HLB Specialties has made its mark in the produce industry as a papaya specialist and distributor of other tropical produce items, but achieving that status was a process — and not an easy one at that.

HLB Specialties, based in Pompano Beach, FL, was founded by Homero Levy De Barros and is celebrating 25 years in business. He credits the success of his company to a willingness to take chances.

“We like challenges, and we don’t shy away from them,” Levy de Barros said. “I think that is what separates us from other companies.”

Washington asparagus growers have begun their 2014 season with a bang. "We had our first grower start the asparagus harvest on March 31, Alan Schreiber, executive director of the Washington Asparagus Commission, told The Produce News in mid-April. "We're off to a strong start."

Weis Markets announced it would invest $101 million in its growth program in 2014. At the company’s annual shareholder meeting, Jonathan Weis, president and chief executive officer, briefed shareholders on the company’s plans and its results.

Apio Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Landec Corp. and a leading national producer of fresh-cut vegetable products, has unveiled two new stir fry kits — the "Eat Smart" Shanghai Blend Stir Fry Kit and the "Eat Smart" Kale & Red Chard Stir Fry Kit.

Azzule Systems, headquartered in Santa Maria, CA, has announced that Rebecca Burnworth joined its team as technical manager for the PrimusGFS food-safety auditing scheme.   

In February 2014, PrimusGFS released a new version of the audit when re-benchmarked to the Global Food Safety Initiative 6th Edition Guidance document. As a technical manager for PrimusGFS, Burnworth will be involved with the requirements of transitioning to this new 2.1 version of PrimusGFS, and then with ongoing development and expansion of the PrimusGFS auditing scheme.

The famous "Snoboy" brand of fresh produce is returning to the retail marketplace after an absence of several years.

Amerifresh, owner of the "Snoboy" brand, announced the reintroduction at the recent National Grocers Association annual show.