Salinas, CA-based Grower-Shipper Association of Central California announced Dennis Donohue as its chairman for the 2008-09 term at its annual luncheon held May 29. It is the first time the association has had a current city mayor as its chairman.

The world is changing fast. As the economic pendulum swings, company executives are trying to figure out what exactly lies ahead for their businesses.

There are several factors for companies to consider to keep ahead of the game these days: consumer requests, trends and the future. It is imperative to respond to these components when they enter the market-awareness zone. As soon as a food trend is born, you must act on it fast.

SHERMAN OAKS, CA -- Sunkist Growers has named Kevin P. Fiori to lead the citrus marketing cooperative's domestic and international fresh fruit sales and marketing division.

As vice president of sales and marketing, Mr. Fiori will succeed Russell L. Hanlin, who assumes the presidency of Sunkist Nov. 1. Mr. Fiori, highly regarded in both the agricultural industry and the produce trade, is leaving Dole Food Co., where he served for 29 years, most recently as senior vice president of agriculture operations for Dole Fresh Vegetables.

This has been a difficult year for the produce industry due to economic, social and weather events. For Pro*Act, a leading distributor of fresh produce to the foodservice industry, the year started strong with fresh fruit sales, thanks to a first-ever sales contest for its members, which was sponsored by the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association.

MOORPARK, CA -- Muranaka Farm, a grower-shipper of fresh produce, announced that John Killeen, a produce industry veteran, is joining the company as vice president of sales and marketing, effective June 9.

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas held its annual meeting last month at which time members elected the board of directors and ushered in a new chairman.

Alicia Bon Martin is the new past-chairman of the association, having served two years as chairman of the board. Chris Ciruli is the new chairman of the association, serving a two-year term, after serving as chairman-elect.