Los Angeles-based Vision Produce Co. has promoted Dan Lawton to president and managing partner. 

Foodservice produce sales are going strong in Southern California, suppliers say.

Business on the Los Angeles Wholesale Produce Market seemed to be off to a slow start this summer, while the supermarket industry continues to evolve and organic, specialty and foodservice categories thrive.

Even with keen and well-established competition from conventional supermarkets, the Southern California retail market may see future inroads toward more “fresh” oriented chains, Dick Spezzano believes.

Charlie’s Produce, Seattle, has acquired Better Life Organics, Los Angeles.

The Allen Lund Co., La Canada Flintridge, Calif.; has promoted John Ryan to manager of its Boston office and Joe Brindle as manager of the Los Angeles office.

Kool Logistics LLC, based in Nashville, has opened a full-service office in Los Angeles.

Perspectives on how the Los Angeles produce scene is unfolding this summer range from very good to mediocre, but nobody’s saying the season is a dud.

Big changes likely are in store for the Southern California retail scene, but as of yet, no one knows for sure how extensive those changes will be or what impact they'll have.

FULLERTON, Calif. Produce industry veteran Dominic Etcheberria has returned to California to help guide a group of three Fullerton produce companies as they head in a new direction.