HECTOR LEDEZMA has been in the produce industry since he was 16. Recently, he joined the sales team at L.A. Garlic & Spice Inc. He focuses on corn, but also works with lettuce and broccoli.

Mr. Ledezma said that his slogan, “Honk your horn if you need corn — that’s why I was born,” has helped him since he was a teenager. “It’s brought a lot of business to me.”

The overall theme of the Idaho Potato Commission’s promotional programs for the 2011 crop and the 2011-12 marketing season is the organization’s Diamond Jubilee.

MORGANVILLE, NJ — Approximately 40 miles south of New York City, in this pastoral town within the boundaries of Marlboro Township in New Jersey’s Monmouth County, a new vineyard and winery is set to open this fall, complete with all the trappings found at locations in more famous wine-producing regions around world: wine grapes grown on acres of rich farmland; a tasting room where visitors can sample wines produced on site; and a demo kitchen where food to complement the wines will be artfully prepared by top chefs.

To-Jo Fresh Mushrooms Inc., located in Avondale, PA, recently introduced Traditional Mushroom Sautee with Butter, Salt and Pepper. Paul Frederic, senior vice president of sales and marketing for To-Jo told The Produce News that the item is a microwavable mushroom product in retail-size packs. The company has entered the product in the Produce Marketing Association’s Impact Award competition.