Joseph A. Duda, president and chief executive officer of A. Duda & Sons Inc. in Oviedo, FL, announced the appointment of key executives at two of the corporation's wholly owned subsidiary companies: Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc. and Duda Products Inc.

Robert P. (Bob) Gray, a 25-year veteran of Duda's fresh operations, has been named chief executive officer of Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc. Edward D. (Dan) Duda Jr., who has served for 26 years in fresh sales and marketing for the family-owned company, has been promoted to chief operating officer of Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc.

Four Seasons Produce Inc. in Ephrata, PA, has changed the name of its importing operation from Four Seasons Trading to Fresh Pro Trading Inc. The new name is designed to provide a unique identity to Four Seasons' importing operations while maintaining a focus on its expertise as an experienced importer.

Any industry would like to have a promotion in New York's Grand Central Terminal. With prices consistently down despite declining supplies, the mushroom industry can really use such a promotion.

Riveridge Produce in Sparta, MI, announced the addition of 100 percent red tart cherry juice concentrate to its lineup of products.

According to the Cherry Marketing Institute, the latest research shows that Montmorency cherries have antioxidant properties that may relieve the pain of arthritis and gout. Specifically, Montmorency cherries contain melatonin, an antioxidant that attacks free radicals and could help prevent or reduce brain deterioration. Other antioxidants present in red tart cherries also may help prevent cancer and heart disease, according to research.

NAPLES, FL -- Attendees of the 2006 Florida Tomato Institute, part of the 31st Joint Tomato Conference being held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, here, heard some bad news delivered by Reggie Brown, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee. The news was that Florida tomato production was down 5 million packages and the value of the crop is almost $200 million less this season than it was the year before.

SUN VALLEY, ID -- The Idaho potato industry is operating under a new paradigm, and other potato-growing states around the country have followed suit, Jerry Wright, chief executive officer and president of United Fresh Potato Growers of Idaho, said in his remarks at an industry luncheon during the 78th annual Idaho Grower-Shippers Association convention, here, Aug. 30.

That new paradigm, he explained, is for growers to grow "only what is needed for the fresh market," rather than to grow as many potatoes as they can and then try to market them.