EVERETT, MA — The New England Produce Council kicked off its annual Produce, Floral & Foodservice Expo Monday evening, Aug. 21, with the VIP reception and the cocktail reception, held at the Encore Boston Harbor, here. The VIP reception was sponsored by North Bay Produce, and the cocktail reception was sponsored by 4M Fruit Distributors.

Most of the U.S. tomato volume is supplied out of Florida, California and Mexico all year long. But there are other local tomatoes available during the summer months that compete with those districts. There are also the many backyard tomato gardeners who add to the rivalry. Depending on the weather and the first killing frost, those variables could last through September.

North Bay Produce is a cooperative of more than 32 grower-owners from North, Central and South America, producing fresh fruits and vegetables year-round.

An international company headquartered in Traverse City, MI, North Bay Produce started as an apple company and apples were and remain a vital part of the tremendous fresh produce grown in Michigan.  

Ken Korson, North Bay Produce’s apple category manager, is charged with collaborating with growers to determine the best time to pack apples.

Splendid By Porvenir, a leading mango grower-shipper based in Nogales, AZ, has unveiled a new label for its Keitt mangos.

Big Y Foods made some key changes to its sales and marketing leadership team. Guy W. McFarlane, senior vice president of sales and marketing, will be retiring Sept. 1. Michael R. Cormier will succeed McFarlane, Steven M. Nordstrom will assume the role of senior director of center store, David M. Placzek will move to director of grocery and Scott P. Brackney has been named director of Big Y brands and retail pricing.

Superfresh Growers launched its latest endeavor — a podcast transcending global boundaries, delivering an immersive auditory experience worldwide. Superfresh Growers is now the title sponsor of a fresh new podcast called In The Bin, which takes listeners on a journey from orchard to table, revealing the ins and outs of the produce industry.