Industry veteran Ed (Edge) Dostal and three other new hires have joined the sales team at Fruit Patch Sales LLC in Dinuba, CA. The others are Jesus Villareal and Wes Kubo on sales, and Rodney Kubo on export sales.

The Produce News was able to confirm their hiring, but neither they nor company executives were immediately available for comment.

In response to requests by United Fresh and other food industry groups, the Food & Drug Administration announced that it will extend the comment period to May 16 for the information collection provisions of the proposed rule on "Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption" (Produce Rule) and the same provisions in the proposed rule on "Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food" (Preventive Controls Rule).

Peter Vallis, former partner in Farmer's Fresh Fruit Co. in Reedley, CA, and his wife, Demitra Vallis, have opened a new marketing company representing grape growers in California's Central Valley.

Called Empire Grape Co. LLC, the new entity, which officially launched Feb. 6, is based in Kingsburg, CA.

Handling sales for Empire Grape are Jay Stover and Susan Lucas.

“Westmoreland Sales is a privately owned, leading year-round greenhouse grower and shipper with a very strong diversified customer base,” said Ken Green, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Westmoreland Sales in Leamington, ON. “We continue adding greenhouse space to our operation, and we are always looking to expand our customer base with good customers.”

Marc Holbik, director of grower relations for Ecoripe Tropicals in Medley, FL, told The Produce News that the company carries a widely diverse line of Asian fruits and vegetables. But it also imports a wide variety of tropical products from South and Central America.

JJ Distribution LLC in Nogales, AZ, a produce brokerage formed about seven years ago, has become increasingly involved in logistics over the years and somewhat less focused on buying and selling produce, according to Jose (Joe) Maytorena Jr., managing partner.

It got to where the company was doing more with transportation than with produce, so the decision was made to launch a new subsidiary company, Eastbound Logistics Co. The new entity was launched in early February.

Jose Maytorena Sr. is manager of the new company.