Grapes from Sonora, Mexico, are the first North American grapes of the season to hit the market, and they typically start in early May. This year, many shippers expect to start their earliest varieties around May 5-10.

WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer will deliver the keynote address Tuesday, May 6 at the United Fresh Produce Association's annual meeting and breakfast general session in Las Vegas, NV.

Following breakfast and his keynote address, the secretary is also scheduled to visit the United FreshTech and United Fresh Marketplace shows later Tuesday morning.

Ten years ago, California blueberry production barely registered on the radar screen. Today, the state is the fifth-largest highbush blueberry producer in the United States behind only Michigan, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington.

Highbush blueberries are the type grown in California and 37 other states, and they are distinguished from the lowbush blueberry that is used for processing and is grown in places such as Maine and eastern Canada.

Exports of South African citrus are projected to total 89.6 million cartons, or 1.35 million tons, for the 2008 season, marginally down from the 90.9 million cartons, or 1.36 million tons, achieved in the 2007 season. According to an April 3 press release by the Citrus Growers Association of South Africa, at 2008 levels, South Africa is expected to retain its No. 2 ranking in world citrus exports.

Sun World International LLC, a leading California-based agribusiness firm, is positioning itself for future growth through the realignment of key executives and the establishment of three distinct new business units, Allen Vangelos, president and chief executive officer, announced in an April 3 press release.

The new business units - administration, operations and marketing - will be headed by Chief Administration Officer David Hostetter, Chief Operations Officer Kevin Andrew and Chief Marketing Officer David Marguleas. Their appointments are effective immediately.

A couple of Safeway Inc. executives with produce and floral experience have been promoted within the company's corporate structure.

Safeway has announced the promotion of Kelly Griffith, most recently president of the company's Portland division, to the position of president of perishables, replacing Des Hague, who held the post for about one year. Safeway announced that Mr. Hague was leaving the company to pursue other business opportunities.