On Nov. 15, or week 46 of the Chilean blueberry movement, the crop report issued by the Chilean Blueberry Committee, headquartered in Sonoma, CA, stated that the blueberry season was developing normally and without major weather issues affecting production. The report also indicated that more orchards in the country were being incorporated into the harvest to allow for higher export volume, resulting in a projection of greater shipments. It further stated that from week 48 onward, the projections were at over 3,500 tons weekly.

Ruben Shives, sales manager for the Edinburg Citrus Association and a former U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector in the Rio Grande Valley and a Safeway buyer and inspector in various locations across the country, died Nov. 20 following an illness. He was 55.

Mr. Shives began his sales career with ECA in 1995 and over the years was a driving force in the company, well known in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and beyond.

Baloian Farms has partnered with Seminis Seed as the exclusive West Coast supplier of BellaFina baby Bell peppers.

“Consumer research often indicates that consumers are looking for more affordable, value-added and portion controlled products and BellaFina baby Bell peppers do just that by providing a more versatile bell pepper food experience,” Jeremy Lane, sales manager at Baloian Farms, said in a press release.

QPMA Executive Director Sophie Perreault and Sebastien Alix of Pommes Ma-

Desert row-crop shippers report modest to moderate demand on most key items. Oxnard celery shippers report brisk demand on light volume. Northwest onion demand is strong and the market continues to have a very strong undertone. Russet supplies far outpace demand.

ICEBERG LETTUCE

DNE World Citrus Sales in Fort Pierce, FL, had an excellent first half of its season and is now looking for a post-holiday surge for its grapefruit and other midseason citrus varieties, according to Florida Citrus Sales Manager Kevin Swords.