It is unanimous: Foodservice operators nationwide were happy to bid farewell to 2009.

Across the board, foodservice establishments were especially hard hit by the recession. It was a wake-up call for the industry -- with food and labor costs facing tough scrutiny. Today, many agree that the return of the back-to- basics operating principles are here for the long haul. With more modest business management mechanisms in place, operators have continued to examine the essentials, and the news is good for Idaho potatoes.

PHILADELPHIA -- A year from now, the Philadelphia produce industry should be settled into the world's largest and most-modern produce market. The new Philadelphia facility will enclose 687,000 square feet, all temperature- controlled, on a 50-acre site that is a few miles from the current market.

Jimmy Storey, president of the board of directors of the Philadelphia Regional Produce Market, told The Produce News Jan. 20 that the new market's construction remains on schedule and that merchants should be ready to move into the market in September.

REDWOOD CITY, CA -- YottaMark Inc. announced Feb. 2 that its "HarvestMark" fresh food traceability solution was selected by leading Ontario greenhouse produce shippers Huron Produce Ltd. and Jem-D International.

MONTE VISTA, CO -- With the ultimate goal to deliver a comprehensive potato message of nutrition, taste and convenience, the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee is tailoring its marketing plan to include foodservice and retail buyers as well as the end consumer.

Leading into the new year and various shows and expositions, a major project being undertaken by the committee is the development of point-of-purchase collateral material, which is being designed for specific audiences.

WASHINGTON -- Only about a third of retailers audited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture are in full compliance with mandatory country-of- origin labeling and recordkeeping rules, a top USDA official said Jan. 19 during a webinar sponsored by the Produce Marketing Association.

While that is an "outstanding attribute" for stores learning the ropes of the new COOL law, there is still room for improvement, said Martin O'Connor, chief of the Standards, Analysis & Technology Branch of the Livestock & Seed Program at USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service.

CMI and fitness expert Leslie Sansone announced the release of Ms. Sansone's new and unique DVD that combines indoor walking with Pilates. Each DVD includes a card touting Ambrosia apples and a $2 off any current in-store Leslie Sansone DVD. CMI is the exclusive grower-shipper of U.S.- grown Ambrosia apples.

Ambrosia apples have a skin that is bright with an almost iridescent pink blush over a creamy background. The flavor is sweet and the flesh is tender and juicy, with a very fine, crisp texture. It is a sweet, low-acid apple with a pleasing aroma.