This has been a difficult year for the produce industry due to economic, social and weather events. For Pro*Act, a leading distributor of fresh produce to the foodservice industry, the year started strong with fresh fruit sales, thanks to a first-ever sales contest for its members, which was sponsored by the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association.

MOORPARK, CA -- Muranaka Farm, a grower-shipper of fresh produce, announced that John Killeen, a produce industry veteran, is joining the company as vice president of sales and marketing, effective June 9.

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas held its annual meeting last month at which time members elected the board of directors and ushered in a new chairman.

Alicia Bon Martin is the new past-chairman of the association, having served two years as chairman of the board. Chris Ciruli is the new chairman of the association, serving a two-year term, after serving as chairman-elect.

SALINAS, CA -- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a warning to the public June 2 not to consume cantaloupes that were distributed under the "KingFisher" brand name because the cantaloupes "may be contaminated with Salmonella," according to a CFIA press release.

The cantaloupes in question are a product of Blythe, CA-based Danna & Fisher and were exported to Canada by Toronto-based Gambles Ontario Produce Inc. The product was distributed under the "KingFisher" brand in cartons containing six or nine cantaloupes.

Depending on specific commodities' responses to cool, damp weather, it has been a good growing season on the Delmarva Peninsula -- or not.

The good news for all the region's growers is that the sun came out in the last days of May and temperatures were rising.

Lighter supplies from most of the southern Mexico mango districts led to a good market in May, and many people are saying that this should be the rule rather than the exception throughout the summer.