Although the Southeast is not “a big Granny market,” a strong movement of Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples into the region has made it a key factor in Chelan Fresh Marketing’s overall strategy.

“We sell a lot of Reds and Goldens in the Southeast,” said Mac Riggan, vice president of marketing for the Chelan, WA, operation. “And Galas are making good inroads there as well.”

The Giumarra Cos. announced Feb. 9 that it will market mangos from Mexico on behalf of R.C.F. Produce for the 2012 season.

R.C.F. Produce is based in Nogales, AZ, and markets fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Sinaloa, Mexico. R.C.F. President Malu Crespo oversees all U.S. operations, and along with her three brothers orchestrates product flow from the company's various facilities and orchards throughout Mexico.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) was set to convene the first of four hearings Feb. 15 on the 2012 farm bill, and specialty crop producers are likely to be closely watching the Senate’s first steps in overhauling the nation’s farm policy.

Lipman, a leading field tomato grower based in Immokalee, FL, announced Feb. 9 that it has acquired Winston-Salem, NC-based tomato distributor Branscomb Produce.

The newly acquired company will join Lipman's network of research and development, farming, packing, processing, repacking and procurement solutions. Eddie Branscomb, his son Ben and Al Yancey will take on an expanded role with Lipman.