Latest News From People

Fox Packaging recalls founder as 'true pioneer' of the industry
Fox Packaging recalls founder as 'true pioneer' of the industry

Kenneth Fox died April 17 at age 91, the McAllen,Texas-based flexible packaging company announced.

Tipa Compostable Packaging names commercial director for North America
Tipa Compostable Packaging names commercial director for North America

The Israel-based company has added John Wilson, whose career spans more than 20 years in consumer packaging and includes experience in sustainability, supply chain management, procurement and marketing.

The Packer, TIPA present Healthy Living Award to Texas legislator
The Packer, TIPA present Healthy Living Award to Texas legislator

The Packer and the Texas International Produce Association honored Texas state Rep. Carrie Isaac during a presentation at the recent Viva Fresh Expo.

Simbe expands leadership team
Simbe expands leadership team

Simbe expands leadership with the hiring of several key executives.

Veteran produce journalist remembered
Veteran produce journalist remembered

Longtime produce industry journalist Tad Thompson, who wrote for The Packer and other publications, died April 8.

Giro Pack makes sales hire focused on automation projects
Giro Pack makes sales hire focused on automation projects

Ian Sellers will handle sales of projects developed and executed by Serfruit S.A., a provider of automation solutions with experience in the fruit and vegetable and perishable food sectors.

Pro-Act welcomes new chief financial officer
Pro-Act welcomes new chief financial officer

Prior to joining the foodservice distributor, Kevin Vogt served as the managing director at the Swanson Family of Cos.

G&R Farms hires sales manager
G&R Farms hires sales manager

Rawls Neville has worked with G&R Farms since 2015 in a storage and packing relationship through his previous businesses.

Stater Bros. Markets president and COO to receive USC executive award
Stater Bros. Markets president and COO to receive USC executive award

The University of Southern California Marshall School of Business has recognized Greg McNiff as the 2024 Food Industry Executive of the Year.

CPMA reveals its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
CPMA reveals its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient

The award will be presented to BC Fresh Vegetables Inc. President and CEO Murray Driediger at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association's Convention and Trade Show’s awards brunch on April 25.

Kwik Lok promotes new director of North American sales and strategic accounts
Kwik Lok promotes new director of North American sales and strategic accounts

Jordan James will fill the role held by Bruce Cox, who retired after 20 years with the company.

USDA seeks National Mushroom Council nominees
USDA seeks National Mushroom Council nominees

Nomination applications are due by May 1, 2024, for three seats with terms expiring in 2027 and one seat with a term expiring in 2025.

Giorgi Cos. taps Elevation Foods veteran to lead its food division
Giorgi Cos. taps Elevation Foods veteran to lead its food division

Mark Currie, former chief operating officer of Elevation Foods, will succeed the retiring Joe Caldwell and run Giorgi Mushroom, Giorgio Fresh and Giorgio Foods.

IFPA’s Hollay named to Wilson Center task force on ag labor
IFPA’s Hollay named to Wilson Center task force on ag labor

The national task force aims to develop a series of evidence-based policy recommendations to improve labor recruitment and employment conditions for farmworkers.

Natural Delights names new CEO
Natural Delights names new CEO

With CEO Tim Rooney is stepping down to pursue another opportunity, Natural Delights is promoting its chief operating officer, effective April 1.

CEO of Ahold Delhaize Europe and Indonesia to depart by year's end
CEO of Ahold Delhaize Europe and Indonesia to depart by year's end

Wouter Kolk, CEO of Ahold Delhaize Europe and Indonesia, has decided to step down from the management board by the end of the year.

NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer
NGA makes marketing hire, promotes government relations staffer

The National Grocers Association has welcomed Caroline Sar as its manager of marketing and member engagement and promoted Max Wengroff to senior manager of government relations.

Hy-Vee welcomes new chief marketing officer
Hy-Vee welcomes new chief marketing officer

Jessica Hendrix will oversee Hy-Vee’s marketing efforts and serve as the driving force behind growth and strategic operations for RedMedia, Hy-Vee’s retail media network.

Washington Apple Commission president to retire
Washington Apple Commission president to retire

During his 18-year stint with the commission, Todd Fryhover has overseen the marketing efforts for Washington apple growers in 25 countries worldwide.

Naturipe Farms has new vice president of marketing
Naturipe Farms has new vice president of marketing

Ashley Finster, a marketing professional with nearly three decades of management experience, previously served as chief marketing officer at SunFed Ranch.

Meridian Growers names communications director
Meridian Growers names communications director

Michelle Carter, who was hired in July 2006 as a sales and marketing assistant, will now oversee all communication strategies for Meridian Growers.

Industry veteran Glenn Beckham remembered
Industry veteran Glenn Beckham remembered

Industry veteran Glenn Beckham, 77, of Bettendorf, Iowa, died March 12 after a courageous battle with health complications due to diabetes. 

Emerald Packaging announces retirement of key executive
Emerald Packaging announces retirement of key executive

James "Jim" M. Kelly, executive vice president, is retiring after 41 years with the company.

Save A Lot names chief development officer
Save A Lot names chief development officer

Bill Mayo spent the past 29 years at Wakefern Food Corp. As chief development officer, Mayo will lead the strategic growth of Save A Lot’s licensed retail business to support and strengthen the Save A Lot brand.

TIPA adds new VP, general manager
TIPA adds new VP, general manager

Rodrigo Castaneda, who joins the company with more than 25 years of experience in various industries, is expected to help expand the company’s presence.

California produce organizations present lifetime achievement award
California produce organizations present lifetime achievement award

The California Table Grape Commission and the California Fresh Fruit Association recently honored Anthony Vineyards co-founder Domenick “Cookie” Bianco.

