A new consumer pack machine and updated codes for traceability are among the changes at Murakami Produce in Ontario, OR, for the 2013-14 onion shipping season.

Grant Kitamura, general manager of the operation, said in early September the consumer pack machine is “faster and better.”

He continued, “We’re going with new codes this year, GTIN among them. We’ve had positive lot ID for a long time, and we know the grower, field, lot, date of pack and shipment date of all our onions.”

Weis Markets Inc. today announced David J. Hepfinger, company president and chief executive officer,  has left the company to pursue other interests. Company Vice Chairman Jonathan H. Weis replaces him as interim CEO, and Robert F. Weis remains as company chairman.

Pandol Bros. Inc., a leading marketer of table grapes based in Delano, CA, has added blueberries to its product line and will kick off its year-round blueberry program in November with fruit from Chile.

"Pandol is excited to begin the blueberry program this coming Chilean season," Greg Caveng, blueberry sales manager for Pandol Bros., said in a press release. "We feel there is an opportunity to build a strong year-round program."

Caveng will manage the blueberry product line out of Pandol's East Coast sales office in Gloucester, NJ.

McDonald's is committing to offering value meal customers a choice of side salad, fruit or vegetable as a substitute for french fries as part of a new health initiative announced in New York City.

McDonald's is partnering with the Alliance of a Healthier Generation, founded by former President Bill Clinton and the American Heart Association, to increase customers' access to fruit and vegetables, the company said.

Tom Lange Co. Inc. has promoted Becky Wilson to vice president of operations. Wilson has been with Tom Lange Co. since 1991 and previously served as its assistant vice president of administration.

MYRTLE BEACH, SC — Over 200 people attended the Southeast Produce Council's "Get Acquainted Cocktail Reception" Thursday evening, Sept. 26, officially kicking off the council's 2014 fall conference, according to SPC Executive Director Terry Vorhees.

Close to 285 people were expected during this year's annual event, held Sept. 25-28, here, at the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grand Dunes.