The Packer Staff

Latest Stories
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People
Meggie Gilbert Joins Valent U.S.A.’s Sustainable Solutions Team
In her new role, Gilbert will support customer success through close collaboration and technical insight on the West Coast.
January 22, 2026 10:11 AM
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The Packer Staff
A pair of box trucks lined up in a parking lot. The side of the trucks shows a scene of rows of crops with a mountain range in the background and reads "Charlie's Produce, cultivating fresh." The back reads "Charlie's Produce, wholesale fruit & vegetables."
Industry
Charlie’s Produce Completes Operational Integration in Phoenix
Two years after acquiring Stern Produce, the integration of the companies is finished, creating a Phoenix hub that can better serve customers.
January 22, 2026 10:19 AM
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The Packer Staff
Three people stand on a convention stage, handing an award to the central man.
People
Craig Yencho Honored with North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission’s Distinguished Service Award
The commission has also elected a new slate of officers for its board of directors.
January 21, 2026 10:23 AM
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The Packer Staff
A business casual headshot of an older white man with sparse, silvering hair and mustache wearing a green and white checked collared shirt
People
Mike Blume Joins Pacific Trellis Fruit
As the East Coast sales manager, Blume will oversee sales strategy while working out the company’s Philadelphia sales office.
January 21, 2026 10:09 AM
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The Packer Staff
A heavily-muscled bald man wearing a black polo shirt. A tattoo on his right forearm reads "I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my..."
People
Village Fresh Introduces New VP of Sales
Produce sales veteran Richie Keirouz will lead the company’s sales strategy and support its continued expansion.
January 20, 2026 09:44 AM
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The Packer Staff
A middle-aged man with silvering hair smiles as he sits in front of a decorated Christmas three and next to a bowl of cherries in this casual domestic scene.
People
Longtime Washington State Fruit Commission President Dies at 60
Following a distinguished career with the commission, BJ Thurlby is remembered for his passion for the industry and his family.
January 15, 2026 12:22 PM
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The Packer Staff
A professional headshot of an older white man who is mostly bald with sparse white hair and beard, with blue eyes, and wearing a gray branded polo shirt standing against an out-of-focus indoor background.
People
Rich Dachman to Lead The Giumarra Companies’ Board of Directors
The industry veteran will continue as CEO of Brighter Bites while stepping into the new role on the board.
January 14, 2026 03:46 PM
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The Packer Staff
Kroger
People
Kroger Taps Internal Talent to Drive Retail Growth with New Leadership Appointments
Victor Smith was named senior vice president of retail divisions as Kroger strengthens its core leadership team with key internal promotions.
January 14, 2026 12:17 PM
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The Packer Staff
Year of Horse 10lb Carton.png
Retail
Sunkist Introduces ‘Year of the Horse’ Lunar New Year Packaging
In addition to the limited-edition orange cartons, the program allows retailers to expand Lunar New Year sets through open display bins that can accommodate a range of citrus offerings.
January 14, 2026 10:37 AM
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The Packer Staff
A graphic including a photo of a woman with long brown hair wearing a green lanyard and standing in front of an academic research poster. The graphic reads "Sollum 2026 Student Scholarship Recipient Karli Barton, Indoor Ag-Con, Westgate, February 11-12, 2026, Las Vegas"
People
Karli Barton Wins 2026 Sollum Student Scholarship
Her research focuses on the intersection of advanced LED lighting strategies and sustainable pest management in CEA strawberries.
January 13, 2026 04:16 PM
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The Packer Staff
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