As the Specialty Potato Alliance approaches its first anniversary of operation, the organization continues to see sales increases for its retail and foodservice fingerling and specialty potato lines, and has recently introduced a new packaging option for its family of products, which are available nationwide.

Mark Pittenger, vice president of sales and marketing for the alliance, told The Produce News April 7 that "we are integrating our two new proprietary varieties, the Red Rebel and the Rockey Rose, more and more into our lineup."

Ruiz Sales, an Edinburg, TX, distributor of tropical fruits, has long tried to be ahead of the curve when it comes to adopting new technology. This year, it has continued that tradition with the addition of traceable GTIN on most of its limes, at both the case level and the item level.

LONGWOOD, FL -- Angela Paymard is not a farmer. She has never grown, shipped, sold or transported produce. But she knows how to help those who do go about it more efficiently -- and more profitably.

"My life is not growing tomatoes. My life is showing people how to use technology to make their lives better," said Ms. Paymard, chairman of N2N Global, a company, based here, that provides business solutions to the produce industry.

With a vision steadfast in sustainability and quality at Village Farms, Doug Kling, senior vice president and chief sales and marketing officer, said that the Eatontown, NJ-based company strives to combine nature's best with advanced technical know-how to grow produce that bursts with old- fashioned taste and respects 21st century environmental principles.

Mike and Cyndy Mulhern, owners of Superior Produce Inc., a wholesaler in Sacramento, CA, are on a mission they've tagged "Coast2Coast4ACure" to raise money for breast cancer.

Mr. Mulhern will set off May 17 on his bike for a 3,750-mile cross-country ride from Boston to San Francisco. Mrs. Mulhern, accompanied by her mother, Mr. Mulhern's father and other family members, will be driving alongside in a motor home.

The family has good reason for its dedication to raising money for breast cancer.

The National Mango Board is accepting nominees for seven board member positions with terms beginning in January. Nominations will be accepted through May 11.

The board is made up of mango importers, foreign producers and a first handler who dedicate themselves to the mission, goals and objectives of the board. These board members work closely with the NMB staff to carry out marketing, research and industry relations programs to benefit the mango industry.