The National Mango Board, based in Orlando, FL, participated as a sponsor at the Marine Corps Marathon Oct. 27 and 28 in Washington, DC, and took the opportunity to debut Jango Mango, its new mascot and mango ambassador. The marathon was comprised of two main events: Camp Miles (children's race) and the official marathon.

SALINAS, CA -- Colorful Harvest, based here, has rolled out packaging that it anticipates will help it move more berries in the marketplace while offering conveniences to its customers.

The company has rolled out a display-ready bulk eight-pounder box with a safety seal and a berry combo pack that is a 34-ounce clamshell pack in two- count or four-count configurations.

Mahwah, NJ-based Supreme Cuts, a premier processor and distributor of high-quality pre-cut vegetables, has become the first company to manufacture fresh off-the-cob corn.

The new product, "Off the Cob" fresh kernel corn, is the brand name for the new product, which boasts a 14-day shelf life. This new product will be an important and innovative option for supermarket chains and the foodservice industry, which will now be able to offer customers the benefits of fresh kernel corn year-round in convenient "off the cob" presentation.

Wayne McKnight, Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s vice president of global procurement-food, has decided to leave his position and return to his roots in Canada in early 2008.

Life is beginning to return to normal at the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California's building in Salinas, CA, nearly five months after a fire forced tenants to find other working quarters.


A July 18 fire destroyed the kitchen and damaged part of an adjacent small conference room. Power and water were restored to the building the day following the 10 p.m. fire, and disruption to the association's work was minimal.

RIO RICO, AZ -- The 39th annual convention of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, held here Nov. 29-Dec. 1, was memorable for several reasons: It was the swan song of departing President Lee Frankel, it brought more than 650 attendees to this southern Arizona location that is the hub of winter vegetable production, and it featured a strong educational session that touted the importance of Mexican produce for four U.S. retail chains.