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.

Calavo Growers Inc., a global leader in avocado marketing and an expanding provider of other fresh perishable products, announced Feb. 10 the formation of majority owned Calavo Salsa Lisa LLC and that business's acquisition of Lisa’s Salsa Co., based in St. Paul, MN.

Terms were not further disclosed.

Under the terms of the transaction, Calavo’s expansion into the growing fresh refrigerated salsa category comes through a 65 percent ownership interest in Calavo Salsa Lisa, which acquired the assets of closely held Lisa’s Salsa Co.

"Harvest curtailed by market conditions" is how the U.S. Federal-State Market News Service characterized the state of demand for many fresh vegetables in its Feb. 8 report.

The daily report noted that prices for many of the leaf items, including Iceberg lettuce, were mostly in the well-below-cost $5-$7 range because there was no demand. Bunched broccoli was barely over $5 per carton, while the crown cut was getting a dollar or two more -- but still trading well below the break-even point.