Produce industry veteran Loren Queen, who was most recently the product manager for Tart Is Smart cherry juice company, has been named manager of marketing and communications for Yakima, WA-based fruit grower-shipper Domex.

He replaces Eric Patrick, who recently joined the Grant J. Hunt Co. as marketing director.

Mr. Queen's first day on the job was March 13, and he told The Produce News March 20 that it had been a "busy week."

Monterey, CA-based Colorful Harvest LLC has announced an exclusive relationship with W.E. Schlechter & Sons of Belle Glade, FL, that will market Colorful Harvest's "Scarlet Sweet Red Corn" grown in Florida.

W.E. Schlechter, a third-generation corn and vegetable grower and a member of the Pioneer Growers Cooperative, will be the exclusive grower of the corn in Florida. The partnership marks the first time Colorful Harvest has grown the product outside California.

The California Avocado Commission and Frieda's Inc. are combining forces in a consumer recipe promotion for Fresh California Avocado Crepe-Wraps. The promotion is scheduled to run from April 1 through Sept. 4.

Dominic Francis DiMare, founder of the DiMare Co., died March 19 of respiratory failure in Miami, FL. He was 94.

Born Jan. 4, 1912, Mr. DiMare started selling produce from a pushcart when he was 13 years old. He and his brothers, Anthony DiMare and Joseph DiMare, built a produce company that is now among the leading fresh tomato companies, with farming operations in California, Florida and South Carolina, and repacking and sales operations in seven states.

The Produce Marketing Association's International Council met in Shanghai, China, from Feb. 26 through March 1 with Rabobank North East Asia representative Patrick Vizzone to explore the opportunities and challenges in the global produce supply chain and, more specifically, on China's current and future role as a significant exporter and importer of fruits and vegetables.

The findings from the collaboration are being incorporated into a white paper PMA will make available May 15.

ORADELL, NJ -- The Produce News has announced the promotion of Joel Gebet to Canadian sales manager, effective March 13. In this new position, Mr. Gebet will take charge of all advertising sales in Canada, as well as be in a lead position for planning and implementing editorial coverage of Canadian clientele and issues.