PHILADELPHIA -- The time is almost here for the opening of the new Philadelphia produce market.

Philadelphia's fresh fruit and vegetable distributors will soon occupy one of the larger, more modern produce terminals in the world. The market measures 667,000 square feet in size.

Summerwhites, the California Tree Fruit Agreement's trademarked name for white-flesh peaches and nectarines, are projected to see modest increases in volume for the 2010 season after a sharp decline in 2009. With the early harvest underway, starting dates by variety are projected to be about two days later than last year, and growers said the quality looks exceptional, as it does for California stone fruit in general.

After a winter of produce shortages due to brutal weather, consumers and retailers are eagerly anticipating this year's South Carolina peach crop, according to Amy London of the South Carolina Peach Council.

PHILADELPHIA -- A marketing committee is working to attract new business for tenants when Philadelphia's produce industry moves into its new market. The market will be named the Regional Produce Cooperative Corp.

Although the percentage of the California stone fruit crop shipped overseas last year was down from historic averages, as was the crop itself, export markets remain an important destination for California stone fruit in general, and in particular for white-flesh peaches and nectarines.

After 31 years farming, Tommy Smith, chairman of the Carolina Blueberry Association in Garland, NC, is a little surprised to find his industry has become an overnight sensation.

With blueberries showing category growth across the spectrum and consumption rising annually, what three decades ago was a niche product has in the last few years become a rising-star commodity.