Washington State Potato Commission Chairman Randy Mullen and Director of Trade Matt Harris participated in the historic friendship luncheon welcoming China's president, Hu Jintao, held recently in Everett, WA.

Respected dignitaries and representatives of major Washington state businesses were also in attendance. The importance of the event was evident to the two state potato commission representatives, as they were seated across from former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.

Robert Wegman, a pioneer of one-stop shopping who transformed his family's business into one of the nation's largest private companies, died April 20. He was 87.

Mr. Wegman, chairman of Wegmans Food Markets, died at Strong Memorial Hospital, where he was admitted after his health deteriorated in recent days, according to a company statement. The cause of death was not disclosed.

"Until recently, Mr. Wegman kept a full schedule working in the office and enjoying his favorite pastime of visiting Wegmans stores," the statement said.

SALINAS, CA -- Though the effects of an expected national boycott and walkout of workers planned for May 1 are as yet unknown, efforts are being made here in agriculture to lessen the economic blow.

One of the larger U.S. celery producer has taken fresh-cut celery to new levels of sophistication.

"Anyone can buy celery and cut it with a knife, put it in a bag and put it on a shelf," said Bill Munger, manager of foodservice and fresh-cut sales for Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc., based in Oviedo, FL.

Consumers say that taste does matter. In a variety of surveys, consumers overwhelmingly select taste as a top priority when selecting produce, and seed producers have responded with a new variety of cabbage that was recently tested and released. The variety is a pointed-head, sweet cabbage that addresses the consumer preference issue of improved taste.

GUATEMALA CITY -- One of Guatemala's larger melon grower- exporters, Agricola La Labor S.A., is increasingly focusing on the U.S. market vs. the European market and has created a strong logistical position in serving the United States.

Ricardo Alfaro, whose family owns the melon company, said that he is chartering Green Reefers ships for deliveries to port Manatee, FL, and San Diego, CA. The firm, which is more casually known as Alfaro Melons, consolidates customer loads and affirms quality for customers in cold storages located at the two ports.