ORLANDO, FL — In 2011, Peruvian citrus exporters will have access to break- bulk refrigerated cargo ships, according to Sergio Del Castillo, general manager of the Association of Citrus Producers of Peru, based in Lima, known as ProCitrus.

The Peruvian seaport of Callao, which is several miles north of Lima, has expanded its containership capacity, taking pressure off other seaports and opening greater opportunities for break-bulk ships to serve the country's citrus exporters — and exporters of other produce items.

ORLANDO, FL — Two California competitors in the leafy green business came to the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit convention, here, to push the new washes they are using to clean their fresh-cut products and reduce, if not eliminate, the risk of pathogens in that part of the process.

But far from claiming a competitive edge and marketing their new washes as superior, both companies are making their respective products available to the rest of the industry in an effort to improve the safety of the industry.

ORLANDO, FL — China is mysterious but has reason to its rhyme, according to Michael Colopy, a Washington, DC-based foreign affairs specialist. The fast- growing country has huge potential for fruit exporters, according to Chinese produce importer John Wang. The country is also a good source of produce exports, added Jim Provost, owner of I Love Produce LLC.

ORLANDO, FL — A panel of retail produce managers from around the country gave an upbeat snapshot of consumer produce purchases during a workshop at the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition, here, Oct. 15-18.

Del Monte Fresh Produce is recalling cantaloupes distributed in the Detroit area after Michigan inspectors found that one melon tested positive for Salmonella in a Michigan warehouse.

Some 81 cartons of cantaloupes distributed to wholesalers in Detroit were recalled Oct. 21 as a result of tests by the Michigan Department of Agriculture as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Microbiological Data Program.