Consistent with its steady, ongoing process of expanding table grape production, Anthony Vineyards in Bakersfield, CA, will have some modest increases in some of its early-season varieties in the San Joaquin Valley this year.

“We are always developing new acreage,” said John Harley, vice president of sales and marketing. “So it is just a consistent increase that is going to happen year to year. Some of this is in organic, some is in conventional.”

Bravante Produce in Reedley, CA, has been a Sunkist packer and shipper “for a couple of years now,” packing citrus from its own ranches in the “Sunkist” label, according to George Bravante, managing partner, who also sits on the Sunkist board of directors.

Now, starting this summer, Bravante’s premium table grapes will also carry the “Sunkist” brand.

FRESNO, CA — Crown Jewels Produce Co., here, which markets an assortment of California fruit through the spring, summer and fall periods, will have fresh California grapes available from the San Joaquin Valley throughout the season.

Citrus industry and produce pioneer Sam Perricone, patriarch of Perricone Farms on the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market, died in the early morning hours of July 8, the anniversary of his wife Mary's death 15 years earlier. Mr. Perricone, who was 91, had spent the previous day working and grocery shopping. The Sunset Beach, CA, resident died of heart failure, surrounded by family members.

Scattaglia Growers & Shippers LLC in Traver, CA, does not expect to start its San Joaquin Valley grape harvest this year until the latter part of July, as much as 10-14 days later, even, than last year, according to Louis Scattaglia, managing partner. “We should be underway ... by July 25,” he said June 2.

“Having said that, the crop looks really good. Bunch formation looks outstanding,” he said.

Sundale Sales Inc. in Tulare, CA, a grower, packer, shipper and exporter of California table grapes, has hired Michael Astorga, who was previously with Sunview Marketing in Dinuba, CA, as vice president of international development. He started June 1.

Formed in 2006, Sundale Sales is a partnership between Sean Stockton, the company’s president, and the Kinosian family that owns Sundale Vineyards.