, held grand opening celebrations June 14 for three new stores in two New York City boroughs.

The grand opening ceremonies, one held in Staten Island and two in Queens, drew New York City government officials as well as high-ranking executives from the cooperative.

Southern Specialties, a grower, importer, processor and shipper of a variety of specialty products grown in Central America, South America, Mexico, Canada and the United States, has named Jeff Reid vice president of operations.

Reid will oversee development and execution of strategic objectives to maximize growth and profitability for the Pompano Beach, FL-based company.

Several produce growers are teaming with Sony Pictures Animation and Feeding America on a campaign tied to the highly anticipated animated comedy, Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2.

Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers, based in Wenatchee, WA, announced the addition of ELLIE TUCKER to its domestic and organic sales team on June 3.

Tucker, a Washington native who grew up on a Wenatchee pear orchard, is following her family’s tradition of working in the fruit industry.