The National Watermelon Association Inc., with collaboration from academia, government, industry, retail, foodservice and other trade associations, unveiled the first edition of a comprehensive food-safety program that is specific to the growing, handling, packing, distribution and traceability of the watermelon crop in North America and Central America.

SALINAS, CA -- Bob Jenkins, president and chief executive officer of River Ranch Fresh Foods LLC, based here, has resigned from the company.

Bruce Knobeloch, vice president of marketing, told The Produce News that Mr. Jenkins resigned as part of a "planned transition with the board of directors" and that Nov. 7 was his last day.

In the early days of boxing, fighters were often viciously beaten by their opponents. Some were so battered that they could hardly get back on their feet for the following round. When managers realized their fighters were being pulverized and could not continue, they would throw an article into the ring such as a sponge or towel to signify defeat. This practice eventually coined the aphorism "throw in the towel." Today, the phrase is still used and means to "give up" or to "surrender."

Giumarra's Nogales division is now offering two new melon varieties shipped under its "Nature's Partner" brand. The varieties are the Summer Sweet cantaloupe and Sweet Pearl personal seedless watermelon.

"The melons are coming from our new crops in Hermosillo and Guaymas Sonora," Giumarra Nogales Sales Manager Nick Rendon said in a Nov. 18 press release. "Our crops look outstanding, as does the fruit. Volumes are ample right now and will be increasing."

ST.-LEONARD, QC -- A new partnership between Pommes Ma-gic and Aliments Martel will see the former's sliced apples being distributed at gasoline station convenience stores across eastern Canada.

Sebastien Alix, Pommes Ma-gic's general manager, told The Produce News about the new partnership at the Quebec Produce Marketing Association's Oyster Party, held here Nov. 7 at Le Rizz.

The Center for Produce Safety hopes that $500,000 in new research will help the produce industry gain a better understanding of ways to prevent contamination during production.

The California-based center was launched in response to the 2006 E. coli outbreak and funded with $2 million from the Produce Marketing Association and another $2 million from Taylor Farms. The California Department of Food & Agriculture and the University of California also pledged financial resources for the center, which is housed at the University of California-Davis.