After 23 years with Philadelphia-based John Vena Inc., Charles D. Pigliacelli, partner and director of store operations, retired on the final day of 2008.

"I will miss everyone in this industry," Mr. Pigliacelli said in a press release. "I was proud to be a part of John Vena Inc.'s growth and expansion and rise to one of the best houses on the street."

The Southeast Produce Council will honor Ferdinand S. Duda with its 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award at the council's annual conference in early March.

Mr. Duda, who has been a member of the board of directors of Oviedo, FL- based A. Duda & Sons Inc. since 1981 and chairman since January 2005, will receive the award Saturday, March 7, during the keynote luncheon, part of the council's annual retail and foodservice conference and exposition, scheduled for March 5-7 in Tampa, FL.

When Ted Campbell, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Association in Dover, FL, joined the firm in early August, he brought many years of retail experience with him. That experience is proving helpful in the production and wholesale ends of the business.

Dan Vache, formerly vice president of sales for the food division at Sensitech Inc., will head the United Fresh Produce Association's new Supply Chain Logistics & Technology Program as vice president of supply chain management, a new position.

With the Chinese New Year occurring later this month, marketers of Asian produce items are gearing up for increased demand for a variety of products.

Patsy Ross, marketing director for Gilroy, CA-based Christopher Ranch, said that the company expects more volume of ginger from Hawaii this year than was available last year.

"We feel that Hawaiian ginger is the best," Ms. Ross said, adding that it always is the premier ginger and as a result tends to be higher in price. Hawaiian ginger harvest also is the longest, she said.

Fruit Patch Sales LLC in Dinuba, CA, a major marketer of California stone fruit and other fruit and the exclusive sales agent for grower-packer Fruit Patch Inc., has hired industry veteran Rick Eastes as vice president of sales and marketing.