FRESNO, CA -- The California Table Grape Commission recently introduced a new logo, which the commission calls its "unified global brand," for use in all industry marketing programs. The logo depicts a simple, stylized bunch of grapes encircled by the words "Grapes from California." But what makes the logo distinctive is that it is imprinted on the side of a traditional wooden grape carton, giving it a deliberately retro feel and evoking an image of farmstand freshness.

Zac Sunderland, who at 16 years of age is seeking to become the youngest person to circumnavigate the globe solo, will take with him on his voyage a message of healthy eating.

The California Strawberry Commission received word June 13 from the government of China that its bid on behalf of the state's strawberry growers to provide strawberries to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, had been approved.

In 2006, the commission applied for market access for strawberries to be exported to China. In an effort to facilitate a process that is typically protracted, the commission requested a special permit to allow California strawberries to be exported to China for the Olympic Games.

Truck rates from west to east are currently between $8,000 and $9,000, and it is possible that the peak of the season in July and August may bring a five- figure rate for the first time in history.

Imagination Farms continues to grow with the addition of "Pixie Sweet" snacking mini peppers from Frank's Distributing/Bionova Produce in Nogales, AZ.

The "Disney Garden" brand Pixie Sweet peppers will be available in one-pint clamshells featuring the hallmark Tinkerbell packaging. All packaging will carry reminder copy of "Fairy Fun Snack" to tell kids and moms that these small peppers are perfect for snacking. The peppers will be available year round starting in July.

Scottsdale, AZ-based Martori Farms, a grower-shipper specializing in cantaloupe, watermelons and mixed melons, recently expanded its specialty melon program and added two industry veterans to its sales staff.