PLEASANTON, CA -- A panel of retailers declined to formally shed the produce industry's "recession-proof" label, but it did say that the downturn in the economy is definitely affecting what consumers buy in each of their stores.

The predicted freeze was "not as bad as forecast last night," Ted Campbell, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Association in Dover, FL, told The Produce News Thursday, Feb. 5. He was referring to the cold front that passed through Florida Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

"We feel like we dodged the proverbial bullet," said Michael W. Sparks, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual in Lakeland, FL. "There will probably be spot damage here and there, but in terms of large scale problems, we came through OK."

Maxco Supply Inc. in Parlier, CA, and Proactive Packaging & Display Inc., with locations in Stockton, CA, and Ontario, CA, have signed a multi-year, strategic alliance agreement to better serve the agricultural industry's packaging needs with the ultimate goal of producing premium packaging with as little impact on the environment as possible.

The alliance provides for superior package construction and graphics for consumers, while at the same time helping to conserve resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by using less paper and less power in production.

MONTE VISTA, CO -- With an updated marketing strategy that dovetails with the U.S. Potato Board's "Goodness Unearthed" campaign, the Colorado Potato Administrative Committee is sponsoring a 2009 consumer recipe contest that encourages creativity with spuds.

The recipes, which will ultimately be compiled in a new cookbook from the committee, take in all menu categories, from breakfast-brunch to soups to main dishes. A category designated "other" can include desserts and snacks, according to CPAC Administrator Linda Weyers.

Easter falls on April 12 this year, and there should be plenty of berries available from Southern California growing districts for the holiday. Last year's early Easter -- March 23 -- made meeting demand for strawberries more challenging.

Several companies warned of a possible gap in supplies of a week or more leading into Valentine's Day promotions. An about 10-day stretch of temperatures of over 80 degrees in Southern California led to an early start to the harvest, which could lead to the dry period.

The Amazing Party Kickoff program, which seeks to provide vigorous support of January retail promotions, marked the beginning of one of the more far- reaching marketing campaign since avocados from Mexico were first shipped to the United States.

Under the leadership of newly appointed Marketing Director Jacqueline Bohmer, the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association is helping produce managers educate their customers about the versatility and nutritional benefits of avocados.