A number-one trend on Twitter is just one of the many success stories that Grimmway Farms has to celebrate thanks to its partnership with NBC's “The Biggest Loser.”

California Giant Berry Farms is entering peak berry season with increased acreage and new marketing initiatives.

Cal Giant has increased strawberry acreage by 12 percent, mainly in northern California districts with Albion still the dominant variety in that growing region. Santa Maria has a slight shift in strawberry varieties with the addition of the Monterey. Additionally, this region has variety berries gearing up for production in the spring and summer.

Glennville, GA-based Bland Farms has hired Kristie Waters as its new sales manager. Ms. Waters joins the sweet onion company with more than 14 years of experience in the industry, and she will be based out of the Glennville headquarters.

BOISE, ID — Lori Otter, wife of Idaho Gov. Butch Otter, partnered with the Idaho Potato Commission and the commission’s mascot, Spuddy Buddy, to launch a program called Smashed Spuddy Buddy, an educational and interactive program designed to help teach kids about the nutritional benefits of Idaho potatoes.

Richter & Co., a vertically integrated distributor of fresh produce headquartered in Charlotte, NC, announced the hire of JARROD SNIDER as director of vegetable commodity development on Jan. 21.