Stemilt Growers Inc., based in Wenatchee, WA, is slicing its way into one of the faster-growing value-added market segments of the fresh produce industry.

Two years ago, the company began slicing and bagging fresh apples, and it is currently making a big push to introduce consumers to its trademarked "AppleSweets." During the latter part of October, the product -- and the cutting-edge technology used to create the slices -- were featured on the Food Network's show, "How'd That Get on my Plate?"

LA QUINTA, CA -- Wegman's Food Markets Inc., the Rochester, NY-based supermarket chain that is often credited with having one of the better produce operations in the country, has started to wade into the sustainability debate.

Bill Pool, the chain's manager of agricultural production and research, was on a panel exploring the subject at the Western Growers Association convention, here, Nov. 9-12. From his company's perspective, he defined sustainability as the development of business practices and strategies that promise the long- term well being of the planet.

LA QUINTA, CA -- Western Growers Association's 83rd annual convention, held here Nov. 9-12, carried the theme "Produce, Parties & Politics," and featured a heavy dose of all three.

Kevin Andrew of Sun World International was elected chairman of the board Nov. 10. Mr. Andrew, who is chief operating officer of Sun World, based in Bakersfield, CA, succeeds outgoing Chairman of the Board Robert Gray, chief executive officer of Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc. in Salinas, CA.

A trade delegation of four buyer-importers from Mexico will visit the Salinas, CA, and Fresno, CA, areas before traveling to Portland, OR, in upcoming days.

Grower-shippers are encouraged to meet with and pitch their products to the delegation. Suitable products to promote include vegetables, fresh fruits such as apples, grapes, kiwi and stone fruit, as well as value-added produce products and specialty produce products.

BRIDGETON, NJ -- A new, modern Rutgers Food Innovation Center was inaugurated Oct. 17 in a food industry park, here. Roughly 200 people attended an opening ceremony, facility tour and a buffet made with the products of the center's food clients. The facility is a Rutgers University New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.

The year 2008 has been one of leadership change in North America. Sens. Barack Obama (D-IL) and John McCain (R-AZ) both campaigned on platforms of change during the U.S. presidential race and Mr. Obama was victorious because of it.

The Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corp. has also seen changes to its leadership on its board of directors from all three member nations (the United States, Canada and Mexico), including the first woman to join the board.