BEDMINSTER, NJ -- In the increasingly competitive environment of upscale supermarket retailing, Kings Food Markets is looking to carve out a niche by providing inspiration to its customers.

WEATHER

Daytime highs in Yuma, AZ, were expected to be in the mid- to upper 70s through Feb. 12 before easing into the upper 60s beginning Feb. 14. Overnight lows were expected to range in the low to mid-40s. Rain was not in the near-term forecast.

In Oxnard, CA, daytime highs were expected to be in the low 70s through Feb. 10 before falling into the mid-60s through Feb. 14. Overnight lows were predicted to be in the low 50s through Feb. 10 and then drop into the low to mid-40s through Feb. 14. Rain was not in the near-term forecast.

As food-safety understanding and global requirements continue to advance and evolve for the produce industry, attendees of the America Trades Produce Conference will learn more about the key steps moving forward during the event, which will feature top-level food-safety authorities from both the United States and Mexico.

PRO*ACT announced Feb. 7 the addition of Kathleen Phillips as sustainability coordinator. In this newly created position, Ms. Phillips will work collaboratively with all levels of the supply chain to enhance and further develop the PRO*ACT sustainability initiative. That initiative's goals are twofold: To create and commit to continuous sustainability improvements at each touch point in the produce supply chain, and to promote the availability and safety of local produce for operators in all market segments.

The 2012 N.G.A. Show will feature a new collaboration with the Produce Marketing Association that will bring more than 20 produce companies into 2,500 square feet of exhibit space on the expo floor called the PMA Produce Pavilion.

Purfresh Inc., a market leader of ocean transport and supply chain management technologies that optimize the quality and safety of fresh produce, announced Feb. 6 the appointment of Brian Westcott as president and chief executive officer. A results-driven leader with more than 25 years of experience in operations, strategic management and corporate development for both Fortune 500 and early-stage companies, Mr. Westcott joins Purfresh to build upon the company's leadership position and growth. Mr. Westcott succeeds Mr. David Cope, who will chair the company's scientific advisory board.