Food safety is top-of-mind in the produce industry these days, and no one is more involved in that pursuit than Bob Whitaker, chief science officer of the Produce Marketing Association and chairman of the Research & Technology Council of the Center for Produce Safety, the University of California-Davis institute that has handed out $9 million in funding for dozens of research projects conducted around the world since its formation in 2007.

Corporación Frutícola de Chincha, operating as Fruchincha, is relatively new to the Peruvian citrus export business, but there are big players involved in the cooperative, and it will rapidly become a much larger player, according to Francisco Camino, general manager.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods, based in Oviedo, FL, announced the promotion of NICHOLE TOWELL to director of marketing. She previously held the position of marketing manager.

With 11 years of service at Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Ms. Towell has been instrumental in the company’s sales and marketing efforts. She recently led the charge for Duda Farm Fresh Foods’ consumer marketing efforts through digital and social media marketing.

On average, bonuses account for 30 percent of C-suite executive (chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer) compensation, according to a new survey of produce industry compensation and benefits released by the United Fresh Foundation through its Center for Leadership Excellence.

WASHINGTON -- Six retailers that pledged to bring healthier, affordable foods to 10 million people living in so-called ‘food deserts’ is good news for the produce industry, Bryan Silbermann, president and chief executive officer of the Produce Marketing Association, said in a July 21 media call with reporters.