NORWALK, CA -- Fresh produce sets the tone for Albertson's newer Southern California stores, according to Sue Klug, president of that 286-store division of SuperValu, which is based in Minneapolis.

Speaking June 4 at the bimonthly meeting of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council, here, Ms. Klug said that at the chain's newer upscale stores, "produce is up front and in your face. It sets the tone." She said the emphasis on fresh is very important in those stores and does drive sales.

Habelman Bros. Co., a leading fresh cranberry grower and packer, has entered into a cranberry sales and marketing agreement with The Cranberry Network LLC, a Wisconsin-based sales and marketing company.

WASHINGTON -- The Food & Drug Administration is considering a plan that would allow tomatoes from certain certified counties in Florida to be shipped -- good news for some Florida growers grappling with a nationwide Salmonella outbreak that continues to expand to new states and has contributed to the death of one person so far.

On June 16, brothers Sam and Joe Ingardia will celebrate their firm's 35th year as a produce distributor in Southern California. Ingardia Bros. Produce has become one of Orange County's larger produce, seafood, dairy and grocery companies.

In early February, Ingardia Bros. moved into a new 63,000-square-foot distribution facility in Santa Ana, about 25 miles south of Los Angeles.

Salinas, CA-based Grower-Shipper Association of Central California announced Dennis Donohue as its chairman for the 2008-09 term at its annual luncheon held May 29. It is the first time the association has had a current city mayor as its chairman.

The world is changing fast. As the economic pendulum swings, company executives are trying to figure out what exactly lies ahead for their businesses.

There are several factors for companies to consider to keep ahead of the game these days: consumer requests, trends and the future. It is imperative to respond to these components when they enter the market-awareness zone. As soon as a food trend is born, you must act on it fast.