Pura Vida Farms, nationwide pineapple importer-grower-shipper of melon products, announced the selection of Shawn Avera as the director of watermelon operations for its Eastern region. Mr. Avera began his duties Aug. 20 and will be based at Pura Vida's new Moultrie, GA, office.

Cool-Pak Solutions LLC, located in Carson, CA, in close proximity to the port of Los Angeles and the port of Long Beach, is a newly formed company offering cold storage, packing and repacking services for imported fruit and other fresh produce "from all over the world," according to company President Steven Karo. The company started in July.

Rainier Fruit Co., one of Washington's premier apple grower-packer-shippers, has raised the bar in anticipation of its new packingline, known as The Max Line. The state-of-the-art line is expected to become operational around Oct. 10 according to Suzanne Wolter, the company's director of marketing.

WASHINGTON -- United Fresh Produce Association Chairman David Krause, president of Paramount Citrus, kicked off the Oct. 2 opening breakfast at the Washington Public Policy Conference by addressing a burning issue: the future of United Fresh after this year's failed merger with the Produce Marketing Association.

Market Fresh Produce LLC recently promoted Jeff Jones, a 30-year veteran of the produce industry, from director of sales to vice president of supply chain management. He has extensive experience in produce procurement, innovative merchandising and marketing programs. Mr. Jones has worked for leading industry companies, including Publix, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Banta Foods and Martinous Produce Co.

This is a season of redesign and reimaging for Black Gold Farms. "This past season, we took a look at our Black Gold Farms label and designed a new high-impact poly bag," National Director of Sales Glen Reynolds told The Produce News Sept. 17. "The imagery and copy points highlight the benefits of red potatoes as well as tell the Black Gold Farms story in an easy-to-read and attractive layout."