“The New York Apple Association will be actively promoting New York’s new apple varieties — the SnapDragon and RubyFrost — this season,” said Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association headquartered in Fishers, NY. “But as always, we’ll also be strongly promoting our other favorite New York varieties.”

Cornell University announced the two new varieties in August 2013. The apples were developed in partnership with New York Apple Growers.

Driscoll's, a leading distributor of fresh berries based in Watsonville, CA, has appointed Tom O'Brien to the newly created role of senior vice president of governance and external engagement and general counsel. O'Brien will join Driscoll's Global Leadership Team reporting to Kevin Murphy, president and chief executive officer.

SPARTA, MI — Don Armock presented his usual professional countenance and positive attitude on the morning of May 16. But his puffy eyes couldn't hide that he was up all but a couple of hours on the previous evening, working with field crews to assure everything possible was done to avoid frost damage to the 2014 apple crop.

The mushroom industry hit the proverbial nail on the head when the Mushroom Council launched its "Swap It or Top It" campaign with a recipe contest in June 2013. Since then, related terms like "blendability" had been attached to the movement resulting in a major boon — and expected strong growth — for mushroom producers across the country.

In response to member feedback and as part of its new strategic plan implementation, the Produce Marketing Association unveiled its redesigned website (www.pma.com) Tuesday, May 27.

This year's United Fresh 2014 is shaping up to be the largest ever, hosting high-level speakers in sports, business and politics and providing the produce industry with cutting-edge insights from top branding experts.