With expectations that the volume of Washington's annual apple crop will continue to increase in the future, the industry is recognizing the importance that development of export markets will hold in moving product into the pipeline. Todd Fryhover, president of the Washington Apple Commission, told The Produce News, "Washington is going to have to increase its export opportunities by 10-15 percent. This is an interesting year. We somewhat have our finger on the pulse."

Montreal — The 66th annual Quebec Produce Marketing Association Convention was held Aug. 22-24 in Montreal at the Sheraton Hotel, and the event included excellent networking and learning opportunities.

Mann Packing Co. hired Kim St George as the company’s new director of marketing and innovation.

A major update of The United Family’s second-oldest Market Street location got under way Aug. 26. The project marks the first significant remodel of the store since its opening in January 2000.

Barring unforeseen delays the remodeling effort should be complete by Nov. 1.

The store will see a floor-to-ceiling makeover in the coming weeks, according to Wes Jackson, chief merchandising officer for The United Family.

The weather in the Central Valley of California this growing season has been ideal for grapes, and the season “has really set up beautifully for what we are seeing is going to be … an excellent pick and excellent quality” for the fall harvest, said Jim Llano, sales manager at Castle Rock Vineyards in Richgrove, CA, in an interview with The Produce News Aug. 9.

“We are excited about the quality. We are excited about the condition. We are excited, certainly, with the size as well … so really this past month has been I deal for the industry,” he said.

Empire Grape Co. LLC in Dinuba, CA, is a new marketing entity formed in February by Peter Vallis, who has been involved in growing grapes since childhood and is a former partner in Farmer’s Fresh Fruit Co., and his wife, Demitra Vallis.

Handling sales for Empire Grape are Jay Stover, who was also previously with Farmer’s Fresh and prior to that spent 10 years at Fazio Marketing Inc., and Susan Lucas, who has been in the produce business for 30 years.