“We are totally focused on California and Mexico,” said Rob Wedin, vice president of fresh sales and marketing at Calavo Growers Inc., in Santa Paula, CA, coming right to the point in an interview with The Produce News.

Kevin Donovan, national sales manager for Phillips Mushroom Farms in Kennett Square, PA, told The Produce News that the company is currently in the process of developing some frozen mushroom products for the retail market.

Valley Fruit & Produce, a full-line wholesaler-distributor of quality fresh fruits and vegetables located in Los Angeles, announced that Jin Ju Wilder has been hired as director of marketing.

In this new position for the company, Wilder will bring her 20 years of produce industry experience to the planning, development and implementation of Valley's marketing strategies, external and internal communications, and public relations activities.

Dole Fresh Vegetables, based in Monterey, CA, is debuting an all-natural chopped salad line that will include both kits and blends.

Vision Import Group, a produce importer and distributor based in River Edge, NJ, announced the opening of a Southeast branch office located in Lakeland, FL.

Bruce Letchworth has been named to lead the sales team and will be assisted by Lindsay Love, both of whom previously worked in the Lakeland office of Supervalu and have wide produce experience and a strong record of customer service.

Lisa Hightower has joined United Fresh Produce Association as the association’s new communications manager. Hightower will produce the Inside Fresh United weekly online newsletter, develop content for United’s website and social media sites, work with news media, and promote awareness of United Fresh events, including the upcoming Washington Public Policy Conference.