People
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.
The Oviedo, Fla.-based grower promoted a senior vice president for strategy and business development, as well as hired a vice president of sales.
Richa Desai will lead the food packaging supplier’s sustainability efforts and help shape and articulate Sabert’s strategic direction.
Alexandra Roberts is taking on a new leadership role as vice president of culture and compliance.
Paul Farmer began his career as a source technologist for grapes at AMfresh Group, the majority stakeholder and primary owner of Bloom Fresh.
Ahold Delhaize USA has shared a time frame to name a successor to Meg Ham.
Curt Webber previously spent 14 years at PepsiCo in various sales leadership, strategy and business development roles within foodservice and retail channels.
Carlos Duarte has over a decade of experience in avocados, most recently serving as an account manager for Calavo Growers.
Dick Peixoto, owner-grower of Lakeside Organic Gardens, was recognized as the Grower of the Year at the 2024 Organic Grower Summit.
Jim Pazzanese, who has over 30 years of experience in foodservice operations and procurement, joins as its new executive vice president of global strategic procurement.
The leadership development program focuses on hands-on experience with legislative and regulatory issues, a mentorship program, networking and more.
Lisa Massie will serve as director of international marketing for Asia, with Alexandra Merritt joining as director of global marketing.
The AeroFarms co-founder will be the new CEO of Richmond, Va.-based Babylon Micro-Farms.
Steve Circle returns to the vertically integrated berry grower-shipper to help its growth as it expands to a 52-week program.
The association recognized the former Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers chair for his role in devising and implementing strategies to tackle the sector’s unique challenges.
Karly Shaubach will help boost the packer-marketer’s WildTwist apple promotion, the company says.
Jeremy Giovannetti has over 35 years of experience in the produce industry, specializing in melons.
The retailer has appointed former Fresh Market CEO Jason Potter to the leadership role.
The appointees include representatives from Sunkist Growers, Florida Strawberry Growers Association, National Potato Council, Blue Diamond Growers and more.
With the promotion, Bob Gleeson will oversee key departments including merchandising, marketing, store operations, IT, pharmacy and supply chain.