Back by popular demand, the Great Big Idaho Potato Truck officially set off on its seven-month cross-country journey with support and good wishes from Governor C. L. (Butch) Otter and hundreds of Emmett, ID, residents.

With a couple of years of production under its belt, Oso Sweet Onions has a much larger crop of California onions this year from two distinct growing regions.

Brian Kastick, president and general manager of the Charleston, WV-based firm, said the Brawley district in the southern desert region of Imperial Valley will be shipping in May and June, while Bakersfield will provide Oso Sweet Onions in July and August. He said both regions are perfectly suited to provide what he calls “a real sweet onion.”

On March 22, Chris Kragie, sales manager for Western Fresh Marketing in Madera, CA, told The Produce News that the company was currently importing Asian pears and kiwi from Chile.

“Asian pears started about two weeks ago and will run through late June or early July,” said Mr. Kragie. “Last year our Asian pear program represented 65 percent of what was imported into the U.S. This year, we will have 70 percent of that market. We are currently at 90 percent, but other importers will pick up a little steam as we move forward.”

Sarasota, FL-based Global Organic/Specialty Source Inc. hired JEFF PATTERSON as director of sales and business development.

Christopher Ranch, a leading grower-packer of fresh garlic, was awarded a Superior rating in a recent PrimusGFS audit, and its HACCP plan received a 100-percent score.

The PrimusGFS audit is recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative. It covers the supply chain from pre- to post-farm gate production in an integrated supply chain approach. The audit focuses on fresh or minimally processed food products from the agricultural sector that are designated for human consumption. The standards of the audit are based on industry best practice and sound science.

BOSTON — The New England Produce Council's 14th annual expo was marked by a strong retail presence, a varied trade show and a keynote speech by a baseball hero.