SAN DIEGO — FoodLink, a fresh food and commerce traceability platform based in Los Gatos, CA, announced that BJ’s Wholesale Club will use its services to assist in the sourcing and purchasing of fresh produce across BJ’s 15-state chain. The announcement was made during the opening day of the United Fresh Produce Association’s convention and trade show, here.

The momentum at the United Fresh 2013 trade show in San Diego continued on day two, as exhibitors looked to make the most of the final day of the expo. Traffic remained strong throughout the afternoon, as attendees were on the lookout for old friends and new items.

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Customers can expect a superlative season for apples and pears in 2013, according to Jason Bushong, sales manager for Giumarra Wenatchee.

“The growing season in New Zealand was stellar and created a vintage crop in terms of pressure, flavor and shelf life,” he told The Produce News.

The company was created in 1992 as part of the Giumarra Cos. and markets a full line of apples, pears and kiwifruit in the United States.

This season, Giumarra will move Braeburn, Fuji, Granny Smith, Pink Lady and Royal Gala apples from New Zealand.

F.C. Bloxom Co., headquartered in Seattle, has expanded its presence with the creation of a new office in Walla Walla, WA. Bryon Magnaghi, a produce industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, has been hired as sales manager to spearhead operations at the location.

“The company has been around for many, many years,” Mr. Magnaghi told The Produce News. “I have a history of working with them. The goal for me is to expand business outside the core business.”

The produce industry is perfectly positioned to capitalize on many different trends in the retail industry, according to Walter Robb, co-chief executive officer of Whole Foods.

California blueberry season is underway for Gourmet Trading Co., which has introduced five-, 10- and 16-ounce retail-friendly pack sizes of its Superblues, super-sized and crunchy blueberries from its own California blueberry farm.