Although it is too early to tell what actual volumes of stone fruit from the Pacific Northwest will reach produce department shelves this season, prospects appear to be bright. "We're expecting a well-sized crop thanks to the mild growing weather," said James Michael, promotions director for the Washington State Fruit Commission. "Longer days with more hours in the growing window equal bigger, sweeter fruit."

Peppadew, a pepper-like fruit that is native to South Africa, will be marketed under the “Jersey Fresh” promotional program for the first time this year, with production of the Gold variety of the fruit currently underway in the Garden State.

Additionally, a new facility called Peppadew Fresh Farms & Vineyard will serve as a hub of events and educational activities that revolve around Peppadew.

Consumers will have a chance to vie for a limited number of tricked out, customized, fixed-gear bicycles offered by Columbia Marketing International in its special Facebook contest celebrating the 2012 cherry season. “We’re pretty excited to give something back to the consumer,” Vice President of Marketing Bob Mast told The Produce News May 17.

Oxnard, CA-based Deardorff Family Farms hired LUKE PATRUNO to its team on March 13.

In his new position at Deardorff Family Farms, Mr. Patruno is leading a new organic business unit that focuses on sourcing, packing and distributing organic produce from the company’s headquarters in Oxnard, according to a company press release.

Lou Kertesz, a longtime leader in the produce retail industry, died Saturday, June 2. He was 76. Mr. Kertesz was well known as a master of merchandising when it came to moving massive amounts of product through the retail system. He was always filled with dynamic and aggressive energy at all times. Mr. Kertesz could sell anything, anytime and anywhere. His enthusiasm taught people to concentrate on massive selling rather than just plain talking about it.

The RedLine Solutions educational produce traceability initiative seminars have been receiving high marks from attendees and attracting growing audiences. The series continues June 5 in Ellensburg, WA, and June 14 in Mission, TX. This educational event covers everything grower-shipper-packers need to know to get started with PTI.