Holland-based Royal Ahold NV has announced plans to sel its Columbia, MD- based U.S. Foodservice division, which it has successfully turned around from a revenue-losing entity in 2003 to a salient company, indicating that the move is part of a restructuring effort aimed at boosting shareholder value.

The announcement came in conjunction with Ahold's latest Retail Review report.

Emboldened by a successful first season of full-scale organic greenhouse production, Origin Organic Farms Inc. has not only unveiled a new brand, it has also acquired a new operation that will help solidify the label and product line with year-round supply.

Farmers in Washington's Skagit Valley are waiting for fields to dry in the aftermath of torrential rainstorms that had the potential to cause serious flooding.

SALINAS, CA -- The Nunes Co. Inc., marketer of "Foxy" brand vegetables, is launching a campaign featuring consumer television advertising to promote the care and quality of its "Foxy" vegetable items.

The consumer advertising campaign features a 30-second spot that will run through November in selected U.S. markets. The commercial, "Our Family Farm," highlights the beauty of California's Salinas Valley while promoting the care and quality the Nunes family puts behind "Foxy" brand vegetables.

Grand Junction, MI-based Michigan Blueberry Growers Association members, employees and special industry friends gathered Nov. 2 in Holland, MI, to honor E. Kirk McCreary, the cooperative's retiring chief executive officer. A special reception and surprise banquet roast followed the company's annual business meeting, with the day's events scheduled to coincide with the celebration of MBG's 70th birthday.

WASHINGTON -- New party leadership in the House and Senate may open the door for advances in sought-after legislation for the produce industry, but it also may leave open the possibility of further food-safety regulation.

The sweeping midterm elections will "certainly represent a change in how we do our work," said Robert Guenther of the United Fresh Produce Association. "We've had 12 years of working with one-party leadership."