WASHINGTON -- Expect to see an expanded conference program focusing on technical issues such as packaging and food safety, but also a new attention to business management at the April 26-29 International Fresh-cut Produce Association meeting in Baltimore.

San Francisco-based Sundia Corp. announced that Sunkist Growers Chief Executive Officer Jeff Gargiulo has joined the company as its chairman of the board of directors and advisors.

Brad Oberwager, CEO and founder of Sundia, told The Produce News that Mr. Gargiulo's role would be a "strategic" one. "Someone like Jeff doesn't have to put in 100 hours a week to have an impact," Mr. Oberwager said.

The following are the main points to the recently announced proposed merger of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association and the International Fresh-cut Produce Association.

--- Current United President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Stenzel will retain those titles for the new United Fresh Produce Association. Current IFPA President Jerry Welcome will become executive vice president of business development.

Jan DeLyser, vice president of marketing for the California Avocado Commission in Irvine, CA, was elected chairman of the Produce for Better Health Foundation's board of trustees at its 2006 annual meeting earlier this month in San Francisco. Ms. DeLyser most recently served as vice chairman of the organization.

The board of trustees recognized the service of outgoing 2005 Chairman of the Board David Parker, director of marketing for Fruit Patch Sales in Dinuba, CA, who remains on the executive committee as immediate past chairman.

WASHINGTON -- The United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association and the International Fresh-cut Produce Association announced April 19 that they will pool their resources and merge thir organizations to become the United Fresh Produce Association by the end of the year.

The new marriage reflects a consolidating industry, stepped up food-safety pressures and the ever-increasing blurred line between processing and other sectors of the supply chain.

With the rapid growth of organic sales in supermarkets, retailers need more information about the category. In grand style, Indianapolis Fruit Co. in Indianapolis is answering many of the questions.

On April 24-25 the produce distributor will host 200 industry members for a sophisticated, invitation-only seminar titled "Winning at Retail: Developing Organics as a Strategic Point of Difference."