“The good news is that as of mid-August we were about 50 percent harvested in Alabama,” Jason Bell, account manager for Tater Man, headquartered in Sydney, FL, told The Produce News. “Until about mid-August, the supply line was basically empty nationwide of stored sweet potatoes from the 2013 crop, which is pretty much common knowledge throughout the industry. But we’re right on schedule this year. Alabama harvesting will wrap up around the middle of September.

IFCO, a leading global provider of reusable packaging solutions for fresh products, has appointed two industry veterans to its North American retail sales group. Greg Kurkjian is joining IFCO as vice president of retail sales and Tammy Gainey is joining as director-Walmart.

The Vidalia Onion Committee reached a younger audience with successful results this past season when it launched the "V is for Vidalia" campaign. The campaign kicked off April 21 and focused on promoting the versatility and flavor of Vidalia onions with increased social and digital media outreach.

Well-Pict will unveil its newly re-designed trade show booth at the PMA Fresh Summit in Anaheim, CA, Oct. 18-19.

Delhaize Group announced that Maura Abeln Smith, executive vice president, general counsel and general secretary, will leave the company effective Nov. 1.

"I am grateful for Maura's service," Frans Muller, president and chief executive officer of Delhaize Group, said in a press release. "She came to Delhaize Group at a time of transition in leadership. She was committed, worked diligently, and made significant contributions and we wish her well in her future endeavors."

When the third annual BC CEO Awards were announced last week, Oppy’s John Anderson was chosen as a recipient.

Anderson was selected as the 2014 honoree in the major private company category, with award sponsors Business in Vancouver magazine, Deloitte and MacKay CEO Forums naming him among British Columbia’s highly esteemed company leaders.