Wespak Sales has merged its sales and marketing activities with Rivermaid Trading Co., according to a joint statement released Oct. 17. The merger follows a 10-year working relationship between the two entities that began with fresh cherries and will now grow significantly to include other products.

RPE has added a microwaveable package to its line of Tasteful Selections specialty potatoes. The 16-ounce bags will be available to retailers nationwide after they are unveiled at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit Oct. 26.

NEW YORK — For the eighth consecutive year, Ocean Spray has brought the bog to New York City.

The grower-owned cooperative based in Lakeville-Middleboro, MA, constructed a 1,500-square-foot cranberry bog filled with 2,000 pounds of fresh cranberries at the iconic Rockefeller Center, here, as a way to educate the public about cranberries and promote its products during the peak time of year for the fruit.

Grimmway Farms, based in Bakersfield, CA, announced that it has entered into a partnership with Giraffe Interactive and is now the exclusive carrot supplier of "The Biggest Loser" consumer brand. Grimmway will launch an extensive line of baby carrots catering to both retail and foodservice venues alike that are all co-branded with The Biggest Loser in early November.

In mid-October 2011, Tom Ciovacco, president of Mutual Produce Corporation located at the New England Produce Center in Chelsea, MA, purchased all shares of the company from his previous partners.

Philip Forster, general manager of the company, explained to The Produce News that it was founded in 1961 by Lewis Gussman.

JOHN ECKENDORF joined Rosholt, WI-based Bushman’s Inc. Oct. 1 as a sales account representative. In his new position at Bushman’s, Mr. Eckendorf will concentrate on potato and onion sales.

“We are fortunate to have John on board,” Mike Carter, chief executive officer of Bushman’s said in a press release. “His extensive experience in developing a customer base within the produce industry will be an asset to us as we continue to build our business.”