The Southeast Produce Council will be announcing those selected for the 2014 STEP-UPP class during the president’s dinner dance at its fall conference, scheduled for Sept. 26-28 in Myrtle Beach, SC. This program is available for retail and foodservice members of the Southeast Produce Council.

Crunch Pak, an industry leader in fresh sliced apples, is offering a back-to-school promotion via its electronic billboard in New York City's Time Square.

Beginning Aug. 18, the electronic billboard will carry a message asking consumers to "text the word APPLES to the number 65047" for a special offer. When consumers do so, they will be sent a link to a coupon for $1 off any size package of Crunch Pak sliced apples.

“We are totally focused on California and Mexico,” said Rob Wedin, vice president of fresh sales and marketing at Calavo Growers Inc., in Santa Paula, CA, coming right to the point in an interview with The Produce News.

Kevin Donovan, national sales manager for Phillips Mushroom Farms in Kennett Square, PA, told The Produce News that the company is currently in the process of developing some frozen mushroom products for the retail market.

Valley Fruit & Produce, a full-line wholesaler-distributor of quality fresh fruits and vegetables located in Los Angeles, announced that Jin Ju Wilder has been hired as director of marketing.

In this new position for the company, Wilder will bring her 20 years of produce industry experience to the planning, development and implementation of Valley's marketing strategies, external and internal communications, and public relations activities.

Dole Fresh Vegetables, based in Monterey, CA, is debuting an all-natural chopped salad line that will include both kits and blends.