Latest News From People

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.

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.

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.

Lipman Family Farms adds board members
Lipman Family Farms adds board members

The four newly appointed board members will help drive growth and innovation, bringing experience in distribution, retail, ag biotech and more to enhance strategic vision and sustainability, the company says.

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.

Stemilt president and CEO named Apple Citizen of the Year
Stemilt president and CEO named Apple Citizen of the Year

Washington State Apple Blossom Festival recognized the Stemilt executive for the company’s support of the state’s tree fruit industry.

Axia Vegetable Seeds adds to its commercial team
Axia Vegetable Seeds adds to its commercial team

Rafael Lacaz Ruiz joins the team as a protected culture sales representative. He will focus on sales in the U.S. and Canada, according to the company.

Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association names president
Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association names president

The a nonprofit organization, which represents and promotes the state's potato and vegetable growers, also announced a slate of other recently elected board members.

Publix VP to retire, successor announced
Publix VP to retire, successor announced

Vice President of Customer Experience Bob Bechtel will retire in March after a 45-year career with the grocery chain. The company says its director of omnichannel will succeed him.

FirstFruits Farms expands sales team 
FirstFruits Farms expands sales team 

The company says new additions to the sales team will help it add territories and grow in market space in the Midwest.

Produce Alliance announces new president
Produce Alliance announces new president

Chicago-based Produce Alliance, an entity of the Buyers Edge Platform Fresh Division, has named Chris Rheault as its president.

Kroger names interim CFO
Kroger names interim CFO

With CFO Gary Millerchip departing for his new role as executive vice president and chief financial officer at Costco Wholesale Corp., Todd Foley will fill the position until a successor is named.

Dobler & Sons has new COO
Dobler & Sons has new COO

The company said the addition of industry veteran Jeff Oberman will help expand service offerings and streamline processes.

Hazel Technologies names VP of postharvest operations
Hazel Technologies names VP of postharvest operations

Malkeet Padda steps into the new position with the company, which develops solutions to extend the quality shelf life of fresh produce and reduce food waste.

Food Lion names Store Manager of the Year
Food Lion names Store Manager of the Year

The grocery retailer has named its 2023 Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Award winner and has honored four other store managers for exceptional leadership.

Celebrating a century of leadership: D’Arrigo California honors Andy D’Arrigo's 100th birthday
Celebrating a century of leadership: D’Arrigo California honors Andy D’Arrigo's 100th birthday

D’Arrigo California is commemorating the 100th birthday of Andy D’Arrigo, whose leadership helped shaped the company.

5 appointed to Mushroom Council
5 appointed to Mushroom Council

The nine-member council comprises eight domestic growers and one importer.

IGA honors Henry Johnson Jr. with highest award
IGA honors Henry Johnson Jr. with highest award

At the FMI Mid-winter Conference in Florida, the Independent Grocers Alliance honored the former president of W. Lee Flowers & Co. with the J. Frank Grimes Award.

Orion hires sales manager for West Coast region
Orion hires sales manager for West Coast region

Darrin Snarr has been appointed regional sales manager for Orion.

Driscoll’s names new CCO
Driscoll’s names new CCO

The Watsonville, Calif.-based company has named Garland Reiter Jr. as its chief commercial officer for Driscoll’s of Americas.

 FullTilt Marketing welcomes staff additions
 FullTilt Marketing welcomes staff additions

Vanessa Hensley joins FullTilt as project manager, and Chandell Lattin will serve as the firm’s newest marketing specialist.

Getir, FreshDirect announce new leadership
Getir, FreshDirect announce new leadership

Hatice Evren will serve as U.S. Group CEO, overseeing Getir and FreshDirect, while Sloan Eddleston has been appointed FreshDirect CEO.

Divert hires chief information officer
Divert hires chief information officer

West Concord, Mass.-based technology company Divert Inc. has expanded its executive leadership team with the appointment of Bob Watkins as chief information officer.

The Packer seeks nominations for 2024 potato awards
The Packer seeks nominations for 2024 potato awards

Only days remain until the Feb. 2 nomination deadline. Help honor a deserving member of the potato-growing community by submitting their name today!

Salix Fruits names new leadership in Chile and Egypt
Salix Fruits names new leadership in Chile and Egypt

The Philadelphia-based importer has designated Haydy Shahin and Pascuala Vergara Sabaini as country managers, moves it says underscores its commitment to diversity and equal opportunities in top leadership.

Driscoll’s hires Zespri CEO as president of the Americas
Driscoll’s hires Zespri CEO as president of the Americas

The company says veteran agribusiness executive Daniel Mathieson will steer the largest business unit for the company, overseeing all aspects of the enterprise, from strategic planning to financial success.

Kwik Lok names new global distribution sales manager
Kwik Lok names new global distribution sales manager

In this new role, Bas Reijndorp will develop, execute and grow Kwik Lok’s distribution and original equipment manufacturer network in Europe and the Middle East.

JOH adds new produce account executive
JOH adds new produce account executive

Kate Degan brings more than 15 years of experience in the food industry to her new role in the metro New York and New Jersey produce division.

Veg-Fresh adds two to sales team
Veg-Fresh adds two to sales team

Corona, Calif.-based agribusiness said the new hires will help expand the company’s berry program and expand its share in food service.

Wakefern Food Corp. names chief sales officer
Wakefern Food Corp. names chief sales officer

Darren Caudill brings over four decades of experience working in both grocery wholesale and retail, according to the retailer-owned cooperative.

Infinite Herbs' co-founder takes on advisory role, longtime employee promoted
Infinite Herbs' co-founder takes on advisory role, longtime employee promoted

Co-founder Camilo Penalosa will step away from the company's daily operations Jan. 31, and a new vice president of sales and marketing will assume Penalosa's former customer responsibilities.