Exp Group LLC is poised to expand its banana import operations in the near future and is increasing its ripening operations to accommodate future business. Vice President Emil Serafino said a total of 17 new ripening rooms will be fully operational in 2013.

“One third of the rooms are done already,” he told The Produce News on May 29. With the approaching summer, he said two-thirds of the rooms will be fully functional. The balance of construction will be completed by the end of the year, when the company will have its final business plan in place.

VISALIA, CA — Sun Pacific, which markets its clementines and mandarins under the popular "Cuties" label, hosted a luncheon meeting June 11 at the Visalia Convention Center, here, that drew more than 200 citrus, nut, raisin and tree fruit growers, as well as investors, who came to hear the latest about the clementine and murcott industry and learn about the possibility of packing for Sun Pacific under the "Cuties" label.

They go by many names, but gusseted stand-up bags, mostly high graphic and many of them with handles, referred to now with increasing frequency as “pouch” bags are unquestionably gaining in popularity as an alternative form of grape packaging with many retailers.

Domex Superfresh Growers, a global leader in growing and marketing fresh apples, pears, cherries and apricots, announced the launch of a new website, Superfreshgrowers.com.

Take a young couple with strong roots in the produce industry and a determination to build a business that evolves and expands with every season, and you have Farm Fresh Produce in Faison, NC.

Husband-and-wife owners Steven and Bethany Ceccarelli may be young, but they know their business and they are packed with energy to build what has already become a well-known supplier of summer vegetables.

Southern Specialties, a grower, importer, processor and shipper of specialty produce from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America and South America, announced June 10 the hiring of Robert Saake as key account manager.

Saake has eight years experience in the produce industry, most recently in the sales department of Hugh Branch Inc. in Belle Glade, FL.