Del Monte Fresh Produce, a leading distributor of fresh-cut fruit, is partnering with the yogurt giant Dannon Co. Inc. to launch the "Summer Smoothie" promotion.

For a limited time, consumers can obtain one of over 2 million instant redeemable coupons found on Del Monte fresh-cut fruit items, including pineapple chunks, cut melons and party trays. The coupon will feature $1 off the purchase of two quarts of select Dannon yogurt products. The coupons will be available in participating retail stores and will run through the month of June.

Apio Inc.'s line of fresh-cut vegetables, including bagged vegetables and vegetable party trays, has been expanded with the introduction of five new items branded under the "Eat Smart" name. Each item includes a single serving of vegetables, toppings and dressing.

Packaged by Apio Inc., a leading supplier of fresh-cut vegetable products, the new salads come in five flavorful blends: Santa Maria-style Broccoli Salad, Asian Affair, Broccoli Delight, Veggie Waldorf and Carrot Crunch.

WASHINGTON -- The border could be shut down, making it difficult to maintain the estimated 1 million undocumented agriculture workers in the country, or foreign workers could earn a chance to become U.S. citizens, depending on the immigration reform bill that survives Congress.

"There are two polar opposite approaches to immigration reform before Congress now," said Robert Guenther of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association in Washington.

River Ranch Fresh Foods LLC in Salinas, CA, has promoted Tom Bramers to sales manager.

He has been with River Ranch for 11 years and was previously leaf lettuce commodity manager. In his new position, he will manage the 10-person sales staff and oversee day-to-day sales functions, emphasiszing commodity markets and customer relationships.

BANGKOK, THAILAND -- The epic 21-hour flight to Bangkok notwithstanding, the trip to Thailand was an incredible experience and opened my eyes in many ways. Never having been to Asia, I knew not what to expect, but was filled with excitement and apprehension based on second-hand anecdotes and some Internet research.

The Avian flu has been in the headlines for months with talks of a pandemic and questions about the preparedness of the United States for an outbreak. In fact, federal and state health officials throughout the country have issued warnings advising that companies and local officials develop and have ready a preparedness plan.

This in turn has led to many companies around the country asking their suppliers if they have a plan in place. Numerous produce shippers have received letters from retailers asking for a copy of their plan.