Richard Binks joined produce consulting group FreshXperts as an associate member. His technical horticultural and agricultural project management experience will benefit FreshXperts' global list of clients. 

Consumers are finding more and more occasions to eat fresh fruits and retailers might be wise to try to capitalize on this trend.

That’s the takeaway message of a two-year study recently completed by The NPD Group, a leading market research company headquartered in Rosemont, IL. Darren Seifer, who has been an NPD food and beverage industry analyst for the past six years, said that fresh fruit consumption is climbing the charts, largely fueled by changing demographics in the United States. But he said increased awareness of health concerns is also a driving factor.

Just in time for February Heart Month, Tanimura & Antle’s Artisan Lettuce has received certification as a heart-healthy food from the American Heart Association. Packages of Artisan Lettuce will feature the Heart Check mark, which easily identifies it as a sensible food choice in an overall heart-healthy diet.

Just in time for Chinese New Year, Ocean Mist Farms is shipping two new vegetable items: shrink-wrapped bok choy and Napa cabbage.

Bok choy is often associated with Asian cooking, but the vegetable is finding mainstream consumer appeal. Chefs and home cooks use it as an ingredient in soups, stir-fries, appetizers and main dishes.

Patterson, CA-based Traina Foods, a grower, processor and supplier of California and imported sun-dried fruit and tomatoes, announced the hiring of CHUCK PERRY as regional sales manager for the East Coast.

Unseasonably warm winter temperatures — even by Sunshine State standards — could stretch the season for Florida Classic Growers of Dundee, FL, according to Al Finch, vice president of sales and marketing .