Gentile Bros. Co., one of the country's oldest active produce companies, which until recently was The Blue Book's oldest Trading Member, has gone out of business.

Founded in 1881, Gentile was a repacker and distributor that served retail, foodservice and processing customers throughout the Midwest.

Attempts to contact the Cincinnati-based company Oct. 11 were unsuccessful. Gentile's website was also inactive.

Safeway Inc. has decided to exit the Chicago market and focus its efforts in other operating areas where its business is stronger. Part of the plan includes the sale of four of its Chicago-area Dominick's stores to New Albertsons Inc., which operates Jewel-Osco grocery stores.

During a short transition period, the stores will continue to operate under the Dominick's banner until Jewel-Osco can complete its conversion to Jewel-Osco stores.

Green Giant Fresh suppliers Gourmet Trading Co. and Potandon Produce LLC have partnered to promote "Green Giant Fresh" brand asparagus and Klondike Rose potatoes nationally at Target stores with an exclusive online coupon.

The coupon offers a free bag of "Green Giant Fresh" asparagus tips when consumers buy "Green Giant Fresh" Klondike Rose potatoes at Target.

From Oct. 14 through Oct. 25, consumers can print the manufacturer coupon from Potandon's Klondike Brand website at http://www.klondikebrands.com/coupons.

Mixtec Group, a top executive search firm for the produce industry, hired EMILY FRAGOSO as an associate recruiter.

Fragoso brings more than 12 years of produce industry experience as a communications, marketing, public relations and business strategy expert. She has represented industry associations, private companies and consulting firms in a variety of executive roles.

Bill Litvin, vice president of sales and national account manager Giorgio Fresh, headquartered in Temple, PA, told The Produce News that the company now offers a line of stuffed Portabella mushrooms.

Kevin Donovan, national sales manager for Phillips Mushroom Farms in Kennett Square, PA, told The Produce News that the company was looking forward to the upcoming Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit in New Orleans, Oct. 18-20.

“We will be exhibiting at booth number 4639, and we’ll be demonstrating our new Phillips Gourmet Fire Roasted Frozen Mushroom product,” said Donovan. “The fire roasted flavor and texture of this product matches that of fresh mushrooms.”