Markon adds veteran produce executive
Markon adds veteran produce executive

Brian Jameson will lead Markon’s multi-unit sales team that supports its member distributors in developing and deploying cohesive produce programs that include the company's three brands.

GLC Cerritos hires sustainability director
GLC Cerritos hires sustainability director

The avocado grower-shipper says the newly created position will evaluate current sustainability initiatives within the company and define a strategy for future projects.

Sev-Rend appoints sales director for Texas and Southeastern U.S.
Sev-Rend appoints sales director for Texas and Southeastern U.S.

The Collinsville, Ill.-based packaging manufacturer says Nathan Wise has joined the company, having previously served as a sales manager for Tosca Ltd.

'The Hero Effect' author speaks to SEPC crowd about what sets heroes apart
'The Hero Effect' author speaks to SEPC crowd about what sets heroes apart

During SEPC's Southern Exposure event, author Kevin Brown mentioned the adage that heroes are ordinary people doing extraordinary things — and explained why that's not exactly right.

Bland Farms founder inducted into Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame
Bland Farms founder inducted into Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame

Vidalia Onion Committee says Delbert Bland was selected for this honor based on his commitment to promoting and protecting the Vidalia onion brand.

Eastern Produce Council announces 2024 leadership class members
Eastern Produce Council announces 2024 leadership class members

The class comprises 17 professionals set to gain industry insights through diverse opportunities, blending field experiences with classroom seminars on topics like food safety and leadership development.

Groupe Bonduelle Fresh Americas has new CEO
Groupe Bonduelle Fresh Americas has new CEO

Bobby Chacko succeeds Andrea Montagna, who has stepped down after serving as the company's CEO since 2021.

Save Mart honors Store Manager of the Year
Save Mart honors Store Manager of the Year

Oakdale, Calif., Save Mart store manager Robert Alton was honored for his leadership at the company's 30th Annual Management Awards Gala, which also recognized other store managers.

CEA Alliance adds two to board of directors
CEA Alliance adds two to board of directors

Craig Hurlbert, CEO of Local Bounti, and Andrew Horowitz, North American Director of Strategic Development of KUBO Greenhouse Projects, join the Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance board of directors.

D’Arrigo California welcomes new sales director
D’Arrigo California welcomes new sales director

As sales director, Henry Dill will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of daily sales operations, enhancing strategic partnerships and implementing initiatives to strengthen customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Pear Bureau Northwest president and CEO to depart
Pear Bureau Northwest president and CEO to depart

Kevin D. Moffitt is set to relinquish day-to-day duties as president and CEO this summer after 35 years with the marketing organization, though he will aid the transition of his successor.

Honoring the 'face of Colorado potatoes'
Honoring the 'face of Colorado potatoes'

Jim Ehrlich, the 2024 Potato Person of the Year, was recognized for his work advocating for the potato industry in Colorado and nationally. The award is co-sponsored by The Packer and the National Potato Council.

Apeel Sciences names new CEO
Apeel Sciences names new CEO

The company says Luiz Beling will work with James Rogers, Apeel’s founder and outgoing CEO, to transition into the new role. Rogers will remain as founder and board member.

Bloom Fresh appoints interim CEO
Bloom Fresh appoints interim CEO

Kenneth Avery has departed as CEO following a six-month tenure that began with the acquisition of International Fruit Genetics by Amfresh and its merging with SNFL Group.

New Jersey grower wins National Outstanding Young Farmer Award
New Jersey grower wins National Outstanding Young Farmer Award

Byron DuBois was among award finalists selected based on progress in an agricultural career, the extent of soil and water conservation practices and contributions to the well-being of the community, state and nation,

Allen Lund Co. promotes GM to senior director of carrier development
Allen Lund Co. promotes GM to senior director of carrier development

In the role, Matt Minthorn will focus on the carrier side of ALC's business, overseeing activities related to carrier relations, compliance, and fraud prevention.

Fresh Produce Association of Americas adds produce industry veterans 
Fresh Produce Association of Americas adds produce industry veterans 

John Toner and Phil Gruszka have joined the organization as business development directors.

Kwik Lok has new director of business development
Kwik Lok has new director of business development

Chris Latta, most recently vice president of global sales for Binsfeld Engineering, has experience with sales, marketing and industrial design.

FiveStar Gourmet Foods adds former Chiquita exec to board
FiveStar Gourmet Foods adds former Chiquita exec to board

The Ontario, Calif.-based company said Chris Dougan, former senior vice president of sales for Chiquita Brands International and Fresh Express, will be instrumental in shaping its future growth.

Category Partners names director of analytics
Category Partners names director of analytics

With a background in category management and market research, Walter Liu brings experience from his tenures at Del Monte Fresh Produce and Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

 Pear Bureau executive elected chairman of World Apple and Pear Association
Pear Bureau executive elected chairman of World Apple and Pear Association

The World Apple and Pear Association has elected Jeff Correa, director of international marketing at Pear Bureau Northwest, as chairman of the association.

Save Mart Cos. names new chief merchandising and marketing officer
Save Mart Cos. names new chief merchandising and marketing officer

Chris Hooks, whose experience spans conventional grocery, discount retail and private label, joins the Modesto, Calif.-based grocer's executive leadership team.

California Ag Leadership Foundation adds board members
California Ag Leadership Foundation adds board members

Measure to Improve's CEO and Burford Ranch's director of farming have joined the foundation board.

BeeHero adds chief sales and marketing officer
BeeHero adds chief sales and marketing officer

Industry veteran Ze’ev Barylk brings experience from Rivulus and Netafilm to the precision pollination and hive sensing company.