Lara Grossman, who held the position of value-added product manager for Spreckels, CA-based grower and shipper Tanimura & Antle Inc. before switching to Ready Pac Produce Inc. in August 2004, has returned to T&A as its new director of marketing.

Ms. Grossman, 36, had worked for T&A from August 2002 until being assigned last summer to become marketing product manager for Irwindale, CA-based Ready Pac when Ready Pac acquired Salad Time, T&A?s packaged salad line.

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council?s March 8 Expo is going to feature Public Broadcasting Service reporter Huell Howser as its keynote speaker, and he, in turn, will feature the Expo on an upcoming segment of his popular "California?s Gold? television show.

Minneapolis-based C.H. Robinson Worldwide, which started modestly as a produce company in 1905, has evolved over the past 100 years into one of North America?s larger third-party logistics companies.

C.H. Robinson has operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe and Asia. Most of its revenues come from providing truck, rail, ocean and air transportation throughout the world.

However, sourcing and information services also are important components of the company?s overall business.

Duda Texas, the McAllen, TX-based branch of A. Duda & Sons Inc. in Oveido, FL, announced the promotion of Chris Eddy to sales manager for fresh vegetables.

?Chris is well deserving of this position," said Dan Duda, corporate vice president of fresh fruit and vegetable sales. "He has excellent product knowledge and the personal and technical skills sets to drive our onion business to the next level."

Mills Family Farms? "Wholeaves? washed, ready-to-use, individual lettuce leaves are now available in retail-friendly bags. The Salinas, CA-based company?s retail packs are fresh, nutritious and offer the ultimate in convenience.

Available in green leaf, red leaf, Romaine and green cascade mix, Mills Family Farms? "Wholeaves? are perfect for topping a sandwich, dressing up a burger or tossing into a sensational salad. "Wholeaves? are also ideal for gourmet wraps.

Summeripe Worldwide Inc. in Dinuba, CA, has announced the addition of Crown Jewels Marketing in Fresno, CA, to the Summeripe Alliance of quality tree fruit shippers.

Crown Jewels Marketing is the eighth member to join the alliance of existing Summeripe members: Family Tree Farms Inc., George Bros. Inc., Giannini Packing Co., Mountain View Fruit Sales Inc., Pandol Bros. Inc., Simonian Fruit Co. and Wespak Sales Co.