In its first year of marketing to India, New York apple growers are expecting to ship 50,000 cartons of apples to that nation this year. And more markets are expected to open to Empire State growers, providing opportunities for future growth.

Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association in Fishers, NY, told The Produce News, "We have also opened export programs to Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Africa, Thailand and Hong Kong this year. Movement into some of these countries is minimal, but it has opened doors and given us opportunities for future growth."

The New York Apple Association announced April 13 the winners of its annual display contest for apples and Marzetti products in military commissaries. They are Vicky Parsons of Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery, AL; Jeannett Winkley of Dyess AFB in Texas; Patricia Vass of Portsmouth Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA; Mark Hare of Ft. Drum in Watertown, NY; Angela Harmon of Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM; and Jesse Arreola of Ft. Bliss in Texas.

Giumarra VBM International Berry announced April 12 that 5K Farms in Ellisville, MS, has agreed to market its blueberries under the "Nature's Partner VitalBerry" brand.

5K Farms, which is owned by the Kittrell family, grows 65 acres of blueberries, harvesting from mid-May through mid-July. The family grows the Highbush and Rabbiteye blueberry varieties.

LAKELAND, FL -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture increased its April orange crop forecast for the 2009-10 season by 600,000 boxes. Florida is now expected to produce 131.6 million boxes of oranges.

Alsum Produce Inc., based in Friesland, WI, has changed its name to Alsum Farms & Produce Inc. to better reflect its long-term growth plans and commitment to locally grown produce.

The company will continue its growth through innovative new potato products, expanded offerings in fruits and vegetables, continued improvement in sustainable practices, and by building awareness of Wisconsin potatoes.

Andrea Astrachan of Ahold USA was elected chairman of the Produce for Better Health Foundation's board of trustees at its 2010 annual meeting April 8-10 in Half Moon Bay, CA. Ms. Astrachan most recently served as vice chairman of the foundation.

The board of trustees recognized the service of outgoing 2009 Chairman Paul Klutes of C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. Mr. Klutes will remain on the executive committee as immediate past chairman.

Roger Pepperl of Stemilt Growers Inc. was elected vice chairman, and Paul Palmby of Seneca Foods Corp. was elected secretary-treasurer.