With diesel fuel rates hitting $4.50 per gallon, and no let-up in sight, West Coast shippers are bracing for what could be the highest transportation rates they have ever seen.

“Everyone is concerned about it,” said Jim Bogart, president of the Salinas, CA-based Grower-Shipper Association. “But there is not much we can do about it.”

The Produce Marketing Association announced May 9 that public relations veteran GLENN BOYET joined its staff as senior director of public relations.

Business is good at Sy Katz Produce Inc. in Boone, NC - so good that the company increased its north Florida plantings by 15 percent and its south Georgia holdings by a like number, according to President Owen Margolis.

There has been a strong increase in demand for the Katz's variety peppers, and a high market along with increased plantings means Katz will be able to cash in on that demand.

Steven Gilfenbain, the founder and chief executive officer of Stevco Inc., a large California grape grower-shipper, has sold a “substantial” portion of his company to a private equity firm.

Nixa, MO-based Market Fresh Produce LLC has added produce veteran Diane Holt to its procurement team.

“Diane brings 18 years of produce experience to our already-successful procurement team led by Tyler Phipps,” Mike Kemp, chief operating officer, said in a May 2 press release.

IRWINDALE, CA -- Ready Pac Foods Inc. has announced the hiring of Marc Serrio as vice president and chief financial officer. Reporting directly to Michael Solomon, Ready Pac’s president and chief executive officer, Mr. Serrio brings with him a tremendous background and skill set to the company.