As a result of the recent widespread frosts throughout the growing regions of California, highly flavorful artichokes known as "frost kissed" artichokes are now in stores for a short time.

"The impact of frost on artichokes is similar to how human skin reacts to sunburn," Kori Tuggle, marketing manager for Ocean Mist Farms, said in a press release. "Frost turns the outside layer of the artichoke dark brown, and then it flakes and peels."

Once cooked, the brown outer layer is gone, resulting in the soft green artichoke that is familiar to people.

By the middle of this year, consumers around the United States could have the opportunity to quickly gauge the nutritional content of everything in their supermarket from an apple to an apple tart and from a zucchini to zucchini bread.

Topco Associates in Skokie, IL, has teamed with Yale University's Griffin Hospital Prevention Research Center to make the nutritional information available to its member supermarkets.

EASTON, CA -- Around 18 months ago, drawing on the results of consumer research, the California Raisin Marketing Board in Fresno, CA, developed a new advertising and marketing concept for California raisins that focused on the health and nutritional benefits of raisins in the diet. The resultant campaign, now in its second year, is built around the theme "Wise Choices," and consumers as well as retail, foodservice and industrial customers have all been responsive to the message, according to Larry Blagg, senior vice president of marketing.

WASHINGTON -- Food safety will remain the top concern for produce industry trade groups in 2008, but they will be juggling other matters as Congress looks to capitalize on issues during an important election year.

Dale Liefer of Westlake Produce Co. retired from the Los Angeles-based company he has headed for nearly 20 years. His retirement was effective Dec. 31, 2007.

Jeff Miller, president of the company since January 2007 and one of the four remaining partners, will continue in that position. He joined Westlake in 1997 when Ed Miller Co. merged with Westlake.

Dave Eldredge, president and chief executive officer of Salinas, CA-based NewStar Fresh Foods LLC, relinquished those titles in mid-December.

Mr. Eldredge, who remains a partner in NewStar, retains his role on the board of directors of the California Leafy Green Handler Marketing Agreement and serves on that board's communications committee.