Nate Stone, chief operating officer for Ben B. Schwartz & Sons Inc., in Detroit, MI, told The Produce News that the company has the absolute perfect combination of management and staff, which results in things moving along flawlessly.

Chris Billmeyer, the company’s president and chief executive officer is the third generation to own and operate the company. His son, Jake Billmeyer, joined the company in 2009, and is working in numerous capacities to learn about every function of the business.

George Wooten, president of Wayne E. Bailey, headquartered in Chadbourn, NC, told The Produce News that the company’s launch of its new “George Foods” rebranding initiative was strongly received at the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit in October.

Things are lining up to result in a unique year for the garlic industry, John Duffus, vice president of sales and marketing for The Garlic Co., headquartered in Bakersfield, CA, told The Produce News. The firm private labels for a major distributor in the New York region, and the New York Produce Show & Conference is therefore an important event for company officials to attend, he noted.

Expectations are high for this year’s New York Produce Show & Conference, Dec. 4-6.

“The cocktail reception at the Sheraton Hotel on Seventh Avenue, between 52nd and 53rd streets in Manhattan will kick-start what will prove to be another outstanding show,” John McAleavey, executive director of the Eastern Produce Council, told The Produce News. “The reception starts at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4, and we look forward to greeting all show attendees there.”

Consumers just don’t seem to be able to buy enough of the bagged mini peppers that have skyrocketed in popularity over the last year or two.

“We can’t seem to find the ceiling (on production),” quipped Mike Aiton, marketing manager for Coachella, CA-based Prime Time International. “We continue to expand production. In fact, we are going to at least double what we did last year and demand is still very good.”

Corporate commitment to sustainable agriculture and the highest food-safety standards are hallmarks at H. Brooks and Co., based in New Brighton, MN. The family-owned business has been in operation for more than a century.

President Phillip Brooks said the company sells more than 800 fresh, fresh-cut fruits and vegetables and specialty products.

Product is sourced domestically and internationally, and Mr. Brooks said its customers are located in Minnesota, neighboring states and the Lake Michigan region.