WEATHER

Salinas, CA: Temperatures will remain unseasonably cold through May 17. Daytime highs will reach only 58 degrees May 15 with the possibility of rain, thunderstorms and even small hail. Overnight lows will be in the mid- to upper 40s.

Bakersfield, CA: Daytime highs will remain on the 80s through May 13, then dip into the mid- to upper 60s May 15-17. Overnight lows will be in the upper 50s through May 13, then plunge into the mid- to upper 40s.

With blueberries showing category growth across the spectrum and consumption rising annually, what three decades ago was a niche product has in the last few years become a rising-star commodity. Tommy Smith, who has been growing blueberries for 32 years and has been chairman of the Carolina Blueberry Association co-operative for more than a decade, is a little surprised and quite delighted by the attention blueberries are garnering.

A specific lot of grape tomatoes packed on April 11 and distributed by Six L’s Packing in Immokalee, FL, was recalled because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

In its recall notice, Six L’s reported that routine testing by the U.S. Department of Agriculture at a distributor’s site in New York had detected the Salmonella.

Testa Produce Inc., an independent wholesale produce distributor based in Chicago, took another step toward its goal of gaining U.S. Green Building Council Platinum certification with the installation of an on-site 750-kilowatt wind turbine.

The company celebrated the grand opening of the facility May 10 with a ribbon cutting and speeches by top

The Produce Marketing Association announced that 20-year public relations veteran, Glenn Boyet, has joined its staff as senior director for public relations. In his new role, Mr. Boyet will strengthen and broaden the awareness of PMA's brand and the value it provides to the global produce industry through its outreach programs to members, media and government.

Zespri International issued a press release March 17 stating that the company was looking forward to another strong kiwifruit season in 2011. Sally Gardiner, Zespri's general manager of its supply chain, placed global export volume at 100 million trays. "Growing conditions have been fantastic, with more rainfall and higher temperatures on average compared to last season, and we are expecting a great crop as a result," she noted in the statement.