F.C. Bloxom Co., headquartered in Seattle, has expanded its presence with the creation of a new office in Walla Walla, WA. Bryon Magnaghi, a produce industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, has been hired as sales manager to spearhead operations at the location.

“The company has been around for many, many years,” Mr. Magnaghi told The Produce News. “I have a history of working with them. The goal for me is to expand business outside the core business.”

The produce industry is perfectly positioned to capitalize on many different trends in the retail industry, according to Walter Robb, co-chief executive officer of Whole Foods.

California blueberry season is underway for Gourmet Trading Co., which has introduced five-, 10- and 16-ounce retail-friendly pack sizes of its Superblues, super-sized and crunchy blueberries from its own California blueberry farm.

WASHINGTON — Apple growers that ship bulk products to Canada for reprocessing or repacking would save up to $500,000 a year by not paying an additional U.S. inspection fee if an amendment that passed the Senate Agriculture Committee May 14 along with the 2013 farm bill becomes law.

The Senate Agriculture Committee took a little over three hours to pass the 2013 farm bill (S. 954) by a 15-5 vote, and the legislation may be on the Senate floor for a vote as early as the week of May 20.

SAN DIEGO – The United Fresh Produce Association shattered its goal of donating 350 salad bars to schools in California when it announced that 436 schools would receive salad bars as a result of a passionate fundraising effort by key members of the association.

SAN DIEGO — As attendees teemed through the aisles May 15 during the first day of the United Fresh 2013 trade show, here, they had a chance to view the latest offerings from marketers, manufacturers and service providers from across the country and around the world. Below is a snapshot of the people and products that helped create some of the excitement.

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