People
Meet Ajit Saxena, communications manager for Mucci Farms and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Meet Jorge Quintero Jr., managing member/founder of Grower Alliance LLC and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Meet Rosey Reuder, produce and floral buyer for Target and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Meet Davis Mochizuki, national director of produce for Albertsons and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Meet Mitch Wetzel, vice president of sales and marketing for Sunview Marketing International and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Meet Ashley Yager, marketing director for Alpine Fresh Inc. and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Meet Patricia Jimenez, vice president of contracts for Buyers Edge and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Meet Cassie Howard, senior director of category management and marketing for Sunkist Growers and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Meet Jose Luis Obregon, president of IPR Fresh and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Meet Dennis Payne, director of merchandising produce and floral for The Fresh Market and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Meet Daniel Spivey, national director of produce for Sprouts Farmers Market and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Meet Josh VanDeWalle, director of value chain engagement for Bayer Crop Science and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Meet Kait Thornton, a fourth-generation orchardist and social media content creator and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Meet Joe Esta, vice president of Wada Farms Marketing Group and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Meet the innovators, changemakers and pioneers shaping the future of fresh.
Meet Joe Merenda, co-CEO and president of Misionero and one of the 2024 Packer 25’s honorees.
Patrick Cortes has over 16 years of experience in the produce industry, including business development, market strategy and team leadership, the company says.
In the newly created role, Anna Kirsch will spearhead the company’s strategic growth initiatives within the avocado business segment.
The chef known for her role as a Food Network judge and host of “Farmhouse Rules” will appear on the organization’s social media and will showcase New York apples in a culinary delight.
Phil Pettine, regional sales manager for Kwik Lok’s Northeast region, is retiring; the Yakima, Wash.-based company says Stephanie “Steph” Wyjadka will be his successor.
Brenda Briggs, the company’s first female officer, recently received the 2024 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Women’s Catalyst Award.
Sara Oliver steps down after more than 30 years of leadership, with industry veteran Peter Vitarisi set to assume the role.
Dana Dufresne brings two decades of experience in sales and leadership from the consumer packaged goods sector.
The company has welcomed Angelika Torres as chief financial officer, Peter Allen as vice president of product strategy and management, and Sam Oliver as vice president of product supply.
T.J. Leonard, son of founder Tom Leonard and grandson of retailer Stew Leonard, takes over day-to-day operations of the farm-fresh food store.
Cosentino is an owner and the vice president of Cosentino Group Inc.
Dyenson, who previously served as vice president of food safety and quality for Dole Food Co., has almost three decades of food safety experience covering the grower, retailer and foodservice sectors.
Paola Barba, who has a background in biotechnological engineering, grapevine research, and genetics and breeding, will be responsible for developing Sun World’s next generation of table grape varieties.
The Oxnard, Calif.-based company that sources, produces and distributes fresh hass avocados has appointed Diana McClean as director of marketing and communications.
Muzyk is retiring at year’s end after a nearly 30-year career. He will work with Baldor CEO TJ Murphy on the transition.