Michael Muzyk, president of Baldor Specialty Foods in the Bronx, NY, told The Produce News that the company is officially announcing the opening of its new Washington, DC, location.

“It was an old building that had seen a couple of life phases,” explained Muzyk. “We gutted it and brought it up to our high standards, and we installed vertical docks, which is Baldor’s trademark facility signature.

AMC Direct, a U.S importer of fresh produce, announced the introduction of its new Navel orange and clementine bags.

Jason Hanselman, industry affairs associate for the National Watermelon Promotion Board, provided The Produce News with a snapshot of watermelon movement as of mid-May. "After our tremendous start, we're seeing production slow somewhat compared to previous years," he said. "Traditionally, we see a large spike this time of year into the Memorial Day holiday.

Zespri Kiwifruit, a global leader in kiwifruit marketing, announced the arrival of the first ships containing Zespri Kiwifruit. New Zealand had a great growing season, with hot weather and adequate rainfall moving into a cool fall, ideal for kiwifruit. The fruit landed on the West Coast of North America last week and is arriving this week on the East Coast.

The Callippe Preserve Golf Course in Pleasanton, CA, served as the venue for the ninth annual Northern California Golf Tournament of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council held on Friday, May 16.

More than 100 golfers teed off in the scramble format, which saw the foursome of Brian Arbini of Fresh Express, Greg Corrigan of Raley's, Fernando Azevedo of Mann Packing Co. Inc. and Brad Raffanti of Edge Sales & Marketing, come in with top honors.

California Giant Berry Farms announced the addition of Jerry Connery as the new bush berry category manager for the company. Connery is a veteran produce industry professional with sales experience both domestically and internationally.