Produce

Produce for Kids—a program that encourages healthy eating among families while raising funds for local non-profit organizations like Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals—is kicking off the summer with a Fresh Grilling Twitter party on May 16 at 9 p.m. EST about smart grilling options for kids. Using the social media platform to target parents, Produce for Kids hosts a Twitter party every other month to coincide with a seasonal theme. …

If you have been to a Japanese restaurant or sushi bar recently, you have probably noticed a spicy form of Edamame.   Melissa’s new line extension is a single serving package of edamame ready-to-eat from the package, available in a 7 ounce pod.  …

Fowler Packing, one of the largest grower, packer and shippers of stone fruit, table grapes and clementines has hired Derrick Bender as Vice President of New Business Development.  In his new role, Bender will help expand Fowler Packing’s domestic and international programs on their entire product portfolio. …

New York Apple Association (NYAA) has named apple and produce industry public relations veteran Julia Stewart as the association’s spokesperson. Stewart assumed spokesperson duties in March; she has been supporting NYAA’s public relations activities since May 2012. …

Avocados from Mexico has announced that it is projected to break the one billion pound volume mark for the 2012-13 season. Volume projections for the April-June 2013 time period were recently increased by 12%, bringing the total projected volume for the season to more than one billion pounds, which will enable retailers and foodservice operators to continue to actively promote the fruit and drive growth. …