CHICAGO - A panel of consumers raised a few eyebrows with candid opinions about what drives their produce purchasing decisions during a Retail Marketing session held April 30, here, at the United Produce Show.

The session was facilitated by the Perishables Group and moderated by Steve Lutz, executive vice president of the organization.

The obesity problem in the United States has been grossly overplayed, according to a group of unidentified restaurateurs and food manufacturers.

In years past, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association held its annual convention and trade show in February. This year, for the first time, the event has been changed to May.

The largest show of its kind in Canada, the event will be held May 11-14 in Toronto. The show is revered by attendees for its advanced forum for learning about new produce industry initiatives and product innovations, while still providing informative business sessions and networking opportunities throughout its agenda.

CIUDAD OBREGON, SONORA, MEXICO - Representatives from some of the top U.S. and Canadian produce organizations discussed the challenges they encounter while conducting business in the North American produce trade during a panel discussion held here as part of the recent trade symposium, Agriculture in Sonora, A Business Opportunity.

The Diamond State Port Corp. and Pacific Delaware Inc. have signed a new five-year agreement with a two-year extension option for the storage and distribution of Chilean fruit imports through the port of Wilmington, DE.

David Puglia has joined the Western Growers Association government relations team as vice president of state government affairs.

Most recently, Mr. Puglia was a vice president at APCO Worldwide, a leading issues-management and media-relations consulting firm. His expertise and professionalism are widely known and respected in the offices of the state capital.