Mark Andrew Ruma, vice president of Everett, MA-based Ruma’s Fruit, died Friday, May 16 after battling a long illness. He was 44 years old.

A native of Norwood, MA, Mr. Ruma is survived by his parents, Jim and Mary Ruma, sisters Kate Ruma and Andrea Harrington, and brother-in-law Michael Harrington.

The funeral was held at Kraw-Kornack Funeral Home Wednesday, May 21 at 9 a.m., followed by a funeral mass at St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Norwood at 10 a.m.

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Michael Muzyk, president of Baldor Specialty Foods in the Bronx, NY, told The Produce News that the company is officially announcing the opening of its new Washington, DC, location.

“It was an old building that had seen a couple of life phases,” explained Muzyk. “We gutted it and brought it up to our high standards, and we installed vertical docks, which is Baldor’s trademark facility signature.

AMC Direct, a U.S importer of fresh produce, announced the introduction of its new Navel orange and clementine bags.

Jason Hanselman, industry affairs associate for the National Watermelon Promotion Board, provided The Produce News with a snapshot of watermelon movement as of mid-May. "After our tremendous start, we're seeing production slow somewhat compared to previous years," he said. "Traditionally, we see a large spike this time of year into the Memorial Day holiday.

Zespri Kiwifruit, a global leader in kiwifruit marketing, announced the arrival of the first ships containing Zespri Kiwifruit. New Zealand had a great growing season, with hot weather and adequate rainfall moving into a cool fall, ideal for kiwifruit. The fruit landed on the West Coast of North America last week and is arriving this week on the East Coast.