ATLANTA -- Developing a better flavor profile for fruits and vegetables has to be "job one" for the industry, according to Bryan Silbermann, president of the Produce Marketing Association.

Giving his annual state-of-the-industry address Oct. 15 during the four-day convention, here, Mr. Silbermann touched on a wide range of topics, including the rebranding of his organization as well as the "digital revolution" and the industry's current food-safety crisis.

Two leaders from the retail and foodservice buying communities were honored by the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement during a meeting at the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit in Atlanta.

Bill Pool of Wegmans and Mike Spinazzola of Diversified Restaurant Systems, the produce buying arm for IPC and Subway restaurants, were announced as recipients of the LGMA's Golden Checkmark Award.

The Golden Checkmark is given to recognize individuals and organizations that support mandatory government inspection of food-safety practices in the produce industry.

ATLANTA -- The boards of directors of the Produce Marketing Association and the United Fresh Produce Association voted within the last 10 days to continue discussions that could lead to a merger of the two associations.

Responding to an inquiry from The Produce News, the co-chairmen of the two associations’ joint task force confirmed that two meetings have been held to discuss how the organizations can work together, and those meetings will continue.

WATSONVILLE, CA -- In support of the Oct. 24 Food Day event, which is being organized by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, U.S. fruit and vegetable farmers are encouraging the media to give them a call, according to an Oct. 14 press release.

Because most people don't get out to visit farms, the Alliance for Food & Farming is encouraging reporters who cover food, health and environmental issues to "meet a real farmer who grows real food for real people," and then introduce these farmers to readers, viewers and listeners.

ATLANTA -- Five companies were named as the produce industry's best packaging innovators by the Produce Marketing Association, receiving the association's fifth annual PMA Impact Award: Excellence in Packaging.

The winners were announced by Mike O'Brien, vice president of produce and floral at Schnuck Markets Inc. at Saturday's general session during PMA's 2011 Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition. The award recognizes companies that lead the way with exceptional produce and floral packaging, and demonstrate originality.