With the addition of a compartmentalized plastic container, Producepackaging.com has expanded its line of packaging designed specifically for the fresh produce industry.

Kurt Zuhlke Jr., president of the Bangor, PA-based firm, said the new container, which comes in both two- and three-compartment figurations and holds about 20 ounces of product, is perfect for retail offerings, such as a berry medley.

“You could put three kinds of berries in the same pack such as blueberries, raspberries and blackberries,” he said.

Since mid-January, the U.S. mango market has been stronger than what is typical at this time of the year, and all indications are that the hot market could last at least into late March.

Safeway Inc. is in discussions concerning the possible sale of the company.

“Although the discussions are ongoing, the company has not reached an agreement on a transaction, and there can be no assurance that these discussions will lead to an agreement or a completed transaction,” the company said in a press release. “The company will not comment further on these discussions at this time.”

Lawsuits filed against Primus Group Inc. of Santa Maria, CA, in connection with the 2011 distribution of Listeria-tainted cantaloupe produced at Jensen Farms in Colorado may very well put a finer point on the concept of "field to fork" responsibility when it comes to food distribution.

Love Beets, a line of premium, all-natural, ready-to-eat beets, announced the launch of its first organic marinated baby beets, along with a brand new line of natural beet juices with no added sugar. Both Love Beets products are beginning to roll into grocery stores across North America.

Kathleen Triou has accepted an offer to lead Fresh Solutions Network LLC, a dedicated marketing services organization committed to the advancement of the fresh potato, sweet potato and onion categories, as its president and chief executive officer.

Triou, who was previously vice president of domestic marketing of the U.S. Potato Board and most recently chief marketing officer of Avocados from Mexico, took on the lead role Feb. 10.