On March 22, Chris Kragie, sales manager for Western Fresh Marketing in Madera, CA, told The Produce News that the company was currently importing Asian pears and kiwi from Chile.

“Asian pears started about two weeks ago and will run through late June or early July,” said Mr. Kragie. “Last year our Asian pear program represented 65 percent of what was imported into the U.S. This year, we will have 70 percent of that market. We are currently at 90 percent, but other importers will pick up a little steam as we move forward.”

Sarasota, FL-based Global Organic/Specialty Source Inc. hired JEFF PATTERSON as director of sales and business development.

Christopher Ranch, a leading grower-packer of fresh garlic, was awarded a Superior rating in a recent PrimusGFS audit, and its HACCP plan received a 100-percent score.

The PrimusGFS audit is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative. It covers the supply chain from pre- to post-farm gate production in an integrated supply chain approach. The audit focuses on fresh or minimally processed food products from the agricultural sector that are designated for human consumption. The standards of the audit are based on industry best practice and sound science.

BOSTON — The New England Produce Council's 14th annual expo was marked by a strong retail presence, a varied trade show and a keynote speech by a baseball hero.

Eagle Eye Produce Inc. in Idaho Falls, ID, and The Grape Guys in Visalia, CA, have partnered in the formation of a new company called Eagle Eye Grape Guys LLC. The partnership was announced April 5.

Rising wages, a shortage of workers and the impending implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act — “Obamacare” — have the Florida agriculture community concerned about a scenario that could play itself out time and again this spring as deals come on in other growing areas, particularly across the Southeast.