Sweet potatoes have long been a strong seasonal item during the holidays, but Country Sweet Produce, based in Bakersfield, CA, is looking to capitalize on increased popularity with the introduction of a new baby sweet potato program, which will be available on a year-round basis.

Industry veteran Ed (Edge) Dostal and three other new hires have joined the sales team at Fruit Patch Sales LLC in Dinuba, CA. The others are Jesus Villareal and Wes Kubo on sales, and Rodney Kubo on export sales.

The Produce News was able to confirm their hiring, but neither they nor company executives were immediately available for comment.

In response to requests by United Fresh and other food industry groups, the Food & Drug Administration announced that it will extend the comment period to May 16 for the information collection provisions of the proposed rule on "Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption" (Produce Rule) and the same provisions in the proposed rule on "Current Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Risk-Based Preventive Controls for Human Food" (Preventive Controls Rule).

Peter Vallis, former partner in Farmer's Fresh Fruit Co. in Reedley, CA, and his wife, Demitra Vallis, have opened a new marketing company representing grape growers in California's Central Valley.

Called Empire Grape Co. LLC, the new entity, which officially launched Feb. 6, is based in Kingsburg, CA.

Handling sales for Empire Grape are Jay Stover and Susan Lucas.

“Westmoreland Sales is a privately owned, leading year-round greenhouse grower and shipper with a very strong diversified customer base,” said Ken Green, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Westmoreland Sales in Leamington, ON. “We continue adding greenhouse space to our operation, and we are always looking to expand our customer base with good customers.”

Marc Holbik, director of grower relations for Ecoripe Tropicals in Medley, FL, told The Produce News that the company carries a widely diverse line of Asian fruits and vegetables. But it also imports a wide variety of tropical products from South and Central America.