Combs Produce, a company that celebrated its 50th year in Dallas in 2008, has partnered with a private equity firm in a concerted effort to grow itself with regard to geography and product lines.

"We consider this a very good time to grow," Brett Combs, president of the family-run operation, told The Produce News Jan. 20. "Our business is strong - probably as strong as it has ever been."

He acknowledged that the country is going through a difficult economic time, but he said that this has not hurt business for Combs Produce.

The Produce Marketing Association's I Know Produce on-line reference library has completed a major refresh to increase its value to wholesalers, foodservice companies and retailers who are seeking to increase produce sales, lower their shrink and get the most value for their produce investment.

OJAI, CA -- The versatility of lemons was on display during a recent culinary showcase sponsored by Sunkist Growers Inc. and held at the Ojai Resort & Spa, here.

While much of the country was in the grips of a cold snap the second week of January, foodservice editors from the consumer and trade media gathered Jan. 12-14 in this Southern California hamlet 15 miles east of Ventura, where temperatures soared to 90 degrees.

The Produce Marketing Association Foundation for Industry Talent is pooling efforts toward identifying and attracting talent to the fresh produce industry. PMA FIT has raised about $3.5 million toward its goal of $5 million.

"Philanthropy actually steps up in tough times," said Cindy Seel, executive director of PMA FIT, a nonprofit, 501(c)3 corporation that was founded in 2006 and is dedicated to ensuring a quality workforce for the industry.

PHILADELPHIA -- At Storey's Fruit & Produce on the Philadelphia Regional Produce Terminal, here, not a single box of produce was in sight Jan. 16.

On a sunny and bitter cold day, Butch Storey attended to the final details as the company prepared to close its doors for good.

Upstairs in the antiquated business offices constructed in 1959, Butch Storey's brother, Danny, and father, Dan, worked on closing the company's accounts.

River Ranch Fresh Foods Inc. in Salinas, CA, laid off 16 people over the past two weeks including Bruce Knobeloch, who was vice president of marketing.