Jim DiMenna, president and chief executive officer of JemD Farms, told The Produce News Southern Exposure never fails to impress. “Southern Exposure is one of the premier events in our industry. Every exhibitor shares equal footing with 10x10-foot booths,” he said. “By not having monster exhibits, everyone has an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations without all the distractions.”

Founded about five years ago, and already a well-known progressive and vibrant company, Vega Produce, headquartered in Doral, FL, just on the west side of the Miami International Airport, has announced that on Jan. 15 it hired long-time produce veteran, Lloyd Rosen as its sales manager.

You no doubt have heard these words before: “Try it, you’ll like it,” or “Try it and you’ll buy it.”

Do you ever get coaxed by someone to try different foods you never experienced before? If so, did you like or dislike the experience? Was it compelling enough to change your mind about a certain item?

Sunkist Growers held its annual meeting Feb. 19 at which it announced that 2013 was another billion-dollar revenue year. This marks the fourth consecutive billion-dollar year for Sunkist, with grower payments totaling $873 million compared to $838 million in 2012.

Hy-Vee Inc., a grocery retailer with 235 stores in eight states, announced plans for a major expansion of its Minnesota operations into the Twin Cities market. Hy-Vee has been a fixture in Minnesota communities since 1969 and currently has 17 employee-owned stores statewide with approximately 5,100 employees.

SAVANNAH, GA — Reigning Florida Watermelon Queen Brandi Harrion was named the 2014 National Watermelon Queen at the association's 100th anniversary celebration Feb. 22, here.

The NWA convention not only celebrated the association's 100th year, it also marked the 50th year of the queen competition.