Programs geared to food editors by the Chilean Avocado Importers Association resulted in more than 26 pages of coverage in the nation's top food, women's and consumer magazines during the 2007-08 Chilean season.

Pro*Act, a leading fresh produce supplier to the foodservice industry, announced that Produce Distribution Center LLC in Jacksonville, FL, has joined the Monterery, CA-based company's distribution network.

Produce Distribution Center LLC was founded by Larry Movsovitz, who runs the company along with his sons, Seth and Max, both members of the fourth generation of the family's involvement in produce that began in the late 1890s with Max Movsovitz.

Imagination Farms continues to leverage consumer opportunities with the "Disney" brand by expanding its category reach to include mangos in its comprehensive product offerings. Mangos will be supplied by Progreso Produce, based in Boerne, TX.

Mark Haun, West Coast sales manager for Imagination Farms, said in a press release, "A comprehensive category assortment is an important goal for our program to assure that we can offer real opportunities for consumers to increase consumption by trying a variety of fruits and vegetables, including mangos."

Just over a year after being appointed executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association in Dover, FL, Shawn Crocker was placed on paid leave Feb. 18.

Association President Allen Williford said, "We are not soliciting a new director at this time," but he refused further comment.

Mr. Crocker replaced Charles F. (Chip) Hinton, who resigned in November 2006.

The association's board has met with its attorney to determine how to resolve unspecified issues between Mr. Crocker and the association.

PRUNEDALE, CA -- The Salad Farm, here, is enjoying its salad days. The company launched in August and already has exceeded its two-year target expectations, said Lex Camany, president of the firm.

Mr. Camany was the founder and sales manager of Salinas, CA-based Classic Salads before launching The Salad Farm. His wife, Joyce, also had worked at Classic Salads before joining her husband in the new venture as head of food safety and procurement.