Nathel & Nathel has expanded its Hunts Point operation considerably in the past year, having bought four units previously owned by Krisp-Pak.

The St. Louis Produce Market plans to unveil its new website (www.stlouisproducemarket.com) in early May. Market Manager Pat Kelley said the site will capture the flavor of the market “then and now,” giving individuals and businesses an opportunity to find out more about the celebrated location.

“We will have some interesting stuff,” Mr. Kelley told The Produce News on May 2. “Our board is revitalizing the market.” The launch will also anticipate the celebration of 60 years of operation for the market in 2013.

The mild winter and spring this year brought almost all crops in earlier than normal, and that includes the spring apple tree bloom in New York. But in late April, a sudden cold snap may have had a not so great effect on the early blooms.

BrightFarms Inc. is building a greenhouse in partnership with J&J Distributing in Saint Paul, MN. BrightFarms finances, builds and operates greenhouses, partnering with supermarkets and distribution centers to sell locally grown, sustainable produce. J&J Distributing supplies wholesale fruits and vegetables to retailers throughout the Twin Cities.

The popularity of locally grown produce might not be all that new.

Michael Muzyk, president of Baldor Specialty Foods in the Bronx, NY, told The Produce News that he questions the local movement as being a trend.

“Sourcing locally has always had its teeth in the produce industry,” said Mr. Muzyk. “Not in specialty items like baby vegetables or Asian produce as much, but those teeth are now rooted in how local product is communicated to the user, and social media is moving that forward at an amazing speed and with a major impact.”

Bancroft, WI-based RPE, a grower-shipper of year-round potatoes and onions, announced SCOTT KEYSER as account manager on May 8. Mr. Keyser will be based in the company’s Bancroft, WI, office.