In just five years, Tasteful Selections, a specialty potato brand from Bakersfield, CA-based RPE, has grown so much that it is now expanding from its original location to a bigger facility.

RALEIGH, NC — North Carolina produce crops brought in $608 million last year for fruits, vegetables, nuts and berries. And sweet potatoes led the way, Kevin D. Hardison is quick to point out. Hardison is a marketing specialist with a 14-year career in the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services in Raleigh that brings a working knowledge of the 60 kinds of produce grown in the Tarheel State.

For decades, Bland Farms LLC in Glennville, GA, has been known for its famous sweet onions and Vidalia has been the king of the crop. With demand for sweet potatoes ever increasing, the company believes consumers are ready for another sweet Vidalia treat that’s a perfect complement to Bland’s year-round onion program.

Autumn means brisk fall weather and the return of Sunkist citrus season. In Booth No. 2038 at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit expo in Anaheim, CA, Sunkist Growers will be encouraging trade customers to celebrate the season with the vibrant colors and tastes of citrus.

The Produce for Better Health Foundation and the National Grocers Association announced a newly formed partnership between the two organizations focused on the continuing education of supermarket dietitians within the independent and small retail chains and wholesale grocers.

Supermarket dietitians are a key resource for shoppers looking to learn more about fruit and vegetables and the role they play in daily meals and snacks, disease prevention, and overall health and wellness, according to PBH.

The United Fresh Produce Association board of directors voted at its recent meeting to create a new floral membership category in 2015 to enhance services to members throughout the floral supply chain. In addition, United Fresh will appoint a new Floral Advisory Board of suppliers and retailers to lead the effort.