Del Fresco, based in the Kingsville/Leamington, ON, area, grows and ships staple, experimental and niche gourmet greenhouse items. Since the start of operation over 35 years ago, the company has increased the size of its acreage to over 50 times that of the original acreage.

Westlake Village, CA-based Dole Packaged Foods LLC announced RYAN HOWARD as its regional sales manager in June.

Mr. Howard will be working closely with brokers, distributors and operators, building relationships and sales to targeted industry segments.

Benton Harbor, MI-based Gem Tomato Sales Inc., is gearing up to come into its Michigan tomato season in July. “The Michigan season is going well,” President Gary Margolis told The Produce News on June 19. “We’ve had an excellent growing season.”

Kurt Zuhlke Jr., president and chief executive officer of Bangor, PA-based Zuhlke & Associates, said consumers demand for recyclable packaging materials for fresh produce has never been higher.

“Consumers are feeling more comfortable with the increased use of recyclables in the marketplace,” he told The Produce News on June 18. “It’s good for everyone.”

Rainier Fruit Co., headquartered in Yakima, WA, completed construction of its 12th portable hydrocooler, which is now located in one of the 22 orchards that will be harvested this season. Use of the equipment will keep the internal temperature of the juicy gems down, ensuring product of the highest quality is moved into the pipeline.

New Jersey peaches were being picked as early as June 18, according to Pegi Adam, communication consulting director for the New Jersey Peach Promotion Council in Clayton, NJ. “Our normal start date is around July 10, so we are running about three weeks early,” said Ms. Adam. “So far the quality looks very good, and we anticipate no problems. The major growers have their full complement of fruit moving into the packinghouses this week.”