Produce companies struggling to understand the kind of records they need to maintain under the bioterrorism law got an opportunity to ask top legal experts during a Jan. 26 teleconference sponsored by the International Fresh-cut Produce Association.

A recently released competitive analysis done by the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee stated that retailers "can enjoy case lifts [increased volume] on promoted potatoes up to 345 percent above non-advertised weeks, a rate almost three times greater than that of another leading vegetable, lettuce."

Moreover, the analysis noted, the lifts are experienced during summer months.

The California Avocado Commission announced the expansion of its retail merchandising force through agreements with David M. Anderson, Sheila Carden and Cece Krumrine, according to Jan DeLyser, vice president of marketing.

CASTROVILLE, CA " Ocean Mist Farms, based here, has hired Joe Feldman as vice president of commodity sales. He most recently was vice president of sales and marketing for nearby Pride of San Juan, a role he held for the past two-and-a-half years.

Prior to working at PSJ, Mr. Feldman, 44, was a salesman for Apio Inc. for four years. Before Apio he had spent 16 years with River Ranch Fresh Foods LLC, finishing as sales manager.

Brooks Tropicals in Homestead, FL, announced Feb. 1 a number of personnel changes.

Amanda Douglas, who has been with the company for three years, has been promoted to director of sales management. Her duties will include inventory management and providing appropriate departments with accurate information. She will also assist in specific commodity interoffice coordinations.

Paramount Farms, a leading vertically integrated supplier of pistachios and almonds based in Los Angeles, is extending its reach in the snacking category with the introduction of "Sunkist Almond Munchies," a new line of six delicious heart-healthy almond snacks.