Dennis Baird, vice president of Coastal Inc., said that the softening U.S. economy has been tough on distributors of fresh produce. But he told The Produce News, "I think the economic problems we've had show us we can survive. Business has been steady-as-you-go."

Coastal distributes commodities to outlets in its home base of Portland, OR, as well as Seattle and Spokane, WA. Volume sold in Seattle and Portland has remained relatively stable, while volume has increased in Spokane.

According to Phillip Brooks, "The highlight of the year for us as a company" was having a second produce firm, Brings Co., move into the same New Brighton, MN, facility as H. Brooks & Co. Brings Co. and its employees moved into Brooks' warehouse on April 24. Mr. Brooks, chief executive officer of H. Brooks, said that Brings has kept its own corporate identity. Brings President Pat Coan runs the company, as always, and Beth Arel remains Brings’ sales manager.

VANCOUVER, BC -- Two of British Columbia's leading produce companies announced in early December an alliance designed to better serve customers across the country in eastern Canada.

While The Oppenheimer Group's archives record transactions with B.C. Tree Fruits Ltd. in Kelowna, BC, dating as far back as the 1930s, more recently the two organizations have been visible partners delivering B.C.-grown apples together to various U.S. markets. Beginning Dec. 1, the relationship took on a new dimension, in the form of a shared staff member.

Kevin Andrew, who has been with Sun World Inc. for 26 years, including the last half dozen as chief operating officer, recently left the organization to take a similar position with Columbine Vineyards, one of the older California grape producers and shippers.

The Texas Department of Agriculture recently announced $1.8 million worth of federal grants that will fund 17 projects that promote and develop Texas- grown specialty crops, including projects that will further food-safety efforts in the state and assist burgeoning industries.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the grants are an investment in Texas agriculture and will help grow the industry, according to Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples.