River Ranch Fresh Foods LLC, a leading processor of value-added salads and fresh-cut produce, announced the availability of a proprietary new salad blend that offers a robust and distinctive alternative to traditional spring mix. Heritage Blend, a specially formulated variety of petite red and green lettuces, features a medley of compact leaves in an array of shapes, textures and vibrant colors. While crisp and full in appearance, Heritage Blend provides a smooth and delicious eating experience - the perfect foundation for a multitude of salad combinations.

Raleigh, NC-based L&M Cos. Inc. announced the second week in January a new exclusive marketing agreement with Washington state grower and packer Conrad & Adams. The agreement begins immediately and covers apples, pears, peaches and nectarines as well as the addition of a sizeable cherry program.

This will be the third new packer L&M has added to its expanding operation over the past two years.

TAMPA, FL -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a revised January crop estimate Jan. 12 that shows a reduction in orange production of 3 million boxes, with damage totals from late December freezing weather yet to be tallied.

The new figures from the USDA show a drop from an original January estimate of 143 million boxes to 140 million boxes. Most of the reduction is due to smaller fruit size than anticipated rather than freeze losses.

Rising fuel costs, heightened freight rates and the natural course of national agricultural economics may be forcing a change in the country's potato business, observed Bob Johnson, president of Katz Produce Sales LLC in Rosholt, WI.

The nature of potato marketing and transportation this season reflect matters that will continue to impact the potato industry, Mr. Johnson said Jan. 12.

For a variety of reasons, the Wisconsin potato crop is short this winter.

In 1973, Glen Alsum began repacking potatoes in his 16-square-foot Friesland, WI, garage. Since then, the family business has steadily expanded. The firm was renamed Alsum Farms & Produce Inc. in September to reflect its widening involvement in the produce business.

Glen Alsum was killed in a plane crash in February 1981 and his third cousin, Larry Alsum, took over as general manager and owner in May 1981.