PHILADELPHIA - "The cold chain" is a catch phrase in the produce industry, and no one denies its benefits to fresh produce.

As the Philadelphia Regional Produce Market develops a design for its new market, initial plans called for entirely maintaining a cold chain to please the most heat-sensitive of any fresh produce commodities.

Agribuys in Torrance, CA, which describes itself as the leading provider of supply chain management software and services to the global perishable foods industry, and Foodconnex Worldwide in Roseville, CA, a provider of technology to companies in the perishables and food retail markets, announced May 2 that they have merged to form FoodLink Online.

WASHINGTON - Some agricultural producers have raised concerns about a new regulation that requires U.S. shippers to be paid for food and other goods destined for Cuba before shipments leave U.S. ports.

The U.S. Treasury Department changed its regulations Feb. 22 and now authorizes all exports to Cuba only if payment is received by the seller before the shipment of goods leave the U.S. port.

The 2004 Annual Report of the California Tree Fruit Agreement describes the 2004 California tree fruit season as "one of the worst on record." Even though volume for the year was well below the five-year average, the timing of the harvest "would wreak havoc with supplies.

Excessive spring and early summer heat brought the crop on too fast, and "for the entire first half of the season, fruit volume on average was 60 percent above normal.

NEW YORK - Fast food giant McDonald's launched its new premium Fruit & Walnut Salad May 4 at its Times Square location on 42nd Street and Broadway, here. The product is expected to be added to its menus in restaurants across the country in line with the company's national advertising campaign scheduled to begin on May 10.

CHICAGO - AgroFresh announced May 1 that SmartFresh is now available for fresh bananas.

SmartFresh quality bananas maintain their bright yellow color and fresh pulp longer before developing brown spots, according to the company. Retailers are able to merchandise at a higher color stage than previously possible, and gain a minimum of two additional selling days with SmartFresh quality bananas without increasing shrink.