Walter P. Rawl & Sons, based in Pelion, SC, announced a partnership with fruit and vegetable advocate and cookbook author, Missy Chase Lapine, also known as The Sneaky Chef.

A new report co-sponsored by the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas in Nogales, AZ, and the Washington-based U.S. Chamber of Commerce urges the U.S. government to improve inter-agency cooperation in order to “reduce bottlenecks of commercial shipments at the U.S.-Mexico border,” according to a June 8 FPAA press release.

The Mango Mania Display Contest, the first of its kind conducted by the National Mango Board, will run through the month of July. With more than $10,000 in cash prizes, the contest is designed specifically for small retailers with up to 50 stores.

To make it easy for retailers to get involved, the board has shipped store kits to retailers with 10-50 store locations.

Fresh commodity producers have an opportunity to heighten consumer knowledge and gain brand recognition through their participation in the Pride of New York program. "The program was created in 1996 to raise awareness about New York," Tim Pezzolesi, manager of markets and promotions of the New York state Department of Agriculture & Markets, told The Produce News June 13.

Commissaries competed to put the pear on a pedestal this season in a display contest sponsored by Pear Bureau Northwest, which honored first-place winners with a trip to the 2011 Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit convention and exposition.

Freshway Foods, based in Sidney, OH, announced June 22 the rollout of its new "Snack Takes" personal size healthy snack line. These on-the-go treats are available in both fruit and vegetable blends and each includes a signature dip for an added punch of fun and flavor.