Stemilt Growers Inc., located in Wenatchee, WA, will showcase two special "win-win" retail programs at this year's Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit.

Director of Marketing Roger Pepperl said that individuals interested in discovering more about the success of the "Lil Snappers" brand and an exciting presentation for the company's upcoming Piñata apples should visit Booth 2156. "We will have a full complement there from owners to marketing to sales," he told The Produce News Sept. 20.

On Aug. 29, Nunhems USA, part of Bayer CropScience, celebrated the 20th birthday of the Vaquero onion variety at its 2012 Onion Showcase.

Columbia Marketing International, headquartered in Wenatchee, WA, believes it has hit a home run with the introduction of its new two-pound stand-up fruit pouch.

"They have a rich premium look," Vice President of Marketing Bob Mast told The Produce News on Sept. 21. The bag will be one of several new items to be rolled out at the Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit in October.

A final decision by the U.S. Department of Commerce to terminate the suspension agreement for Mexican tomatoes will reopen a dispute between the trading partners, result in a loss of jobs on both sides of the border and increase prices for consumers, warned Ricardo Alday, spokesman for the Mexican Embassy.

Tom Lochner, executive director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, told The Produce News that between 55 percent and 60 percent of the nation's crop is produced in the state.

Monterey Mushroom Inc., headquartered in Watsonville, CA, is continuing the national roll out of its sustainable packaging with nutritional and recipe information for consumers.

“This product is getting great consumer response and is currently available from all our locations,” said Joe Caldwell, vice president of the company. “About 30 percent of our retail partners have converted to this package. We also continue to highlight the quality and great variety of mushrooms that we offer.”