WEST CALDWELL, NJ -- Spirits were high at RLB Food Distributors LP here, in mid-May as company staff celebrated an ownership change that placed two well-liked executives at the helm of the firm.

As The Produce News met with Floyd Avillo and Pat Mele III, who had just purchased all the company's stock, the staff coincidentally threw a congratulatory party for the new owners.

Imagination Farms has expanded its premium "Disney Garden" program by adding Vero Beach, FL-based Seald Sweet International. This addition defines the Disney Garden citrus program by coupling Seald Sweet International with SunWest Fruit Co. to offer a year-round program from California, Texas, Florida and all major offshore regions.

Jerry Grindell, a longtime member of the retail produce industry but perhaps best known for his tireless work with the Eastern Produce Council, died Friday, June 1, following a four-year battle with cancer. He was 71 years old and a resident of Brooklyn, NY.

Mr. Grindell was born Oct. 5, 1936, in Manhattan, where he graduated from high school and then a local community college. He got his first job in the produce industry when he was 9 years old working at a fruit store in Coney Island, NY, his wife, Arline, told The Produce News.

Dole Food Co., based in Westlake Village, CA, announced June 5 that Richard Dahl, president and chief operating officer, has left the company to pursue other interests.

David DeLorenzo, a long-time Dole executive, has been named president and CEO. Mr. DeLorenzo, who has been with Dole for 37 years, previously served as president, COO and vice chairman of the board.

David Murdock, owner of the privately held company, has relinquished his CEO title but remains chairman of the board.

WASHINGTON -- Prospects for a legal, stable workforce appear to be dimming for U.S. agriculture with news that the compromise immigration reform bill was taken off the Senate floor Thursday night, June 7, after Senate leaders tried unsuccessfully to limit debate on the measure.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) pulled the bill after senators twice voted against a motion to cut off debate. Armed with a list of amendments, some aimed at killing the bill, Sen. Reid had planned to push for a final vote on the measure this week (June 4-8).

?Usted no habla ingl?s?

Produce professionals should remember that many U.S. consumers do not speak English, especially those in the large and growing Latino communities. This group also faces many nutritionally related health issues that, as a culture, did not afflict its members when they lived in their homelands.