Bernardi & Associates Inc., which is headquartered in Nogales, AZ, and has branch offices in Fort Meyer, FL; McAllen, TX; Turlock, CA; and San Diego, is in the business of brokering tomatoes, mixed vegetables, melons and some other commodities from growing districts both in the United States and Mexico.

Everything is the same with the company as it was a year ago, said President Joe Bernardi, who was in the Turlock office, wrapping up the California tomato deal when The Produce News talked to him by phone Nov.16.

NOGALES, AZ — The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, here, spends a great deal of its time and resources every year dealing with issues related to transportation and logistics, and particularly those having to do with getting produce moved expeditiously from Mexico across the border and into the warehouses in Nogales.

In a move to reinforce its focus on the healthy aspects of its product, Pink Lady America announced that Ali Vincent, the first female winner of The Biggest Loser, will be its national spokesperson for the 2011-12 marketing season.

POM Wonderful, a leading grower of fresh pomegranates and producer of pomegranate juice, has added fresh pomegranate arils to its lineup.

POM POMS, a convenient, ready-to-eat package of ruby red arils from California-grown Wonderful variety pomegranates, are available through February in the fresh-cut fruit section of most major grocery stores.

Chiquita Brands International Inc. (NYSE: CQB) announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters to Charlotte, NC, from the company's current location in Cincinnati, according to a Nov. 29 company press release. The relocation will include more than 300 positions currently based in Cincinnati.

Consumers are vying for top honors in the first-ever Warm Up With Wisconsin Potatoes Recipe Contest.

Sponsored by the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, entrants have until Dec. 7 to submit their favorite recipes for soups and stews featuring Wisconsin potatoes.