It is business as usual at Combs Produce in Dallas, and that is a good thing.

"We sell a lot of tomatoes, that's for sure," said Brett Combs, vice president of sales and marketing. Given the global economic turmoil of the past three years, “business is still a little challenging, but it’s decent overall.”

Being headquartered in Texas, a state which has weathered the recession better than the most and one that leads all others in economic recovery is “definitely a benefit, but it is still soft here. But business is decent overall and definitely improving.”

Everyone knows the old saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." David Mixon, chief marketing officer for Seald Sweet International in Vero Beach, FL, might amend that to, “When life gives you small fruit, create promotional opportunities.”

Seald Sweet has an excellent, flavorful crop this year, but like the rest of the Florida (and industrywide) crop, fruit size is small, Mr. Mixon told The Produce News in late November.

The season for Florida Classic Growers (formerly Diversified Citrus Marketing) in Lake Hamilton, FL started off with a bang and has only gotten better, said Al Finch, vice president of sales and marketing.

George Wooten, owner of Wayne E. Bailey Produce Company in Chadbourn, NC, said that North Carolina had the best crop of sweet potatoes in the country in 2009, but shortages in other states put severe pressure on supplies during the past summer.

Spud City Sales LLC, based in Stevens Point, WI, regularly markets more than Wisconsin potatoes. But Tom Lundgren, president of the firm, said that practice is very true this season.

Citing excellent supplies and sizes running heavy to jumbos, Sweet Clover Produce Sales Manager Bill (Sweet Willie) Brownfield said Red Wings were moving very well going into the holiday season.

From his Walla Walla, WA, office Mr. Brownfield said Nov. 16 that supplies will remain good through May, and he added that some colossal are available.

"We have virtually no mediums," he said of the famed single-center onions.