For the 2012 growing season, Alpine Fresh Inc. has changed its irrigation practices in Peru to become more efficient in an effort to save water and ultimately decrease costs.

“We have changed the way we irrigate our asparagus,” said Walter Yager, president of the Miami-based company. “This has resulted in a 30 percent savings on water. Where a particular well used to irrigate 100 acres, we are now irrigating 130 acres with the same amount of water.”

KATHLEEN PREIS joined The Mushroom Council, based in San Jose, CA, as marketing coordinator. She is handling trade media communications as well as helping in the execution of current marketing strategies.

The Texas Produce Association will now be known as the Texas International Produce Association to more accurately reflect the nature of the produce industry in the Lone Star State.

Fresh California grapes are the primary focus for the Chuck Olsen Co. in Visalia, CA, for the fall season, along with melons and citrus, according to Vice President Jeff Olsen. The company also does “a little bit” of tree fruit that carries into the early fall period.

August is National Back to School month and Stemilt Growers is celebrating by adding a new item to its popular line of kid-sized apples and pears, Lil Snappers.

Bartlett pears are now available in the convenient three-pound Lil Snappers package. This kid-friendly item is set to arrive in stores nationwide in September — just in time to help moms fill their child's lunch with healthy fruit.

Procacci Bros. Sales Corp. and its affiliate, Santa Sweets Inc., jointly announced the promotion of Rick Feighery to vice president of sales and Kevin Delaney to director of marketing.

Mr. Feighery, formerly director of sales, has been involved in all aspects of Procacci Bros. growing and wholesale operations since joining the company in 1998.

He has accumulated extensive product knowledge and retail sales experience while leading the company's organic program, and will oversee business development and strategy for Procacci Bros. and Santa Sweets Inc.