Lain Jager has been appointed chief executive officer of Zespri Group Ltd. following five months as acting CEO. Before that, he served as the firm's human resources manager and general manager of its supply chain.

The board of directors of the Newark, DE-based Produce Marketing Association's Foundation for Industry Talent took office at the close of PMA's 2008 Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition in Orlando, FL, in October. Chairman of the Board Bill Schuler, president and chief executive officer of Castellini Co. in Newport, KY, is joined on the 2008-09 board by three other officers and 17 directors to lead next year's foundation activities.

The Washington Apple Commission announced Dec. 4 that Todd Fryhover was selected as the organization's next president. Mr. Fryhover formally takes the reins Jan. 1, but he is already working with Interim President Ken Severn to facilitate a smooth transition.

Mr. Fryhover is a native of Wenatchee, WA, the city where the commission is headquartered. He graduated from the University of Idaho with an agricultural and business degree. He has 20 years of industry experience, having worked for several leading apple shippers.

Launched this past spring, the produce industry has a new credit reporting and marketing web site. Blue Book Online Services, at www.bluebookprco.com, is the latest offering from Blue Book Services and follows the very successful Electronic Blue Book on CD-ROM.

Amid a variety of internal changes in the Central American melon business, North American produce buyers expect plenty of high-quality imported melons this winter.

According to the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association, the Peruvian asparagus industry is setting standards for innovation, compliance with food and safety requirements, promotion and production.