LOS ANGELES — California Vegetable Exchange Inc., here, a produce broker and wholesale firm founded by Tom Kunisaki in 1966, has suspended operations May 14 following the filing of a PACA claim last month by a group of creditors.

Mr. Kunisaki’s attorney, John Lapinski, told The Produce News June 22, “This is a closure and liquidation” and not a bankruptcy. There has been and will be no bankruptcy filing, he said. “There is no need,” as Cal-O’s assets will be distributed to PACA creditors by the trust under supervision of the court.

RPE Inc., a year-round grower-shipper of potatoes and onions, based in Bancroft, WI, has announced a vertically integrated partnership with Lodi, CA-based West Coast Vegetable Co. Inc. to grow, pack and market onions.

The partnership with West Coast Vegetable Co. will allow RPE to serve its customers better by increasing its capacity with year-round supplies in all varieties of onions and by offering more packing locations to allow just-in-time inventory for its customers.

Jay Iverson, vice president of sales and marketing for GreenGate Fresh LLLP, in Salinas, CA, explained that the company, a grower, shipper and processor of salads, slaws, spring mixes, spinach and other products has more than 80 SKUs in the leafy greens category.

Christopher Ranch in Gilroy, CA, a major grower, packer and shipper of garlic, shallots and other products, will be featuring its “Christopher Ranch Monviso” California Heirloom Garlic at the upcoming Produce Marketing Association Foodservice Conference & Exposition in Monterey, CA, July 20-22.

Besides its current fresh produce line, representatives for The Chuck Olsen Co. Inc., headquartered in Visalia, CA, will be promoting the company’s unique consolidation services at the Produce Marketing Association Foodservice Conference & Exposition in Monterey, CA, July 20-22.

The recent launch of fresh Radish Chips and fresh Radish Stixx under Miedema Produce’s “FOR YOU” brand will deliver on customer promises for product distinction and convenience.