Market Fresh Produce LLC recently promoted Jeff Jones, a 30-year veteran of the produce industry, from director of sales to vice president of supply chain management. He has extensive experience in produce procurement, innovative merchandising and marketing programs. Mr. Jones has worked for leading industry companies, including Publix, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Banta Foods and Martinous Produce Co.

This is a season of redesign and reimaging for Black Gold Farms. "This past season, we took a look at our Black Gold Farms label and designed a new high-impact poly bag," National Director of Sales Glen Reynolds told The Produce News Sept. 17. "The imagery and copy points highlight the benefits of red potatoes as well as tell the Black Gold Farms story in an easy-to-read and attractive layout."

WASHINGTON — Importers of Mexican tomatoes say that the U.S. Department of Commerce's step toward terminating the 16-year suspension agreement, officially announced Oct. 2, will wreak havoc on Mexican grower decisions and leave U.S. retailers without a stable supply of Mexican tomatoes.

The brewing trade dispute was being discussed among attendees of the United Fresh Produce Association's Washington Public Policy Conference, though United Fresh is not taking a position on the matter.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Oct. 1 the award of more than $100 million in grants to support specialty crop producers that provide fruits, vegetables, nuts and other nutritious foods for millions of healthy American meals each day.

Approximately $55 million of the total will be invested in 56 specialty crop block grants to states that fund748 initiatives across the United States to strengthen markets and expand economic opportunities for local and regional producers.

Herbs add an easy, gourmet touch to family meals at the holidays, and Donna Vis, marketing executive at River Ridge Farms in Oxnard, CA, has developed an herb garden line that has evolved over the years in response to research, feedback from retailers and customer requests.

A crowd of about 300 floral professionals attended the annual convention of the Society of American Florists in Palm Beach, FL, Sept. 19-22, according to an association statement. Sales peaks and valleys and the growing significance of social media were among the top floral industry trends highlighted at an event held before the convention.