Patrick Kelly launched his California produce firm a couple of years ago with a very simple premise: “If I increase returns to growers, they’ll sign up.”

So far, so good, he said.

California Giant Berry Farms has teamed up with Hamilton Beach Brands in a smoothie sweepstakes campaign kicking off on April 30. “We are excited about including our fresh blueberries in these promotions this year due to the fact they are so versatile, and consumers are continuing to increase consumption,” Director of Marketing Cindy Jewell told The Produce News on April 10.

Ron Milavsky, vice president of BRS Produce Co. Inc., works alongside his brother, Rick Milavsky, president, secretary and treasurer. The company took occupancy at the new Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market when it opened last June, and has units D-2, D-3 and D-4.

Collotti & Sons Inc. took occupancy at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market when it opened in June 2011. The company occupies units I-7 and I-8 at the terminal market.

Jack Collotti, president of the company, told The Produce News that the new, high-tech facility is beneficial in numerous ways.

John DiFeliciantonio, Mike Reilly Sr. and Mike Reilly Jr. are partner-owners of Ryeco LLC, located on the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market.

John Vena Inc. holds five units, F-1 through F-5, at the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market. The company took occupancy when the new facility opened in June, 2011.

John Vena, company president, said the firm is a specialty produce wholesaler offering local, domestic and imported products.