Georgia Peach growers are gearing up for a plentiful crop, which is expected to peak in volume and quality during the month of July.  To highlight the flavor of the summertime fruit, the Georgia Peach Council has launched a seasonal marketing campaign aimed at both retailers and consumers.

With an attendance figure that matched last year, a keynote address by one of the most recognizable names in the United States and an increase in exhibitors and booth space, executives at United Fresh Produce Association were calling this year’s show “very successful.”

Sun Pacific announced that for the first time it will have Cuties available to retailers during summer months. Summer Cuties will make their debut from June through October 2014. The company has also hired Bailey Lauerman as the new marketing agency of record for Cuties, as well as for additional brands and products within the Sun Pacific portfolio.

Los Angeles-based 4Earth Farms (formerly MCL Fresh, Inc.) announced the addition of Tran Nguyen to its sales team on June 3.

As the new senior sales director, Nguyen’s focus will be building on existing organic and conventional retail sales.

Attendees to the United Fresh Produce Association's annual convention and expo in Chicago cast their votes throughout the show for fresh produce innovation and recognized this year's New Product Awards in five categories. More than 40 fresh fruit and vegetable innovations competed in the categories of Best New Food Safety Solution, Best New Fruit Product, Best New Packaging, Best New Packing/Processing Equipment and Best New Vegetable Product.

United named the 2014 New Product Award winners:

Former Walmart executive Craig Carlson will be the featured speaker during a webinar June 26 that is designed to give tips to growers, packers and shippers that want to become suppliers for the larger big box retailers.

The seminar is being sponsored by Alchemy Systems in Austin, TX, and will also feature Laura Nelson, vice president of technical services and business development for Alchemy.