Aftershocks, both physical and psychological, continue to be felt around the world following Japan’s devastating earthquake March 11. The quake was classified as a magnitude 9.0, making it the most powerful in the nation’s history.

Dave Martin, export sales manager for Stemilt Growers in Wenatchee, WA, was in Kobe, Japan, on March 14, traveling to Tokyo later that day. He provided The Produce News with poignant comments about the situation, and put a human face and perspective upon the tragedy.

Jin Ju Wilder, the former president of Coast Produce Co. in Los Angeles, announced the launch of a new multi-faceted business called Status Gro.

Status Gro, based in South Pasadena, CA, will develop and execute strategic plans, offer core story development, advertising and marketing, project management, team building, and bid and proposal writing for companies in the produce industry that want to stay vital and are looking for new ways to grow.

Tom Lange Co. International Inc. announced March 14 the renaming of its Watsonville, CA, sales office from Beach Street Sales to Seven Seas Berry Sales.

Keith Mixon of Winter Haven, FL-based SunnyRidge Farm Inc. believes that it is a good time to be in the blueberry business in general and in the Florida blueberry business in particular.

He should know.

SunnyRidge built its reputation on blueberries and has become a major player in the overall berry category since its first plants went in the ground in 1993.

Gary Wishnatzki was literally born into the berry business.

As the third-generation owner of Wishnatzki Farms Inc. in Plant City, FL, he has leveraged technology and cutting-edge marketing to become one of Florida’s primary suppliers of berries and other commodities. But even he never saw the Florida blueberry boom coming.

Jack Cain, vice president of sales and marketing at Westlake Produce Co. in Winter Haven, FL, is optimistic about the upcoming Florida blueberry season, and with ample reason. The company has doubled its volume since last year and continues to make a commitment to supply a premium finished product by investing in the latest packing technology and food safety.

Winter freezes in Florida did not affect the blueberry crop, and in fact February and March brought perfect weather to ensure that this season’s offerings are on time and abundant.