LAS VEGAS, NV -- Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush kicked off the United Fresh Produce Association's 2010 convention and expo Tuesday afternoon, April 20, at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, here.

In his address to the produce industry during Tuesday's general session at United Fresh 2010, Mr. Bush reminded the assembled attendees of the work left to do to guide the industry out of the recent economic doldrums into a more prosperous environment.

More than 100 key stakeholders in obesity prevention from academia, community groups, government and industry, including United Fresh President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Stenzel, gathered in early April at the White House to discuss the growing epidemic of child obesity and ways to combat it.

Spring has brought good weather and a promise of increased supplies of onions, mangos and limes, but for each of those crops, to one degree or another, supply is still outstripped by demand, and strong markets prevail.

Crunch Pak, maker of sliced fresh apples, will introduce additions to its "Apple Snackers" line at the United Fresh Produce Association show, which was scheduled for April 21-22 in Las Vegas.

"Apple Snackers" are nutritious snacks that contain interesting combinations of fruits and other sides, such as dips and cheese, in a mini-tray. Crunch Pak now makes fresh "Apple Snackers" choices that include apples, cheese and grapes; apples, cheese and pretzels; and apples, cheese and caramel.

Pete Aiello is looking forward to late April.

Mr. Aiello, general manager of Uesugi Farms Inc., said that this is when the Gilroy, CA-based grower-packer-shipper will kick off its Bell pepper deal, and he expected this to be when the "high green and red Bell pepper market will come back down to earth."

"Markets should normalize when California really gets going with some volume," Mr. Aiello told The Produce News April 7. "We'll have red Bell peppers by the end of May in Coachella [CA]."

Coastline Produce in Salinas, CA, is now the exclusive shipper of the "American Classic" label. The label joins the company's "Coastline" and "Greenettes" labels, and current offerings include celery, lettuce and Romaine with additional products to come.