Customized Brokers, the customs brokerage division of Crowley Marine Corp. in Miami, FL, caters heavily to the clearance of fruits and vegetables coming into the United States.

Nelly Yunta, vice president of U.S. imports, customs brokerage and consulting for the company, said that it is able to clear anything that is imported into the United States.

In the midst of holiday demand, Sweet Clover Produce of Walla Walla, WA, is shipping a full line of onions now.

The 2012 onion season has kicked into high gear with shipments of organics, sweets and hybrids from Sweet Clover Produce of Walla Walla, WA.

Allison Moore has been named director of legislative and regulatory affairs for the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, effective Dec. 7.

"Allison increasingly has helped set the tone for FPAA in its in regulatory and legislative issues," Lance Jungmeyer, president of FPAA, said in a press release. "In this role, she will continue to expand her knowledge and activity in these areas."

Donnie Blanton, a veteran of the California produce industry, died unexpectedly in his sleep Dec. 2 at the age of 46. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Heather Moyse, an Olympic gold medalist hailing from Prince Edward Island, will continue her role as brand ambassador for Prince Edward Island Potatoes.

After a successful first year representing Prince Edward Island Potatoes at consumer and trade events across Canada and via social media, Ms. Moyse will be active in promoting PEI potatoes while competing for spots on both Canada's women's Rugby Sevens team as well as Canada's women's bobsled team.

Gourmet Trading Co., a North American distributor of fresh asparagus, blueberries and blackberries, won the WorldStar Award in the food category for its two-piece display-ready asparagus shipper from the WorldStar Packaging Organisation.

The company was able to enter this international competition after winning the Institute of Packaging Professionals 2012 AmeriStar Packaging Competition for its innovative asparagus package on April 5, 2012.