After opening its doors to the world of export produce in 1999, Next-Port Inc., headquartered in Miami, has moved on to its next level of growth following the company’s relocation to a new facility late last year.

On Jan. 1, 2012, Stephen Meyers began his first job following graduation from college, and it was his entry into the produce industry as a career.

The Produce Marketing Association Foundation for Industry Talent’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives brand has evolved over time from a leadership breakfast at PMA’s Fresh Summit to a reception at PMA’s Foodservice Conference to a special three-day conference to be held next month in Scottsdale, AZ.

The St. Louis Produce Market, known lovingly as Produce Row, is gearing up for quite a celebration. “We are very excited about celebrating our 60th anniversary on Produce Row, Market Manager Pat Kelley told The Produce News on March 15. “We are proud to serve our customers and community the freshest produce in St. Louis.”

Using a multi-tiered marketing program, Curry & Co. is able to capitalize on the best qualities of Vidalia sweet onions and generate marketplace buzz.

“In Georgia and the Southeast, we focus on the local and regional aspect of Vidalia sweet onions. It is one of the best known brands in the Southeast, and consumers can’t wait for their Vidalia sweet onions to start,” President Matt Curry told The Produce News on March 11.

In early March, Chip Jetter, president of Garden Fresh Distribution Service Inc. in Pompano Beach, FL, said that the company was gearing up to start its watermelon program in early April.

“We’re about to get real busy,” said Mr. Jetter. “We jokingly call the period from the first of May through July 4 the ‘100-day war’ because it is when the demand is the strongest. Watermelon consumption is directly related to the weather. If it’s 90 degrees, people are eating watermelon.”