Latest News From People

Burns joins sitting co-Chairs Mike Joyner, Dave Puglia and Kam Quarles in providing direction for the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance as it works to advance its priorities in the reauthorization of the farm bill.

Joining the company are Elena Hernandez, as director of global marketing insights, and Pablo Gómez, as director of quality insights.

Tony Zuccato has over 30 years of experience in information technology, software development and project management, the company says.

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas will honor the Omega Produce founder for her contributions to the association and industry during her lifetime.

Network and knock down pins with fellow produce industry members Oct. 20 at the 2023 Mango Industry Reception during the Global Produce & Floral Show at Splitsville Downtown Disney.

The Carlisle, Pa.-based company has named Rebecca Lupfer chief financial officer and Dave Lessard senior vice president of operations, customer experience and perishable distribution.

"Mark [Gagnon] will play a pivotal role in our company's strategic growth and expansion plan," Seald Sweet CEO Mayda Sotomayor said.

The Braga Fresh CEO has been selected as the Organic Produce Summit’s annual Grower of the Year award recipient for his dedication to organic farming and California agriculture.

During her more than 10 years in the produce industry, Krista Beckstead has worked in the apple grower, packer and shipping sector.

Soren Bjorn has been appointed as the next CEO of Driscoll’s, bringing with him 17 years leading programs and initiatives at the California-based global berry marketer.

Jen Doxey, who has over 20 years of experience in the produce industry, will oversee the sales operations of Fox Packaging and Fox Solutions and help develop sales and service strategies.

Mike Walsh has joined the company as East Coast sales manager, and Seymur Ashumov has joined as a sales executive.

After years of leadership, Don Gann is leaving the California-based fresh produce and floral advocacy organization positioned for its next chapter with a new president at the helm.

Project SEARCH provides education and training to young people with disabilities, helping them gain real-life work experience, while receiving training for employability and independent living, according to the company.

Christina Bongo-Box, a global quality assurance and procurement executive, will support product development, customer satisfaction and revenue growth for the cloud-based platform.

The California Avocado Commission says that Jeff Oberman, who served as president and CEO of the organization since October 2022, has left the organization to pursue other interests.

The Compton, Calif.-based company has named Laudan Chaffin as marketing director. She is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening and elevating the Berry Fresh brand, the company says.

The company has appointed Greg Samels to senior director of sales for the western U.S., where he will manage and drive new business in all channels to help grow sales of the brand's Costa Rican bananas and pineapples.

Indianapolis Fruit Co., a FreshEdge company, has expanded its executive team with the addition of Tony Mitchell and Marc Jones.

Diego Alvarez brings global compliance and governance leadership and expertise to spearhead compliance programming at the Wisconsin-based food safety and sanitation company, PSSI.

Agronomist Kyle Cosgrove is joining the fresh produce sustainability consulting firm to advance on-farm services, support and lead participation in A Vibrant Future, a Climate-Smart Commodities grant-funded program.

"The Produce Industry Podcast" has set its sights on an in-person networking event aboard a cruise touring Tampa Bay, Fla., at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure 2024 event.

Terry Thornsberry is a second-generation produce veteran with 40 years of industry expertise, according to a news release.

The former FDA deputy commissioner for food policy and response has joined iFoodDS — a food safety and traceability solutions company — as strategic adviser and member of the board of directors.

The International Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Conference kicked off on Sept. 12 and has gathered members to Capitol Hill to advocate for the policies and legislation critical to the produce industry.

Jeff Dolan, who previously held the position of field operations manager, will oversee all operations regarding the growing, packing and shipping of fresh-market tomatoes in California.

Woodland, Calif.-based Syngenta Vegetable Seeds has announced the appointment of Juan Pablo López as territory head for vegetable seeds in the U.S. and Canada.

Oppy has elevated Ben Vallejo and Jim Leach from management roles to director-level responsibilities.

The healthy lifestyle challenge hosted by the Texas International Produce Association is accepting applications to join and compete for a Peloton bike through Sept. 28, 2023.

Equifruit, a Montreal-based Fairtrade-certified banana company, has announced Director of Sales and Marketing Kim Chackal has become an owner of the company. Equifruit President Jennie Coleman retains a majority share.

The Emeryville, Calif.-based company says that Denise Webster has joined its Food & Agriculture team.

Plant & Food Research scientist Annette Richardson's work has led to advancements that have helped increase yields and contributed to the overall quality of kiwifruit crops, according to a news release.

The podcast, which began in May, was created with a mix of produce supply chain and sourcing professionals in mind.

Mike Taylor, vice president of sales and marketing, has been promoted to senior vice president of business development strategy; Tate Mathison, director of sales, will become vice president of sales and marketing.

The Pleasanton, Calif.-based firm says it offers high-quality fruit for essential nutrients for athletes.

The group will be confirmed by a ballot shared with International Fresh Produce Association membership. This board is expected to begin its board service at the 2023 Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show, Oct. 19-21.

The Valencia, Calif.-based fresh citrus cooperative is allocating additional resources to its category management and consumer insights program by appointing a senior director of category management and marketing.

The staff at Oxnard, Calif.-based Bobalu Berries have been enjoying fresh strawberries straight from the ranch and motivating each other with their creations.

The Bakersfield, Calif.-based company has hired Dave Moore to manage relationships with existing western U.S. customers as well as develop new business in all channels.

Denise Junqueiro, the new vice president of commercial for tropicals, will develop and execute go-to-market strategies for Apeel’s tropicals business in the Americas and other global markets, the company says.

Cheri Diebel has served as president and CEO for the Delano, Calif.-based agricultural commodities marketing company since January 2012. Her successor has held that role for Pacific Ag Management.

The Kansas City, Mo.-based software solution provider works with independent grocers’ produce departments across North America.

The Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) has awarded a $10,000 2023-24 academic scholarship to Jacob Meeuwsen.

The Inland Northwest-based fresh fruit and vegetable distributor and its parent company, URM Stores Inc., have appointed the produce veteran as president.

The California-based fresh produce licenser has appointed two new directors and added three new regional leaders to its team to support its fruit portfolio expansion.

In the new “In the Bin” podcast, sponsored by Northwest grower-shipper Superfresh Growers, host Tyler Weinbender is shedding light on the fresh fruit industry.

Following an afternoon of data-rich programming, the first day of USApple’s Outlook 2023 conference at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago concluded with The Packer presenting Mike Preacher the Apple Person of the Year award.  

Perishable food leader Jerry Callahan is bringing his retail expertise to the FiveStar Gourmet Foods board of directors this summer.

Produce veteran Cody Ramsey is bringing his expertise to develop and expand sales at the Salinas, Calif.-based grower.

Molly Rhyan is an industry veteran with over two decades of experience in supply chain packaging, having held key leadership roles at prominent companies such as IFCO, CHEP and Kraft Foods.