PLEASANTON, CA — At a recent food-safety seminar hosted here by the Produce Marketing Association, Bob Whitaker, PMA's chief science officer, stressed the importance of companies involving their sales staffs in food safety efforts.

Dr. Whitaker said that while salespeople are understandably focused on making sales, they also need to be aware of food-safety issues.

Campbell Farms, a potato grower-packer-shipper based in Grafton, ND, purchased Ryan Potato Co., located in nearby E. Grand Forks, MN, on March 16, according to Tom Campbell, a partner in Campbell Farms.

Mr. Campbell told The Produce News March 23 that all the assets of Ryan Potato were purchased from the R.D. Offutt Co., which is located in Fargo, ND.

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.