WASHINGTON -- There is every incentive for the produce industry to follow the industry's new traceability guidelines, but there is no need for the federal government to mandate a new traceability system, produce trade groups said at an Oct. 16 meeting.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration held its first of two public workshops to discuss what needs to be done to enhance a tracking system during outbreaks. The second workshop in Oakland, CA, is planned for Nov. 13.

River Ranch Fresh Foods LLC, a leading processor of fresh produce based in Salinas, CA, announced the addition of Romaine Garden to its line of salad blends.

Reflecting a rapidly growing demand for Romaine lettuce, the introduction of this blend will expand the appeal and reach of the "Garden Fresh" family.

The Fresh Produce Alliance is preparing to take the wraps off its new wholesale market prices project.

"We've been working on the project for a year-and-a-half, and we think it's a revolutionary method of collecting markets information for the horticultural sector, something that's ever been done before," Ian MacKenzie, the alliance's general manager, told The Produce News Oct. 21.

ORLANDO, FL -- Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition drew an East Coast record number of produce sellers and buyers -- and every link in the produce supply chain in between -- when it convened here Oct. 24-27. The event drew 17,502 attendees from 61 countries to the Orange County Convention Center.

Growers Express LLC has promoted Gary Andreasian to vice president and general manager. Previously, he served as vice president of sales.

In this newly created position, Mr. Andreasian will oversee all sales and production operations for the company and will report to Jamie Strachan, chief executive officer of Growers Express.

As part of its plan for future growth, Dulcinea Farms, based in Ladera Ranch, CA, has reinforced its sales and operations departments with the hiring of two industry veterans.

John McGuigan, who held senior management positions at Sunkist Growers Inc., is now vice president of sales and marketing, and Frank Mejia, formerly general manager of the Southwest production unit at Del Monte Fresh Produce, is now senior manager of Dulcinea's Mexican operations.