Procacci Bros. Sales Corp. announced the promotions of Frank Paone to director of marketing and Lou Struble to director of corporate communications and corporate social responsibility.

Boston Fresh LLC, a regional produce wholesaler, repacker and fresh-cut processor, will begin operating out of its new facility in Brockton, MA, in July 2014. 

The Giumarra Cos., headquartered in Los Angeles, announced the addition of Ki Thompson to its sales team. Thompson will be based in the Nogales, AZ, office.

In his new position, Thompson will focus on fruit and vegetable sales for Giumarra’s product grown in Mexico, including its line of Fair Trade-certified grapes, melons, and vegetables.

Each spring brings a new challenge for vegetable growers in the Garden State, and with a little help from Mother Nature, R&R Flaim Next Generation Produce/Flaim Farms is optimistic about its prospects for success this spring and summer.

A year after some volatile and wet weather threw New Jersey growers for a loop, the spring of 2014 has provided optimal growing conditions for the region.

VINELAND, NJ — The winter of 2013-14 was long, cold and harsh in most parts of the eastern United States, including the state of New Jersey. As a result, many produce items have been starting later than normal in the Garden State. This was well illustrated at the Vineland Produce Auction, which opened on Tuesday, May 7, the “latest opening ever in anyone’s memory,” according to the auction’s Carol DeFoor.

Approximately 600 stores across the United States are competing against each other to build engaging, summer grilling-themed mushroom displays in the Mushroom Council’s inaugural Swap It or Top It retail display contest.