The Produce Marketing Association announced that Tony Parassio has been named chief operating officer of the Newark, DE-based organization.

The announcement was made at the association's recent board of directors meeting in Denver.

The Georgia Blueberry Commission will host its first-ever “Sweet Georgia Blues Recipe Contest” throughout the month of June in celebration of Georgia Blueberry Month.

This year’s crop of sweet Georgia peaches is expected to be abundant, with this a peak expected June through mid-August.

“It's going to be a great year for Georgia Peaches,” said Will McGehee of the Georgia Peach Council. “We expect this year’s crop to surpass last year’s, and the quality of the peaches will be outstanding.”

Avondale, PA-based Country Fresh Mushroom Co. recently announced the appointment of KIRK WILSON as regional sales manager.

Wilson brings a great deal of expertise and experience to Country Fresh. Prior to joining the company, he worked for six years at Highline Mushroom LTD in Ontario.

Chelan Fresh Marketing expects to generate marketplace buzz in 2013 with the Orondo Ruby cherry variety. “It is exclusive to us,” said Director of Marketing Mac Riggan.

Orondo Ruby cherries are a supersweet variety with a vibrant red appearance and golden yellow flesh.

“Some serious growth will occur with this cherry,” Riggan stated about future prospects.

Chelan Fresh has been moving fresh tree fruit since 2004.

Serving as a link between growers and retailers, Chelan Fresh represents more than 419 growers from its headquarters in Chelan, WA.

SWEDESBORO, NJ — Sun Valley Orchards, a grower-shipper that for many years has been well known for peaches, peppers, cucumbers, green squash, eggplant and pickles, is now becoming well known for one of New Jersey’s signature spring items: asparagus.