With the start of the 2006 New York state produce deal just around the corner, residents of the Empire State are anxiously awaiting the displays of local product that will grace the produce departments of their favorite supermarkets. And for two retailers in particular, it is a time to celebrate local product with Pride of New York promotions.

ORADELL, NJ -- John Groh has been promoted to publisher of The Produce News, based here, effective July 10.

Mr. Groh, who has served as the newspaper's editor and associate publisher for the past six years, will be in charge of all aspects of the day-to-day operation of The Produce News. He will retain some of his editorial responsibilities, and his new title is editor and publisher.

The advent and proliferation of the value-added category and the refrigerated cases in which they are displayed have brought a new dimension to the produce department reset. Today, it is typical for a "category captain" from the supply side to be responsible for resetting the value-added display case two, three or even four times a year.

The Produce Marketing Association is partnering with the Food Marketing Institute, the International Foodservice Distributors Association and GS1-US to implement a four-month pilot program among select buyers and sellers to gauge the impact of utilizing the Global Trade Item Number to improve supply chain efficiency and profitability.

A rash of extraordinarily wet weather in June from New York south through the mid-Atlantic region has caused spotty crop conditions and uncertain supplies are predicted through the balance of the summer, which is when many of those states typically enjoy a surge in interest from consumers looking for locally grown products.

Driscoll Strawberry Associates Inc. in Watsonville, CA, announced that Brian McElroy has joined its management team as organic business manager. Mr. McElroy comes to Driscoll from California Certified Organic Farmers, where he held the position of certification services manager for the last 12 years.