Export sales of U.S. sweet potatoes surged 80 percent in the past five years, reaching a record $95 million, according to the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute. Exports have jumped sharply to regions targeted by the association’s international market development efforts, and are continuing to rise this year.

During the holiday season the Bi-Lo Holdings Foundation is giving $295,000 to benefit 29 nonprofits throughout the Charleston, SC, region in collaboration with its BI-LO stores. This is in addition to the more than $471,000 and 2,030,944 pounds of food BI-LO is working to reinvest in the local community by the end of 2014 through the contributions of its customers, business partners, associates and company dollars.

Baloian Farms has spent the last 18 months focused on a mission to grow the company and solidify its position as a category leader in pepper production. The recent launch of its new website is another step toward the company's total brand positioning that has included the launch of several new products.

Lipman, one of North America’s largest field tomato growers, continues to grow with the acquisition of Phoenix-based Legend Distributing. With this acquisition, Lipman is able to expand its geographic footprint, better serving its customers across the country.

The Alliance for Food and Farming announced that Tim York, president of Markon Cooperatives Inc., will be joining the organization’s management board. According to the Alliance, it’s the first time an organization that buys produce from grower-shippers has served as a member of the organization’s board. The Alliance, which exists to deliver credible information to consumers about the safety of fruits and vegetables, is traditionally funded by conventional and organic farmers or by groups who represent farmers.

NEW YORK — The New York Produce Show & Conference held its opening reception Tuesday evening, Dec. 2, at the New York Hilton Hotel in midtown Manhattan. The keynote breakfast, panel and trade show were scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 3, with tours slated for the Thursday, Dec. 4.

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