Over 300 people were in attendance for the Southeast Produce Council's 2012 Fall Conference, Sept. 19-22 at the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa in Asheville, NC. The opening cocktail reception was held Thursday evening, Sept.

USA Onions and Weber have turned up the heat with a new and exciting marketing and promotions campaign designed to provide retail and consumer-direct incentives. USA Onions Marketing Director Sherise Jones said the campaign coincides with College Bowl and professional football seasons, and timing is perfect for movement of Idaho-Eastern Oregon’s signature onions.

As part of AYCO Farm’s growth strategy, the company has fashioned a comprehensive greenhouse produce program. AYCO has acquired procurement and greenhouse production in the four leading growing regions in Mexico. Through its partnerships in these production areas, AYCO will ship over 3 million cases this coming winter season. 

BOISE, ID — The Idaho Potato Commission’s retail programs for the 2012-13 marketing year are “not that dissimilar from historical components,” according to Seth Pemsler, vice president of retail and international marketing. Many of the programs are “things that we have done historically that we continue to do,” although they may fine-tuned, he said. “The reason we are doing them is because they have proven very effective.”

“We are happy to announce that Carole Opel has been appointed regional sales manager of the Giorgio Fresh sales team,” said Bill Litvin, also a regional sales manager for the Temple, PA-based company.

Mr. Litvin noted that in recent years, all categories of produce, including specialties, have witnessed growth due especially to specific consumer-driven trends that include the buy local movement where consumers favor locally grown produce to support the local and state economy.