Fyffes plc, based in Dublin, Ireland, announced Jan. 2 that it had entered the U.S. winter melon business by investing in a number of independent companies. These include operations in Honduras and Guatemala, and the acquisition of 60 percent of Sol Group Marketing Co., based in Pompano Beach, FL.

In separate transactions, Fyffes has also invested in an 85,000-square-foot warehouse and cold storage facility where most of the imported fruit is distributed from, and has acquired the right to ship all the fruit imported by Sol Group Marketing from Honduras and Guatemala.

A new law that penalizes Arizona employers who hire illegal immigrants took effect at the start of 2008, and many are calling it the most Draconian anti-immigration law in the nation -- one that could have a major impact on the nation's winter vegetable supply.

On Wednesday, Dec. 19, in an emergency injunction attempt in a Tallahassee, FL, courtroom, a judge ruled against California in its attempt to have a quarantine lifted on citrus fruit shipped to Florida due to Septoria citri. The quarantine went into effect Dec. 7. California Citrus Mutual, Sunkist Growers Inc. and others filed the lawsuit.

PLANTATION, FL -- With winter demand for papayas in overdrive, HLB Tropical Food USA is well positioned with good supplies of both the "HLB" and "Caliman" labeled Golden and Formosa varieties.

According to Homero Levy de Barros, president of HLB Tropical Food USA, based here, the Brazilian fruit has prevented any gaps in supplies caused by August's Hurricane Dean, which plowed through production areas in the Yucatan and Belize.

Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc., based in Coral Gables, FL, will unveil www.fruits.com, a new web site dedicated exclusively to helping consumers lead healthy lifestyles.

The site will contain several sections in which consumers can learn about Del Monte products; find recipes, nutrition and fitness tips; and participate in the latest Del Monte promotions. The site will also include a kid's corner with child-friendly recipes and games.

Perhaps for the first time ever, the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, based in E. Grand Forks, MN, will be exhibiting at the huge National Restaurant Association convention in Chicago.