The Union of Growers of Brazilian Papaya, an organization that handles the export of Brazilian papayas from the region of Linhares in the state of Espirito Santo, has developed a new twin-pack clamshell for its Golden papayas.

C&C Produce, a Kansas City, MO-based repacking and merchandising company, is hosting its first annual Harvest to Market Open House Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The open house, which gives restaurant owners, chefs, foodservice personnel and retailers a chance to talk directly to growers, will take place at C&C Produce’s facility at 1100 Atlantic Avenue, Kansas City.

Hollis Baley, director of marketing for Klamath Basin Fresh Organics LLC, said she expected continuing demand and acceptance at the retail sector when it comes to organic product. “Business is good,” she told The Produce News. “I think people continue to buy organics because they know it’s better for them and the environment. Especially for root vegetables and other commodities with such delicate skins, what you put into the farming process is getting fully absorbed into the vegetable.

Despite the ups and downs of business today, Bartolotta Inc. in Torrington, CT — under the guidance of Kevin Bartolotta, owner and president — has a strong reputation for being a major fundraiser and donor to needy causes.

Bartolotta’s charity efforts are well known among his colleagues, friends and associates across the country.

An all-Idaho foodservice promotion featuring USA Onions and the Idaho Potato Commission, along with other agricultural producers and commodity commissions, is set for Feb. 20-21 in Chicago.

According to Sherise Jones, marketing director for the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee/USA Onions, the promo will include a customer appreciation reception at Chef’s Burger Bistro in downtown Chicago as well as a Young Chefs Competition and foodservice reception at the prestigious Kendall College.

“The gist of our business is simple,” said Owen Margolis, sales representative for Sy Katz Produce Inc. in Pompano Beach, FL. “We work with our growing partners year round and we have a strong supply chain from the Caribbean and from Mexico through Nogales.

“We follow the domestic seasons from Florida northward, and in the fall we work our way back south,” he added.

Sy Katz handles sales for Juniper Produce in Quincy, FL, Full House Farms in Clinton, NC, and Deep South Farms and Walt Carter Farms, which are both located in Lake Park, GA.