Michigan's apple industry has earned kudos as the Comeback Kid during the 2013 production season. In 2012, Mother Nature slapped Michigan's apple growers with a rollercoaster cycle of warm weather and killer freezes that virtually shut down production. The industry is moving into the 2013 season with a renewed sense of optimism that the coming crop will meet or exceed expectations.

The New England Produce Council held its Sunny Valley International-sponsored dinner meeting May 8 at Embassy Suites Boston/Waltham. This was the ninth consecutive year that Sunny Valley has sponsored the meeting, and this year's theme was Monte Carlo. “It was an outstanding success," said Laura Sullivan, NEPC executive director.

Old signs have come down and new “Schnucks” signs have gone up on the exterior of both the Logli Rockton and Hilander Cherry Valley stores, signaling the launch of the renaming for all 11 Logli and Hilander stores across the Rockford, IL, area and in Janesville, WI.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's agricultural marketing service appointed Anne L. Alonzo as the new administrator for the agency.

In her new position, Ms. Alonzo will be responsible for the oversight of AMS policies and programs that facilitate the efficient, fair marketing of U.S. agricultural products, including food, fiber and specialty crops.

Ms. Alonzo brings a unique perspective and diverse background to USDA. Her experience in the public, private and non-profit sectors makes her the perfect choice to lead a multi-faceted agency like AMS.

Market Fresh Produce hired Steve Ford as its director of business development. "I’m excited to have a person with Steve’s background to help in leading and building our business development team," Market Fresh's Mike Kemp said in a press release.

Railex LLC has made a commitment to supply five salad bars to the United Fresh Foundation's Let’s move Salad Bars to Schools program.

The program has been a pioneer in demonstrating the effectiveness of salad bars in schools as a strategy for increasing children’s fruit and vegetable consumption.