FRESNO, CA — A series of storms in California’s San Joaquin Valley the week of April 9 caused considerable hail damage to some stone fruit crops in the valley and limited damage to some cherry orchards. But “as far as our orchards go, we dodged the bullet, so that was good,” said Mike Jameson, proprietor of TriStone International, here, exclusive marketer for Morada Produce Co. LP in Stockton, CA.

Naturipe Farms LLC, based in Salinas, CA, announced April 24 that later this spring it will begin offering berries featuring Disney characters at grocery stores nationwide.

Paul Frederic, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Avondale, PA-based To-Jo Fresh Mushrooms Inc.,  told The Produce News that the company recently made several staff promotions.

“Bernie Ciuffetelli is now assuming the new role of chief operating officer,” Mr. Frederic said. “He was formerly the vice president of operations.”

Bruce Klein, director of marketing for Secaucus, NJ-based Maurice A. Auerbach, said that business at the foodservice level is picking up with the uptick in the economy this year, and that’s good for the specialty category because chefs are always looking for new and interesting items.

“Specialty produce continues to be a growing category because the new items now being introduced are unusually special,” he said. “They are offbeat and different from items we have seen in the past.

Jim Scattini, vice president of sales and marketing for Sambrailo Packaging in Watsonville, CA, said the company continues to innovate to meet the demands of California’s blueberry industry.

Curry & Co., headquartered in Brooks, OR, has been in the California blueberry deal for around six years. Vice President of Berry Sales Mike Klackle said production conditions have been favorable this season, and he anticipates a slight increase in berry volume when compared to last year. “I’m looking forward to a good season,” he told The Produce News April 16. “We have had adequate water and adequate sunshine.”