While summer may still be months away, North Americans can enjoy a taste of its sweetness much earlier.

Chilean Summerkiwi, a naturally early-harvested, deep-green kiwifruit, became available the third week in March from The Oppenheimer Group.

Galaxy Nutritional Foods, a leading producer of cheese alternatives, debuted a new line of non-dairy vegan cream cheeses at the Natural Products Expo West, held March 11-13 in Los Angeles.

The line is available in Classic Plain and Chive & Garlic under the "Galaxy Nutritional Foods Veggie" and

Brooks Tropicals in Homestead, FL, announced that the company has appointed Greg Smith as its new chief executive officer.

Mr. Smith steps into the CEO position following the departure of Craig Wheeling, who retired in early

Duda Farm Fresh Foods has been named a 2010 Fruits & Veggies—More Matters Role Model by the Produce for Better Health foundation.

Each year, the foundation selects organizations that display a true commitment to the Fruits and Veggies—More Matters brand. Duda received Role Model status by incorporating a variety of marketing and communications activities that support the mission of the Fruits & Veggies – More Matters brand.

Pacific Trellis Fruit LLC, headquartered in Reedley, CA, is expanding its team with two new players.

DIRK WINKELMANN signed on March 1 as the company’s international business development director, handling grapes, stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots and cherries), mangos, citrus, apples and pears. He will deal primarily with Chile, Peru, Brazil, Argentina and California in addition to handling sourcing and sales in New Zealand, Australia, Morocco, Europe and various Asian countries.

Last year, California Giant Berry Farms in Watsonville, CA, introduced a new pack style for strawberries consisting of six two-pound clamshells in a container, rather than "the older configuration of four two-pounders per container," according to Cindy Jewell, marketing director.

"We are seeing a little more usage" of the new six-per-box style this year, she said, and not just from club stores. "Typically, you would expect the club stores to really buy into that," but in addition, "we are seeing some of the more mainstream retailers adding it to their mix as well."