With the regular introduction of new varieties in the fruit business a key element of success, growers are always on the lookout for what may be around the varietal corner.

The nursery industry has traditionally provided that service and continues to serve growers well, but a new product company called Proprietary Variety Management promises to add an innovative direction to that activity.

The Oppenheimer Group is delivering grapes grown with a little extra heart through the holidays, thanks to Brazil's largest Rainforest Alliance-certified grape producer.

Fazendas Labrunier grows Red Globes, Festivals, Thompsons and more in Brazil's São Francisco Valley. While Labrunier has marketed through Oppenheimer since 2008, this season brings a much-anticipated fully Rainforest Alliance-certified crop.

Giumarra Cos., based in Los Angeles, announced that Scott Ross has been named East Coast business development manager for the company.

Mr. Ross will promote Giumarra's complete product line in the East Coast markets. He will be based out of Giumarra's office in Avondale, PA, which is also home to its East Coast berry sales and operations.

IVAN MUNOZ took on the role of sales and food-safety manager at Cal Flavor, a sister company of Los Angeles-based Cal Pacific Growers, in August.

Gourmet Trading Co. in Los Angeles distributes blueberries from the 5th Region to the 10th Region of Chile into Canada, Asia and both coasts of the United States.

Luciano Fiszman, procurement manager for the company, said that its season begins in November with a perfect transition from Argentina.

“New this year, Duda Farm Fresh Foods is offering ‘Celery Celebrations,’ a line of seasonal packaging that is designed to help spur impulse buys during critical holiday sales periods,” said Nichole Towell, marketing director for the Oviedo, FL-based company.

“The line features packs of 30-count sleeved celery stalks, 18-count celery hearts and eight-ounce zip-top celery stick packages,” she said.

Ms. Towell noted that the packaging is festive and features snowflakes to reiterate the holiday timeframe of the product’s availability, which began on Nov. 1.