Produce

Joe Calenda joined Ciruli Brothers in late February as the companys Director of Foodservice and Retail Programs. Mr. Calenda, who was previously with Grupo Coliman (Phoenix, AZ), will be in charge of developing the companys foodservice and retail business. …

The fresh produce industry will be giving back to the local community in an unprecedented way when the United Fresh Produce Association hosts it 107th annual convention in New Orleans, May 2-4. Through the generosity of member companies and friends, the United Fresh Foundation will donate salad bars to 33 New Orleans schools, creating a lasting impact on thousands of school children in its convention host city. …

Ocean Mist Farms is supporting sales of fresh artichokes this spring with the companys first-ever consumer sweepstakes. The sweepstakes, Easy to Make Easy to Win, is intended to build excitement for the fresh artichoke crop with shoppers nationwide and drive membership in Ocean Mist Farms Artichokes Aficionados club. …

The Hass Avocado Board (HAB), which conducts generic avocado marketing for foreign and domestic suppliers, has scheduled its annual board elections. The HAB also has reaffirmed its proactive policy of seeking board members who reflect the demographics of the avocado industry while supporting the Boards diversity goals. …

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC), and Fresh Gourmet announced the winner of one of their biggest and most successful promotions ever, the Win Free Groceries for a Year Sweepstakes. Maija Liepins, of Dublin, Ohio received $10,400 in gift cards to use at the grocery store of her choice. Liepins selected Meijer, a one-stop shopping center with over 195 stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. …