Castellini Co. is recalling Jalapeño peppers after tests by Ohio officials found Salmonella in a case of hot peppers at a retailer, the company announced March 29.

“The potential for contamination was noted after a random test by the Ohio Department of Agriculture in a store in Ohio which revealed the presence of Salmonella in a case of Jalapeño peppers,” said the Newport, KY-based company, adding that it has not received any reports of illnesses.

The Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, North America is anticipating a slight decline in grape shipments to North America this year, according to Tom Tjerandsen, North American managing director for the organization.

HALF MOON BAY, CA -- Marko B. Zaninovich, president of Marko B. Zaninovich Inc., d/b/a Sunview Vineyards, and also president of Sunview Marketing international, was the recipient of the California Grape & Tree Fruit League's 2012 Mentor Award.

Growing is the foundation of the produce industry, but growing the industry’s talent pool is currently a source of emphasis. Industry members who are growing older find themselves without a younger generation of leaders to succeed them, and the Produce Marketing Association’s Foundation for Industry Talent is working to fill the gap with a new generation of knowledgeable leaders.

Bozzuto's Inc., the Cheshire, CT-based wholesale grocer serving retailers in the New England and mid-Atlantic regions, held its seventh Retailer & Supplier Excellence Awards dinner March 27 at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, CT. More than 1,000 people attended the awards dinner, part of the company's 2012 Independent Retailer Conference, held March 27-29, where Giorgio Fresh Co. was named Produce Supplier of the Year. Doug Stewart (left), Giorgio's vice president of sales-Northeast region, is shown with Greg Veneziano, vice president of perishables at Bozzuto's.