DELTA, CO -- Spring frost and sluggish pollination action by bees are being cited as factors contributing to the short cherry crop for Colorado's Western Slope, but at the same time, shippers are calling this probably the best quality they've ever had on cherries.

Kahului, HI-based Maui Pineapple Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Maui Land & Pineapple Co. Inc., has announced that Aaron Nakamura has joined the company as its territory sales manager. In his position, Mr. Nakamura will be responsible for managing Hawaii sales for MPC and expanding the sales of fresh retail and foodservice pineapple products as well as processed pineapple products for the firm.

NEWARK, DE -- In recognition of the critical importance packaging plays in increasing the sales of fresh fruits and vegetables, the Produce Marketing Association has announced its new PMA Impact Award: Excellence in Produce Packaging. An award will be granted in five categories: food safety/ traceability, functionality/technology, marketing design/messaging, sustainability and merchandising/transportability.

Bloomington, CA-based Index Fresh has appointed Giovanni Cavaletto chief operating officer. "Giovanni brings his valuable field experience in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties to the executive board of Index Fresh. His experience and understanding of both local and international markets are greatly appreciated," Dana Thomas, president of Index, said in a press release.

Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc. has begun construction of a $50 million facility in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, for the production of the firm's sweetened dried cranberry line.

The company broke ground June 22 for the 100,000-square-foot plant; construction is expected to be complete by September 2008.

Tracy, CA-based Pacific Triple E Ltd. has rebuilt its entire production line here for its Roma tomatoes, installing five eight-lane MAF optic sizers.

The upgrades to Pacific Triple E's packingshed could increase the company's production speed by as much as 30 percent, according to Billy Heller, chief executive officer. The new system should "increase yields by 5 to 12 percent and give us greater flexibility," he said.