John Chapman (Sept. 26, 1774 – March 11, 1845), an American legend known widely as Johnny Appleseed because of his work as a pioneer nurseryman, introduced apple trees to large parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois and counties in present day West Virginia. He is sighted as having been kind, generous and strong in conservation leadership.

While “Mr. Appleseed” apparently never got his apple seeds in the ground in New York, there is someone at the apple helm there today — Jim Allen — who sounds a lot like him.

Emil Serafino, vice president of the Exp Group LLC, in North Bergen, NJ, told The Produce News that the company is a leading grower, shipper and supplier of tropical products to New York and surrounding areas. The company’s line is very strong on processed bananas.

“Bananas and plantains are our biggest items,” said Mr. Serafino. “We have numerous ripening rooms and we continue to add new rooms over time.”

The Exp Group uses numerous labels on its wide variety of tropical fruits and vegetables.

Bruce Klein, director of marketing for Maurice A. Auerbach, now located in its new facility in Secaucus, NJ, told The Produce News that looking at new items to potentially add to the company’s already extensive line of specialty produce simply makes sense.

“A line such as ours has its own synergy,” said Mr. Klein. “It just makes sense to continue with the line that we have established over the years and that is very solid today. We look for items that make sense and compliment that synergy.”

“We are excited about adding a few new labels and programs to our wheelhouse of existing top brands,” Ira Nathel, president and owner of Nathel & Nathel Inc., located in the Hunts Point Terminal Market in the Bronx, NY, told The Produce News.

“We know that there is only one way to stay at the top in this business, and that is to always handle the best produce,” he continued. “Price is secondary, quality is first and foremost. Premium produce and a stellar staff are what make Nathel & Nathel the best produce company in the market.”

The National Mango Board's new marketing campaign, Mangover, officially launched May 2 with new celebrity spokesman Clinton Kelly. Mr. Kelly, the co-host of "What Not to Wear" on TLC and "The Chew" on ABC, has partnered with the NMB to motivate consumers to refresh their dishes and upgrade seasonal favorites with the fresh and delicious taste of mango.

The NMB's Mangover campaign encourages consumers to explore mangos as an easy way to add a pleasant, sweet surprise to everything from breakfast to a late-night snack.

JEFF WEAVER recently joined Selma, CA-based Poindexter Nut Co. as manager of retail and produce development.

With the new plant expansion at Poindexter Nut Co., and the continued growth of their retail brand, Mr. Weaver will be in charge of sales growth in the packaged nut line, which is expected to double in the next three years.

Mr. Weaver recently graduated Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo with a degree in agricultural business and was introduced to the produce industry through several internships. He has been working in the industry for two years.