Increased consumer demand for organic products has prompted Gilroy, CA-based Gourmet Veg-Paq Inc. to ramp up operations accordingly.

The company is doubling its square footage in El Centro, CA, with the expected November completion of a 40,000-square-foot facility. The company is also building a new facility in Hollister, CA, near Gilroy. The company plans to move into the Hollister location when it returns from El Centro.

Sahale Snacks, a Seattle-based producer of all natural, gourmet snack products, is taking a major step forward in realizing its goal of helping American consumers snack better.

The company has announced that its innovative line of nut blends will be sold at more than 140 SuperTarget stores in the United States. Sahale Snacks' new distribution channel reflects the growing trend of consumers demanding natural, healthy gourmet snack alternatives.

With a stroke of luck, Turbana Corp. in Coral Gables, FL, in recent months moved its Gulf Coast banana-receiving port from Gulfport, MS, to Freeport, TX.

According to national news reports, Gulfport took the worst hit from Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 29. Meanwhile, in Freeport, "We didn't have problems with the hurricane, business wise," said Juan Alarcon, Turbana's chief executive officer.

Stephen Kaczor announced Aug. 18 that he has left his position as director of marketing for Burlingame, CA-based Splendid Products, a shipper of citrus and a distributor of tropical fruit such as mangos and limes.

The company handles a variety of fruits and vegetables.

Cincinnati-based Pro Mach Inc., a leading integrated packaging solutions provider for customers worldwide, has announced the appointment of Mark W. Anderson as president and chief operating officer.

Mr. Anderson will lead operations of Pro Mach's three business units: primary packaging, end-of-line packaging, and identification and tracking. He brings extensive management, marketing and engineering experience in the manufacturing industry to Pro Mach. Mr. Anderson, whose appointment is effective immediately, reports to John W. Paxton Sr., Pro Mach chairman and CEO.