Sy Katz Produce Inc. has moved its sales and administrative departments into new offices in Boone, NC.

Sy Katz founded the company in the early 1940s; in 1984, Owen Margolis took over ownership. Although the firm is a substantial force in the Florida fresh produce market, it maintains its headquarters in Boone.

Keystone Fruit Marketing in Greencastle, PA, announced the hiring of Dan Borer, who will handle sales from the company?s Northwest Divisional office located in Walla Walla, WA.

Formerly senior sales manager for Seald Sweet LLC in Vero Beach, FL, Mr. Borer brings a wealth of produce sales and marketing experience in the areas of citrus and sweet onions.

Nearly a year after Paramount Farms announced a massive recall of millions of raw almonds and after negotiations failed to reach a settlement, two law firms have sued the company on behalf of plaintiffs who said they got ill from eating the company?s almonds.

At their annual meeting on March 24 in Monte Vista, CO, grower-shipper members of the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee took an in-depth look at several issues affecting both of the state?s potato-growing areas.

BOSTON - If the well-worn but nevertheless crucial idea of "satisfying your customer" is still the key to success for any business, then attendees of the New England Produce Council?s expo heard a dynamic and magical presentation that told them exactly how to get that key.

With gasoline prices at an all-time high and an already-critical trucking situation in place, the Florida produce industry is faced with a double whammy that may threaten big and small companies alike.

Ray Gilmer, director of public affairs for the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association in Maitland, said that the word in the produce industry is that trucking could reach crisis status this year because of the high fuel prices, but some say it's just another straw on this already weakened camel?s back.