Belle Foods, based in Birmingham, AL, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, noting that it owes creditors more than $42 million.

Although Cañon Potato, a family-owned operation that had packed and shipped potatoes for six decades, made the decision to cease operations recently, the Center, CO, packingshed will continue to operate under the new ownership of Houston, TX-based MountainKing Potatoes.

The Eastern Produce Council and the New England Produce Council Inc. are co-sponsoring a two-day educational conference Sept. 17-18 in Connecticut featuring speakers from the Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association.

RPE, a leading potato and onion grower-shipper based in Bancroft, WI, added two former members of Cañon Potato Co. to its sales team.

David Tonso comes to RPE after most recently serving as co-owner and acting chief executive officer of Cañon Potato Co., where he has been employed for almost 30 years. Cañon Potato Co. recently announced that it was closing its doors.

Industry intelligence is making it clear that the blueberry category continues to enjoy good retail growth and consumer popularity.

“Data shows that blueberry consumption continues to be on the rise across the U.S. and is gaining popularity every year with increases in consumption, retail advertising and total sales,” said Cindy Jewell, director of marketing for California Giant Berry Farms. 

“Due to overwhelming demand across North America, we are pleased to announce significant production increases of our entire Artisan Series line-up of specialty and snacking produce,” Jim DiMenna, president of JemD Farms in Leamington, Ontario, told The Produce News. “Our Artisan series tomato acreage is being increased between four- and 10-fold, depending on the variety, for the 2013-14 season.”