The U.S. Customs & Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of U.S. borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws. It is also tasked with ensuring the safety of food, including fresh produce, entering the United States.

At the start of each new year, we are anxiously looking forward to see what is new and what will continue strong from the year past. We want to be on the cutting edge, but at the same time we need to be aware of solid trends that have staying power.

We can move away from an idea too soon and miss sales opportunities; similarly, we can hang on too long with the same result.

GreenLine Foods, a leading producer of fresh, trimmed ready-to-cook green beans, is launching a new product line in 2012 called Side Kits, which contains washed and trimmed green beans, a sauce packet and a topping, providing a unique flavor in a convenient, resealable package.

GreenLine, which is based in Perrysburg, OH, introduced the Side Kits in test-marketing effort to a few retailers in the Midwest in the fall. The response was overwhelmingly positive, according to the company.

Purfresh, a company that offers a range of clean, science-based solutions for the global food supply chain, is headquartered in Fremont, CA, but it has sales and support locations around the globe.

David Bouchard, general manager for the company, told The Produce News that the 2012 Fruit Logistica trade fair on Feb. 8-10 in Berlin would be the fifth consecutive year that the company has exhibited.

The National Potato Council retained a firm connection to its roots while modernizing a new logo that was revealed at Potato Expo 2012 in Orlando, FL.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has launched a mobile app for its Fruits and Veggies — Mix it Up! program in time for New Year’s resolutions.

Designed by Ottawa-based Industrial Media, the app is available as a free download for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad through iTunes or accessed via the fruitsandveggies.ca web site.

The app features recipes from CPMA members, a search feature by PLU or commodity, storage, nutrition and usage information, a tip of the day and an interactive calendar for consumers to track the variety of produce they are eating.