Dave’s Specialty Imports, one of the larger importers of fresh blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries in North America, added grapes to its Chilean import program.

The family-run company imports from Argentina, Chile, Guatemala and Mexico, and has primarily focused on the berry category during the last 20 years of business.

The winter program for Grower Alliance LLC in Nogales, AZ, will be much the same this year as it has been in past seasons, according to Jorge Quintero Jr., managing partner. However, the company does have increases in several items, particularly colored bell peppers, honeydew melons, squash and Roma tomatoes.

“Euro cucumbers we just started a couple of weeks ago,” Mr. Quintero said. That is “a steady program. It goes all the way through May.” Regular cucumbers as well are “steady as it goes.” Those started in early October and will go “all the way through the Nogales season.”

The America Trades Produce Conference promises to be as relevant as the two prior events, and the third-annual conference, scheduled for March 6-8 at the McAllen Convention Center in McAllen, TX, will add a trade expo and food-safety discussions to the agenda.

As has been the trademark of the event, educational sessions will encourage direct dialogue between the industry and U.S. and Mexican government officials.

Daniel B. Hinkle, president of Hinkle Produce in Cissna Park, IL, died Dec. 24 at Hoopeston Community Hospital in Hoopeston, IL, following a prolonged illness. He was 67.

Mr. Hinkle, known by his friends, family, colleagues and business associates as Dan, was born July 20, 1945, in Watseka, IL, to Clifford and Luradean (Jean) Brown Hinkle.

United Fresh Produce Association announced the promotion of Miriam Wolk to vice president of membership and marketing. In her new position, Ms. Wolk will lead marketing efforts to drive member engagement and company participation. She will also continue to direct the programs and outreach initiatives that she has successfully cultivated as senior director of membership.

Families in need had a merrier holiday season thanks to the diligent efforts of Haun Potato Co., potato growers in the Red River Valley and The Salvation Army.

On Dec. 13, 42,000 pounds of fresh potatoes were distributed to dozens of charities that help feed the hungry in the Kansas City area through The Salvation Army’s Christmas Food Basket project.