Bruce Klein, director of marketing for Maurice A. Auerbach, now located in its new facility in Secaucus, NJ, told The Produce News that looking at new items to potentially add to the company’s already extensive line of specialty produce simply makes sense.

“A line such as ours has its own synergy,” said Mr. Klein. “It just makes sense to continue with the line that we have established over the years and that is very solid today. We look for items that make sense and compliment that synergy.”

“We are excited about adding a few new labels and programs to our wheelhouse of existing top brands,” Ira Nathel, president and owner of Nathel & Nathel Inc., located in the Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, NY, told The Produce News.

“We know that there is only one way to stay at the top in this business, and that is to always handle the best produce,” he continued. “Price is secondary, quality is first and foremost. Premium produce and a stellar staff are what make Nathel & Nathel the best produce company in the market.”

The National Mango Board's new marketing campaign, Mangover, officially launched May 2 with new celebrity spokesman Clinton Kelly. Mr. Kelly, the co-host of "What Not to Wear" on TLC and "The Chew" on ABC, has partnered with the NMB to motivate consumers to refresh their dishes and upgrade seasonal favorites with the fresh and delicious taste of mango.

The NMB's Mangover campaign encourages consumers to explore mangos as an easy way to add a pleasant, sweet surprise to everything from breakfast to a late-night snack.

JEFF WEAVER recently joined Selma, CA-based Poindexter Nut Co. as manager of retail and produce development.

With the new plant expansion at Poindexter Nut Co., and the continued growth of their retail brand, Mr. Weaver will be in charge of sales growth in the packaged nut line, which is expected to double in the next three years.

Mr. Weaver recently graduated Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo with a degree in agricultural business and was introduced to the produce industry through several internships. He has been working in the industry for two years.

Curry & Co. has formed an exclusive multi-year partnership with Suncrest Produce Solutions LLC, based in Lake Wales, FL, that will enhance the Brooks, OR-based company’s year-round sweet onion program.

Suncrest, which is owned by 20-year industry veteran Jason Turner, is a large importer of Peruvian sweet onions. The partnership brings these imports into the fold of Curry & Co.’s 52-week vertically integrated sweet onion program.

More than 200 containers of Peruvian sweet onions will be shipped this coming fall and winter in this partnership.

Following what seemed like a late spring and colder-than-normal temperatures, Mother Nature did an about-face in early May and provided sunshine and temperatures up to 80 degrees F. The result was that Michigan apples began blooming at about the normal date, if not two or three days sooner.