One hundred years and four generations later, George A. Heimos Produce is well aware of the formula for its success. “Over the years, we’ve always prided ourselves in selling service first and produce second,” President James Heimos Sr. told The Produce News March 8. “To this day we maintain George’s belief that ‘Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.’ ”

After opening its doors to the world of export produce in 1999, Next-Port Inc., headquartered in Miami, has moved on to its next level of growth following the company’s relocation to a new facility late last year.

On Jan. 1, 2012, Stephen Meyers began his first job following graduation from college, and it was his entry into the produce industry as a career.

The Produce Marketing Association Foundation for Industry Talent’s Women’s Fresh Perspectives brand has evolved over time from a leadership breakfast at PMA’s Fresh Summit to a reception at PMA’s Foodservice Conference to a special three-day conference to be held next month in Scottsdale, AZ.

The St. Louis Produce Market, known lovingly as Produce Row, is gearing up for quite a celebration. “We are very excited about celebrating our 60th anniversary on Produce Row, Market Manager Pat Kelley told The Produce News on March 15. “We are proud to serve our customers and community the freshest produce in St. Louis.”

Using a multi-tiered marketing program, Curry & Co. is able to capitalize on the best qualities of Vidalia sweet onions and generate marketplace buzz.

“In Georgia and the Southeast, we focus on the local and regional aspect of Vidalia sweet onions. It is one of the best known brands in the Southeast, and consumers can’t wait for their Vidalia sweet onions to start,” President Matt Curry told The Produce News on March 11.