Potato production is ramping up in Washington. "The first fresh potatoes are being harvested, Chris Voigt, executive director of the Washington State Potato Commission, told The Produce News July 26. "They look really beautiful. Russets started today."

According to Bill Brewer, executive director of the Oregon Potato Commission, the state's producers have 41,000 acres in production this season. "Fresh table stock is approximately 15 percent of the total," he told The Produce News July 30.

The rapid growth of AYCO Farms and its development as a global player in produce procurement has led to a push for new talent by the company. To support the evolution of the company, AYCO has partnered with Talenta Global of Austin, TX, to identify and attract top talent and manage its human resources.

Fresno, CA-based Marketing Plus welcomed KATRINA TONKOGOLOSUK to the company on June 23.

Ms. Tonkogolosuk has assumed the role of account executive for the organization. Her responsibilities include focusing on new business development, especially clients located in and around California’s Central Valley.

PHILADELPHIA — Nothing cuts through red tape like experience, as 721 Logistics LLC and its J&K Fresh East division know. Though the company just launched in January, the management team of Larry Antonucci, John Antonucci and John Ercolani were born into the industry and their names are well known up and down the Delaware River.

Strong season, strong volumes. These words are setting the stage for Curry & Co., a year-round onion marketer headquartered in Brooks, OR. “We are expecting a strong season with plenty of volume for our red, yellow and white onions,” said Matt Curry, company president. “In fact, our volume could be up by as much as 25 percent for each variety. This large harvest allows us to really focus on our 52-week onion program, and we’ll have Northwest reds, yellows and whites available from August clear into May.”

MBG Marketing has selected Robert E. Hawk as the company's new chief executive officer and president effective Aug. 1.