Domex Superfresh Growers is looking forward to a sweet Washington state apricot crop this season.

The industry is estimating approximately 5,200 tons, which is about a 9 percent increase over what was shipped last season. Weather this growing season for apricots has been excellent and will provide above-average sizing and flavor.

SunWest Fruit Co., a leading citrus and tree fruit operation based in Parlier, CA, has launched a new website at www.SunWestFruit.com. The new website highlights SunWest's premium quality fruit, their family traditions, exceptional quality and commitment to sustainability.

SunWest committed to hard work, superior quality and caring for the environment, the company said in a press release. These values are at the heart of its family business, which started as a family farm over 40 years ago.

The family of fresh product marketed by C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. is extensive. All national and proprietary brands will remain as they are coming together under the new ‘Robinson Fresh’ brand. (Photo courtesy of C.H.

SunFed, headquartered in Rio Rico, AZ, recently hired Jim D’Amato to fill its newly created position of East Coast business development manager.

CHICAGO — Terminal produce markets thrived in the United States when mom-and-pop stores needed a regular, reliable source to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables.

In Chicago, independent retailers have been serving the metropolitan area’s diverse ethnic clientele for many years. At the end of 2013, the service to specific neighborhoods gave a final blow to one of the city’s two remaining chain operations. Safeway Inc., based in Pleasanton, CA, closed its 72 Dominick’s stores at the end of December and in the following weeks.

BYRON CENTER, MI — Van Solkema Produce Inc. this winter was involved for the first time in shipping produce from Nogales, AZ, one of several moves that enabled the company to double its sales volume in the last two years.

Todd Van Solkema, chief executive officer of the family business, expects to see sales increase by at least 20 percent this year.   

“We had a choice,” he said. “We could stop at four Van Solkema generations, or grow for generations to come.”