When Katy Lesser bought Healthy Living Natural Foods Market in 1986, it was what the company refers to as a "baby," with only 1,200 square feet. On a good day of business, it saw about 25 customers.

Today, Ms. Lesser's son, Eli Lesser-Goldsmith, and her daughter, Nina Lesser- Goldsmith, are her partners in what has evolved into a highly successful operation that is located in South Burlington, VT.

Deardorff Family Farms in Oxnard, CA, has been focused on sustainable farming practices since the company's inception in 1937, according to Tom Deardorff II, president.

"It is something that has always been important to us as a family, something that we thought we had always been doing," he said.

As part of its ongoing sustainability and land stewardship efforts, Giumarra Vineyards Corp. has contracted for the installation of a photovoltaic solar and co-generation facility adjacent to its main packing facility in Bakersfield, CA. Giumarra has partnered with California-based HelioPower, an industry leading solar engineering company for the project. The firm has completed large- scale projects worldwide and its North American clients, include Safeway and The Scripps Institute of Oceanography.

Mucci Pac has unveiled a new logo and branding campaign. Starting Sept. 16, the Kingsville, ON-based greenhouse grower began using the new "Mucci Farms" logo and redesigned packaging with the new growing season.

The new logo brings a fresh look to the family-run business, and the change in branding comes at a time when consumers are looking for a connection to the source of their food.

New to the Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers marketing program in 2010 is "ApplesnaQ," a school-lunch campaign intended to ramp up fruit and vegetable consumption in youngsters.

According to Jill Morrison, Oneonta's graphic designer, the campaign, which will be rolling out at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit convention in Orlando, FL, focuses on point-of-sale materials, such as a 24- inch-wide bin, mesh bags, totes and posters.

“We also have fun giveaways for kids,” Ms. Morrison said.

Two longtime western U.S. produce operations have formed a new marketing and sales company in Idaho Falls, ID.

Eagle Eye Produce and Taylor Produce, both Idaho-based, launched their combined operation Oct. 1 under the Eagle Eye Produce name.

According to Newman Giles, president of the existing Eagle Eye Produce and also president of the new company, Taylor Produce will continue to operate as a shipper-packer.

"We formed the new marketing company to handle sales for both operations," he said.