"New for spring 2010 will be the 'Kumato' grape tomato," said Chris Veillon, marketing manager for Mastronardi Produce Ltd., headquartered in Leamington, ON. "It has the same characteristics as the regular 'Kumato' only in grape format, and it's even sweeter. We are also launching our new ready- to-eat facility that will prewash all of our new 'Sunset Kidz MiMi' candy tomatoes. The price point will be less than a chocolate bar, likely 99 cents a pack. Each pack is three ounces.

Ken Green, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Westmoreland Sales in Leamington, ON, joined the company in April 2009. Now on the supply side of the industry, the majority of his career has been spent in retail. He started with A&P when he was 16 and remained employed throughout high school and college.

WASHINGTON -- United Fresh Produce Association announced Feb. 12 that Rob Neenan, currently vice president of government affairs at the California League of Food Processors in Sacramento, CA, will join United as vice president of environmental affairs and sustainability.

BERLIN -- Attendees were still making their way to Berlin Feb. 3, resulting in a relatively slow first day for Fruit Logistica, held here Feb. 3-5. But things picked up in a hurry as a record number of visitors made their way to the show, giving the unmistakable impression of a truly global and growing fruit and vegetable business.

This year, 53,000 industry members from 130 countries attended, and 2,302 exhibitors from 71 countries greeted old and new business acquaintances with open bars and comfortable places to sit and chat.

On March 5, a California district court judge is expected to approve the PACA claims procedure in the Salyer American Fresh Foods receivership case, leading to the paying of about $2 million in a PACA Trust claims, according to an attorney involved in the case.

Paul Moncrief, an attorney with Salinas, CA-based Johnson & Moncrief, told The Produce News Feb. 10 that the arrest of F. Scott Salyer the previous week adds an interesting sidelight to the case, but it should have no impact.

NASHVILLE -- Produce Alliance has added Sheppard Produce Co. to its membership. Headquartered here, Produce Alliance specializes in helping member businesses grow with a unique set of tools, services and plans for growth in the produce industry.

According to Stan Sheppard, president of Sheppard Produce in Twin Falls, ID, consistent premium quality of products, along with the strength of its purchasing programs, was a major factor in its decision. He said that the people of Produce Alliance are very professional and conduct themselves with integrity and respect.