Information continues to be gathered to determine exactly what caused a fire that destroyed the Evans Fruit Co. packing plant near Tieton, WA. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms "and the Tieton Police Department are investigating the fire," Tieton Police Chief Jeffrey Ketchum told The Produce News April 28.

ALAMOSA, CO -- A special luncheon prepared and served by eight members of the Colorado chapter of the American Culinary Federation was held Monday, April 21, in this south-central Colorado college town to honor scores of volunteers who responded to a recent water crisis.

When salmonella was detected in the Alamosa municipal water supply in mid-March, officials determined that the entire system needed to be flushed, and an army of workers and volunteers mobilized in response to the emergency.

Misionero Vegetables, a private brand packer focused largely on organic produce, earlier this month consolidated its Monterey County operations under one roof.

Misionero closed its Salinas, CA, processing facility and moved operations under one roof at its nearby Gonzales, CA, facility. When the grower- processor-packager returned from its harvest season in Yuma, AZ, in early April, it moved its equipment to its Gonzales facility.

Los Angeles-based Gourmet Trading Co. has acquired one of California's larger blueberry operations, including substantial plantings and packing capacity.

The purchase moves Gourmet Trading closer to being one of the larger growers, packers and shippers of fresh blueberries in California. Chris Martin, president and chief executive officer of Gourmet Trading, said that the company sees its acquisition of the blueberry operation as key to its ongoing growth in the blueberry market.

CLOVIS, CA -- "Ballantine Produce Co. Inc. [in Reedley, CA] and P-R Farms Inc. [here] are pleased to announce a strategic arrangement whereby, beginning with the current growing season, Ballantine will manage the farming and be responsible for the packing and marketing of P-R Farms' stone fruit," stated a press release issued jointly April 17 by the two companies.

WASHINGTON -- On the eve of its first Las Vegas trade show in 20 years, the United Fresh Produce Association, headquartered here, said that it plans to return to Las Vegas for its 2009 annual trade show and will continue expanding its reach to foodservice buyers and focus on produce innovations.

United Fresh 2009 will be located at the Sands Expo Center and the Venetian Hotel, headquarters for the April 22-24, 2009, event.