Chiquita Brands International Inc. and Fyffes plc announced that the boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved a definitive agreement under which Chiquita will combine with Fyffes to form ChiquitaFyffes. The agreement creates a global banana and fresh produce company with approximately $4.6 billion in annual revenues. Chiquita and Fyffes plan to complete the transaction before the end of 2014.

Ed Lonergan, Chiquita's chief executive officer, will serve as chairman; David McCann, executive chairman of Fyffes, will become CEO of the combined company.

Twenty years ago, there was virtually no commercial production of blueberries in the state of Florida, except for U-pick farms and berries grown for local markets. This year, some experts said Florida’s blueberry production may reach 25 million pounds, putting the state in the ranks of other leading producers like North Carolina, Georgia, California and Oregon.

The tie-in over the past year with “The Biggest Loser” television show continues to pay dividends for Grimmway Farms and create touch points with consumers, though the show’s finale aired in early February.

Nelly Yunta, vice president of sales, marketing and customer care, liner and logistics business groups for Crowley Maritime Corporation in Jacksonville, FL, and vice president of Customized Brokers, the customs brokerage and consulting division located in Miami, told The Produce News that the port strikes in South America are definitely affecting exports this season.

The North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission announced the winners of the "Savor Your Sweets" recipe contest, a promotion with independent restaurant operators in the Southeast inviting chefs and consumers to look at sweet potatoes in new ways.

The winners, Cuban Sweet Potato Tacos and Sweet Potato Rice Pudding, aren't typical sweet potato dishes, but Taqueria del Sol and The Kings Kitchen pushed contemporary thinking into new areas.

Ready Pac Foods Inc. hired Sally Erickson as its new chief financial officer. In her new position, Erickson will oversee the direction of the company’s financial goals and objectives. She will report directly to Tony Sarsam, Ready Pac’s chief executive officer.