If any company has a secret weapon in its cherry promotion arsenal, it is probably Stemilt Growers LLC in Wenatchee, WA.

Director of Marketing Roger Pepperl said Kyle Mathison, vice president of research and development, has dedicated himself to applying the science needed to produce the region’s finest cherries. “Kyle is my hero,” Pepperl said.

An unusual spring weather pattern has led to a challenging season so far for R&R Flaim Next Generation Produce, based in Vineland, NJ. But things are starting to even out and the firm expects to have a strong season the rest of the way.

Ryan Flaim, a fourth-generation member of the family that grows and markets a full line of vegetables produced in the Garden State, said the spring season was delayed by about 20 days across the board.

There has long been research — both anecdotal and data-based — suggesting a positive link between the eating of fruits and vegetables and healthy outcomes, including disease prevention.

The Food & Drug Administration has launched an investigation into Fairview, OR-based Townsend Farms after a rarely-seen strain of hepatitis A has caused 30 illnesses and preliminary epidemiological studies are pointing the finger at the Townsend Farms Organic Anti-oxidant Blend frozen berry mix.

As of May 31, 30 people in five western states have become ill with hepatitis A, and 11 of the 17 people interviewed by health officials reported eating the frozen berry and pomegranate seed mix purchased from Costco, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

Professional athletes have long known the super-powering properties of potatoes, but thanks to growers, shippers and volunteers in Colorado's San Luis Valley, thousands of hardy bicyclists are also in the spud nutritional loop.

SAN DIEGO — A clear majority of 10 supermarket produce managers participating at a workshop during the recent United Fresh Produce Association convention claimed to have quite a bit of autonomy when it comes to building displays, featuring local product and sampling product for customers.

The group was representing mostly smaller chains and they were in attendance because they were being honored as being outstanding managers.