This year, The Packer honors nine extraordinary women who are far more than players in the fresh produce industry; they are architecting its future.
The produce world is undergoing a seismic shift. From the integration of complex retail algorithms to the critical preservation of independent family farms, the challenges are as diverse as the crops themselves. Yet in the hands of this year’s honorees, these challenges are being met with transformative solutions.
Join us as we celebrate the 2026 Women in Produce — nine women representing a cross section of the entire ecosystem — from sales and marketing to executive leadership and boots-on-the-ground farming. They are mentors for the next generation and the steady hands guiding the supply chain to a bright future.
Learn more about each honoree:
- Beth Atkinson-Keeton — owner, Elephant House PR
- Hilary Craig — director of produce category management, Misfits Market
- Brenda Haught — co-CEO, Creekside Organics
- Danelle Huber — senior marketing manager, CMI Orchards
- Gwen Jackimek — senior director of sales, avocados, Fresh Del Monte; chair, Hass Avocado Board
- Bianca Kaprielian — co-CEO, Creekside Organics
- Erin Mittelstaedt — CEO, The FruitGuys
- Dina Newman — founder, KC Black Urban Growers
- Jonna Parker — vice president of fresh foods group, Circana
