MCL Fresh Inc. has a fresh new brand presence, including a new company name: 4EARTH FARMS.

Lipman, one of the larger field tomato growers in North America, has hired Glenn Davis as director of western operations. With more than 30 years of experience in fresh produce, Davis brings an abundance of industry knowledge and executive expertise to his role.

He will oversee the region’s business development and expansion into retail and foodservice supply chains. He will also guide the growth of Lipman’s western division through product line expansions for all types of produce.

The Produce Marketing Association announced on Jan. 8, that it will partner with Fedefruta, Chile’s Fruit Growers Federation and Yentzen Group to bring together the fresh produce supply chain at the inaugural PMA Fruittrade Latin America, an international convention and exposition in Santiago, Chile, Nov. 12-13.

A new value-added “steam in the bag” fresh sweet potato product was rolled out in September by Southern Produce Distributors Inc.  

The convenience pack for consumers weighs one-and-a-half pounds.

Florida Classic Growers of Dundee, FL, is excited about the second half of its citrus season and the beginning of its increasingly popular peach deal, but just as excited about the upcoming Southeast Produce Council Southern Exposure trades how in Orlando, FL, Feb. 28 to March 1.

Florida Classic has a special connection to SPC. Vice President of Sales and Marketing Al Finch has been a member of the organization since 2003 and served as its president from 2006-08.

Nelly Yunta, vice president of sales, marketing and customer care, liner and logistics business groups for Crowley Maritime Corp. in Jacksonville, FL, and vice president of Customized Brokers, the customs brokerage and consulting division located in Miami, said that the company will not be exhibiting at the 2014 Southern Exposure conference and expo, but that it will have a presence.