For more than a century, National Apple Month has provided a promotional foundation for the domestic apple industry, which evolved from a single-day event to a three-month promotional marketing opportunity for retailer and military stores nationwide.

Most important, it is not too late to capitalize on the fall merchandising and display benefits of the 2005 National Apple Month contest.

MONTCLAIR, NJ -- Delicious Foods announced that Dan Hamilton has joined its advisory board effective immediately. Mr. Hamilton was formerly the senior vice president of marketing for H.E. Butt Grocery Co.'s Houston division and has held a number of key executive positions at HEB in the perishables and marketing areas.

ATLANTA -- An orange is an orange is an orange -- except when it isn't. When it or any other item in fresh produce is more is a determination made by those with their finger on the pulse of consumer tastes.

The 2005-06 PMA board of directors took office on Nov. 4 during the Produce Marketing Association's 2005 Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition in Atlanta.

Chairman of the Board Janet Erickson, executive vice president, purchasing and quality assurance for Del Taco Inc. in Lake Forest, CA, was joined on the board by three other officers and 21 directors.

ATLANTA -- The U.S. market will continue to be a flourishing consumer market because of ongoing immigration and because baby boomers are having two children per couple, creating an "echo boom," according to Jeffrey Rosensweig, associate dean and director of the global perspectives program at Goizueta Business School at Emory University, here.

Asia, notably Japan, and Europe, will slow in population growth because many couples are having one child, he said. Markets in China and India will remain emerging markets.

ATLANTA -- Cookie Monster, the lovable Sesame Street character who got his name from his propensity to devour cookies in a frenzy after proclaiming "Me love cookies," made a guest appearance at the Sunkist Growers booth during the Produce Marketing Association international convention and exposition, here, Nov. 7.

He may never be the same.