California avocado growers, aware of their geographic advantages and increasing pressure from imports, focused on premium positioning at a series of California Avocado Commission annual meetings held in three growing districts this week.

Little "pearls" of delicious tart lime juice pops out of succulent Shanley Farms Finger Limes when you bite down on them. The combination of the unique visual surprise and great flavor brings delight to people who try them for the first time.

Megan Shanley, director of sales and marketing for Shanley Farms in Visalia, CA, is also the daughter of the company's founder and long-time farmer, Jim Shanley. She told The Produce News that the Finger limes are produced in Morro Bay, CA.

Newfield, NJ-based Dan Graiff Farms LLC, producers, processors and marketers of “Five Star Peeled” brand specialty gourmet onions, has a new peeling machine unlike others in the United States, according to David Rancht, sales manager for the company.

“We went to great expense to have a customized machine built in Europe to peel shallots, cipollini and pearl onions,” said Mr. Rancht. “We see these products as a growing entity with foodies today. People want to use these gourmet items more and more, but they want them in easy to use ways.”

Chris Veillon, director of marketing for Mastronardi Produce, headquartered in Kingsville, ON, told The Produce News that the company is primed for and excited about the upcoming 2013 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention & Trade Show in Toronto April 17-19.

“This expo is near and dear to Mastronardi, and we are indeed taking part in it this year as we do every year,” said Mr. Veillon. “Our booth is number 317, and our space is 20 feet by 20 feet. This show presents us with a great opportunity to network with all of our Canadian partners.”

BioSafe Systems, based in East Hartford, CT, announced the hiring of MARK MILENSKI as market segment manager for the potato industry.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture lowered its estimate of the 2012-13 Florida orange crop by 1 million boxes to 138 million boxes.

The Valencia variety accounted for the decline going from 72 million boxes in March to 71 million this month. Early-mid varieties remained at 67 million boxes.