S.M. Jones, a leading grower-shipper of corn, announced Aug. 30 the extension of its contract with CHEP, an industry leader in pallet and container pooling solutions. S.M. Jones uses CHEP pallets to transport its sweet corn from processing facilities in Florida in Homestead and Belle Glade to supermarkets, wholesale clubs and distributors across the United States.

FoodLink, the Los Gatos, CA-based on-line network for fresh food retailers, wholesalers and suppliers, enjoyed significant growth during the first half of 2011, adding new customers at a record pace, introducing new products for buyers and suppliers, adding experienced executive leadership, and growing network commerce for fresh produce by more than 32 percent.

On the heels of the Aug. 22 suit it filed against the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. has filed a notice to sue Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division and one of its officials.

The Produce Marketing Association hired its first in-country representative in Brazil, Valeska Oliveira Ciré, to help expand its reach and impact in South America as part of its strategic growth objective.

Ms. Oliveira Ciré will serve as a liaison to help increase association membership and facilitate two-way

The Defense Commissary Agency announced that Hardie's Fruit & Vegetable Co. LP, based in Dallas, has been awarded the produce supply contract for Area 2.

This agreement awards Hardie's a two-year contract to supply all fresh fruit and vegetables to 33 military commissaries in nine states.

Zespri announced that it will be positioning newly designed kiwifruit shippers in stores throughout North America that feature QR codes, engaging produce shoppers in a meaningful and unprecedented way.