The Produce News has learned that Rick Eastes, who was named vice president of sales and marketing for Fruit Patch Sales LLC in Dinuba, CA, Dec. 8, 2008, the exclusive sales agent for Fruit Patch Inc., is no longer with the company.

It is the third change in management at the Fruit Patch sales organization in two years.

The pear harvest is officially underway in Washington state, and Stemilt Growers is enthusiastic about the high-quality pears that will fill store shelves this season.

In addition to consumer favorites, like Bartlett and d'Anjou, Stemilt expects specialty varieties, like Asian pears, to provide retailers with a boost in sales this fall.

QUEBEC CITY, QC -- Although the slogan for the Quebec Produce Marketing Association's 62nd annual convention was "Embracing a Culture of Change," many things about the Quebec produce industry have not changed, especially its hospitality, warmth and camaraderie.

Over 500 members of the trade turned out to network with old friends and make new ones at the event, held here Aug. 20-22 at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.

Loblaw Cos. Ltd., Canada's largest food distributor, announced that its subsidiary, Loblaws Inc., had purchased all of the common shares of Richmond, BC-based T&T Supermarket Inc., one of Canada's larger Asian food retailers, for $225 million (Canadian).

B.E. (Buster) Giovanetti, a longtime California grower, shipper and distributor who was very active in the western produce industry, died Aug. 22 in Woodland, CA, where he resided. He was 94.

Just three months ago, Mr. Giovanetti told this reporter from his Northern California office that he wouldn't retire until "they drive the last spike in the box." He got his wish, as he was active in his family-run business until the end.

As part of its growing commitment to the Canadian market, Tanimura & Antle has added two industry veterans to help bolster its presence in Canada.