Cameo apples generated the largest percentage increase in both dollars and volume of all apple varieties during the first quarter of 2005.

Retail volume of Cameo apples increased 41.9 percent and retail sales dollars increased 29.5 percent nationwide from first quarter 2004, the highest of all apple varieties.

Castroville, CA-based Ocean Mist Farms has hired Kori Tuggle as its marketing manager, effective June 1. She comes to Ocean Mist from Salinas, CA-based Church Bros. LLC, where she was director of marketing and business development. Prior to that, she held the same title at Santa Maria-based Fresh Kist Produce LLC.

As demand for New Zealand apples grows, product shipped from that country by leading pipfruit exporter ENZA is finding good reception through retail partners of BC-based The Oppenheimer Group.

Among the favored varieties is the Jazz, a relative newcomer that is being promoted in an innovative campaign that is looking to link up with jazz festivals across the United States and Canada.

Irwindale, CA-based Ready Pac Produce Inc. has further consolidated its processing operations by announcing May 13 the closure of its processing facilities in Boisbriand, Canada, Salinas, CA, and Yuma, AZ.

The company is planning to cease production at Boisbriand in late summer of this year. The Salinas and Yuma plants have been seasonal operations with Salinas in production for spring and summer crops and Yuma for the winter crop. Operations in Salinas will close at the end of 2005. Yuma operations already ended with this past winter's crop.

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns on May 17 appointed 18 members to serve on the newly established National Mango Board.

Appointed to fill the U.S. producer positions are Vernancio C. Marti of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, for a four-year term of office; and Ingrid Rivas of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, for a three-year term. Appointed to fill the first handler position was Anthony R. Godinez of McAllen, TX, for a four-year term.