Rebecca Lupfer, who most recently served as chief financial officer, will lead all aspects of merchandising for the Carlisle, Pa.-based company, as well as commercial planning and pricing.

Brett Baker, president of United Apple Sales in New York, will lead the U.S. Apple Association’s board of directors for 2024-25.

The event’s Oct. 2 keynote will give attendees the chance to participate in the ongoing conversation shaping the course of sustainable and innovative food production, organizers say.

From July 2023 through June 2024, the value of U.S. fresh exports rose for apples, berries, oranges, while dropping for potatoes and lettuce, according to the USDA.

The Kroger Co. said it has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction against the Federal Trade Commission’s challenge of its proposed merger with Albertsons Cos. Inc.

The company says its Vidre+ Complex uses 1-methylcyclopropene to maintain the freshness and quality of fresh produce.