PHILADELPHIA — In May 2012, close to one year after the new Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market opened for business, Mark Levin, chief executive officer of M. Levin & Co., told The Produce News, "If I were a box of produce, the PWPM is where I'd want to be."

On March 27, 2013, he reiterated his opinion that the market is the perfect place for the handling and movement of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Potandon Produce LLC announced that Kent Romrell, senior vice president of sales, will retire at the end of March after a career in produce spanning over 30 years.

WP Rawl, a grower-shipper-processor based in Pelion, SC, which markets its produce under the "Nature's Greens" brand, announced the addition of a new organic kale bag to its line.

Steve Roberson of Roberson Onion Co. in Hazlehurst, GA, knows he and the rest of the industry have a terrific crop of Vidalia onions this year and are heading into a solid market.

Like everyone else, he is also worried about someone dropping Vidalia prices near the start of the deal and beginning a race to the bottom of the market.

“Consistent communication from growers and marketing bodies” is the key to preventing that, Mr. Roberson said.

Central American Produce Inc., headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL, plans to expand its list of commodities available to customers throughout the year.

Coastline unveiled a new design for its two-count Lil Gem Hearts, which became available in February. The Salinas, CA-based firm said that the new package design reflects its commitment to providing exceptional customer service and support.