Liberty Fruit donated $350,000 to Children's Mercy Hospital & Clinics following its 13th annual golf tournament, held Sept. 21. Pictured at the award presentation were Dr.

Charles Walker, executive secretary of the U.S. Sweet Potato Council, headquartered in Columbia, SC, told The Produce News that sweet potato acreage in the United States appears to be down a little this year, but not by much.

Don Harris has joined FreshXperts, a produce consulting group, as its newest associate, according to a Sept. 26 press release. Mr. Harris, an industry professional with 40 years of experience, will provide FreshXperts' clients with expertise in the areas of category development and management, buying strategies, training and organic operations.

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association presented its Merchandiser of the Year Award to Loblaw Cos. of Canada at the 69th annual FFVA convention held Sept. 18-21 in Naples, FL.

Aurora Products Inc. in Stratford, CT, has introduced several new consumer packages over the last year, according to Paul Bellacero, a salesman for the company.

“I think top on our list is our single-serve bags,” Mr. Bellacero told The Produce News on Aug. 29. “These are small individual bags that you can put in lunch boxes or in a purse. They are between 1.35- ounces and 1.5-ounces.”

James Buren (Jimmy) Hook, president of V.B. Hook Inc., a wholesale produce company at the South Carolina State Farmers Market, died Sept. 14 following a two-year battle with numerous health issues, according to a statement issued by the company. He was 85.