Depending on specific commodities' responses to cool, damp weather, it has been a good growing season on the Delmarva Peninsula -- or not.

The good news for all the region's growers is that the sun came out in the last days of May and temperatures were rising.

Lighter supplies from most of the southern Mexico mango districts led to a good market in May, and many people are saying that this should be the rule rather than the exception throughout the summer.

Normally, cherry farmers want to keep the words "frozen" and "cherries" from ever being used in the same sentence. Unless, that is, these two words are being used to encourage consumers to buy and use more cherries.

Taking in-transit temperature recording to another level, a Wisconsin company is offering real-time, 24-hour-a-day temperature monitoring for perishables or any other cargo.

Seald Sweet International had a chance to hire a very good man. And it did.

Mayda Sotomayor, chief executive officer of the Vero Beach, FL-based firm, said that the reputation, character and experience of Steve Tursi were key reasons for hiring the executive away from Bentonville, AR-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc., where he was produce merchandising manager of vegetables and value-added products.

With the cherry season just around the corner - and apples and pears not too far behind - Wenatchee, WA-based Columbia Marketing International has introduced the CMI Pocket Pro, a quick-reference tool especially designed for produce managers.

Three different versions of the Pocket Pro are being introduced, Vice President of Marketing Bob Mast told The Produce News. The Pocket Pro, small enough to be worn in a top shirt pocket or rear pants pocket, contains a host of information that helps produce managers be responsive to customer questions.