Latest News From People

Masser Family of Companies, Sacramento, Pa., has named industry veteran Robert “Bob” Meek executive vice president of sales, effective March 20.

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has announced that Christopher "Chris" Purdy has been selected as the new Deputy Administrator of the Specialty Crops Program (SCP). 

Marketing Plus, a Fresno, Calif.-based marketing and advertising agency, has promoted Johnna Johnson to vice president of marketing and client services.

Atlanta-based Salix Fruits has opened a new office in Sadat City, Egypt. 

Industry veteran is bringing multiple decades of agribusiness and food experience to a new role at Naturipe as director of premium products.

The company says the produce supply chain experience of Ryan Fink and Marius du Plessis will help strengthen its core commercial business, improving supply network value and expanding market growth.

The California Avocado Commission has hired food industry veteran Terry Splane to be the organization’s new vice president of marketing, effective March 13.

Lawrence Mallia will serve as vice president of digital transformation, and Eric Kithinji will be vice president of operations and engineering for the Pittsburgh-based company.

Mucci Farms has announced the passing of Dan Branson, senior director of business and product development for the Kingsville, Ontario-based greenhouse grower.

Lee E. Cole, a former president and CEO, is returning to lead the company effective immediately. He succeeds Brian W. Kocher, who has stepped down from the role.

The produce-forward cause marketing organization’s fundraising efforts helped support Feeding America food banks and organizations such as the Foundation for Fresh Produce, Our Military Kids and Ripe for Revival.

In honor of International Women’s Day, March 8, the California Avocado Commission is sharing profiles of some female avocado farmers to showcase the role of women in the industry.

Isaac Contreras will be responsible for day-to-day management of the company’s organic business operation in terms of supply chain, departmental responsibilities and quality, logistics and systems reporting.

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During its annual summit in Washington, D.C., the National Potato Council appointed its next president and selected its executive committee for the coming year.

Deborah Zoellick, who has almost two decades of floral expertise, succeeds longtime IFPA staffer Becky Roberts, who retires in March 2023.

Consentio, a digital trading platform for fresh produce, has appointed John Grecco as vice president of sales for Consentio USA.

The Texas-based avocado, guacamole and dip company says Kristyn Lawson brings a wealth of experience, a commitment to excellence and a passion for brands to the role.

Smith built a reputation for understanding growers’ needs and developing practical solutions, and he has been among the researchers investigating infections of impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) and Pythium wilt.

CEO Josh Leichter says that the promotions signify the ongoing sales growth the Los Angeles-based company has experienced.  

Suzanne D’Annunzio will be responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies to drive growth and productivity for the Palmetto, Fla.-based company’s retail and foodservice businesses.

In this newly created role, Alyssa Houtby will lead the council’s advocacy efforts and will work closely with Monument Advocacy, the North American Blueberry Council’s Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firm.

The produce-focused flexible packaging company has promoted Pallavi Joyappa from chief operating officer to president. Joyappa recently shared her vision for the future with The Packer.

The produce veteran with over 25 years of organic produce sales experience will lead the company's sales department.

Washington state-based CMI Orchards and New Columbia Fruit Packers will transition current CEO Mike Wade to chairman as Reasor moves into the leadership role.

Coleman was chosen for the award, recognizing Canada's emerging business leaders who are changing the status quo, for her commitment to responsible sourcing and fair trade practices in the global banana industry.

The Virginia-based association has promoted Liwanag to represent USApple on topics like pesticides, climate, water and energy.

Jim Malanca is stepping back this month from his role as vice president of sales and marketing at Firebaugh, Calif.-based Westside Produce.

Kevin Benson and James McKinnis bring decades of produce industry experience to the Maryland-based wholesaler's growing sales team.

The appointees include 30 producer members and two importers who will fill three-year terms expiring Feb. 28, 2026.

Whether you’re 35 or 65, things happen. Don’t risk the future of your farm by putting off your succession plan. Get started, make a plan and put it into action.

FMI has promoted two leaders from within the organization to steer the food industry associations communications and thought leadership strategy.

Blair Chastain has been appointed chief revenue officer for the Yakima, Wash.-based bag closure company.

The Ohio-based produce wholesaler and distributor has promoted Sirna to vice president of sales and Arrendondo to director of operations for its Norwalk, Ohio, distribution center.

The company has received three awards lauding its workplace, culture and competitive advantage in recent months.

Elder is credited as becoming “a major force in the avocado industry” during 27-year tenure with the company.

The three produce veterans will hit the ground running, supporting the Ontario-based grower-shipper’s recent growth.

Ross Lambert joins the company with an award-winning background as a software engineer and solutions architect.

Wyard Stomp has been promoted to managing director for Driscoll’s of Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Markon is bringing produce industry communications and marketing expertise to lead the foodservice cooperative’s engagement strategy in a newly created role.

The Vidalia onion grower has named Steven Shuman general manager and vice president of sales and elevated Cliff Riner to vice president of ag production and grower relations.

The Packer is seeking nominations for the 2023 Canadian Produce Person of the Year. The award will be presented at the annual banquet during the CPMA’s Convention and Trade Show in Toronto on April 27.

Vero Beach, Fla.-based IMG Citrus has announced the addition of Giorgio Peirano to its leadership team. 

The Leamington, Ontario-based greenhouse grower has hired produce industry veteran Joe Sbrocchi as senior vice president of business development and strategy.

Healthy Family Project has named Rebecca Waxman social media manager and the newest addition to the Orlando, Fla.-based cause marketing organization’s digital marketing team.

West Concord, Mass.-based Divert, Inc. has announced the appointment of Nicholas Bertram as the founding member of its advisory board.  

The grower-owned cooperative has welcomed Chad Hansen and Freddy Hoflack to its leadership team.

The vertical farming company has expanded its leadership with Wells, who brings produce industry experience in startup revenue generation, strategic account growth, go-to-market sales strategy and customer development.

Tara Stroud brings more than eight years of knowledge and expertise in food safety compliance to customers of the Highland Hub, according to a news release.

The experienced attorney has joined the northwest fruit grower-shipper in a newly created role.