Consumer interest in fresh organic produce has proven to be a significant driving force for Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers.

The family-owned company, which began in 1955 as a door-to-door operation in Golden, CO, opened its 26th store Jan. 15 in Colorado Springs, CO. This latest addition expands the company's regional visibility in Colorado and New Mexico.

"It's a very well-prepared store," said Vice President of Marketing Nancy Flynn. "It was a very productive opening. People have been asking for more produce."

The 2008 Mexican tomato season is shaping up to be one of the better ones in several years, with reliable supplies and steady markets expected, according to industry sources.

"The season started light, but now we are moving into some great crops," said Javier (J.J.) Badillo, director of diversified products for Calavo Inc., who oversees Calavo's Mexican tomato program from the company's Nogales, AZ, office.

He told The Produce News Jan. 30 that he expects to see "high quality and consistent supplies" throughout the balance of the season.

REEDLEY, CA -- Family Tree Farms, here, has announced the addition of Eric Wuhl to its staff as director of research and development, overseeing all activities of the company's new research and development center that is scheduled to be operational in about a month. The announcement was made in a Jan. 28 press release.

Dave Warsh, owner of Warsh Farm in Center, CO, has been named vice chairman of the United Potato Growers of America board of directors. Mr. Warsh, a first-generation farmer, came to Colorado from Waukesha, WI, and has been farming for 25 years.

He brings a wealth of experience in the potato industry to the table. Mr. Warsh is a founding director of United Potato Growers of America, and he served for two years as secretary-treasurer of the organization.

The Sholl Group II Inc., the Minnesota-based marketer of selected "Green Giant Fresh" produce products, is expanding the brand through a partnership with Gourmet Trading Co., based in Los Angeles. The alliance will involve growing, packing, shipping and marketing "Green Giant Fresh" branded asparagus.

Prolonged and heavy rains in Southern California have tightened strawberry supplies, resulting in a soaring berry market that may continue into the Easter pull.