Latest News From People

As head of marketing, North America, for T&G Global Ltd., Cecilia Flores Paez spearheads consumer marketing for Jazz and Envy apples with an energy and enthusiasm that sparks produce consumption.

The Potatoes USA Board consists of five committees guided by nine industry members. The committees include international marketing, domestic marketing, industry outreach, research, and finance and policy.

Anna Fabrega, a former Freshly CEO and Amazon commerce executive, is bringing deep commercial and retail experience to lead Local Bounti in its next chapter.

The 2023 Down to Earth Women’s Luncheon, held at Driscoll’s Rancho Corralitos, celebrated Santa Cruz County and Pajaro Valley women in agriculture and raised $90,000 for programs and scholarships.

Following the Sustainable Produce Summit and a day in the desert learning and recreating, the 2023 West Coast Produce Expo ended on a high note, delivering an inspirational keynote and a bustling trade show.

Northeast and mid-Atlantic distributor Baldor Specialty Foods is expanding its leadership team by adding two specialty foods industry veterans in vice president roles.

The South Carolina-based fresh peach and vegetable grower says it has strengthened its leadership team by adding James Sparks as CFO and promoting Ross Williams and Jason Rodgers.

Agtech veteran David Lee, whose previous roles include president of indoor farming company AppHarvest, will now lead Lockhart, Texas-based Inevitable Tech.

The association says that Lynsee Gibbons, who will start May 23, has a background in food advocacy work that will help advance its goals.

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.

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.

California Fresh Fruit Association President Ian LeMay will become president and CEO of the California Table Grape Commission in spring 2025, succeeding Kathleen Nave.

Reinhardt Kapsak, who previously served as president and CEO of Produce for Better Health Foundation, will help IFIC in its mission to effectively communicate science-based information about sustainable food systems.

Nogales, Ariz.-based produce distributor and grower Divine Flavor has hired Patrick Cortes as its director of business development and strategic planning.

The newly created role is critical to minimizing overall company carbon footprint and positively affecting internal and external stakeholders through strategic initiatives, Church Brothers Farms says.

The nonprofit has added a certifications director and a client manager, roles EFI Executive Director Peter O’Driscoll says are "integral to scaling our proven certification program."

Conner O’Malley will take the reins from Tim Lane, who plans to retire later this year after leading the Yakima, Wash.-based company for 25 years.

Produce executives, retail dietitians, suppliers and marketers mingled as the Arizona sun softened, creating a festive evening air for the welcoming party at Produce for Better Health's Consumer Connection Conference.

Alex DiNovo, president and chief operating officer of the Columbus, Ohio-based DNO Produce, has announced the promotions of Deadra Barnett, Nick Middleton and Doug Snyder.

Potatoes USA is seeking to fill 60 open seats, with each board member serving a three-year term.

Per Bank will be the president and CEO of Loblaw Cos. Ltd., a Canadian supermarket chain and distributor headquartered in Brampton, Ontario.

Based in Miami and part of Moxxy’s East Coast team, Eileen Ariza brings over 20 years of accounting, financial and organizational leadership to the position.

The greenhouse industry veteran will lead technical operations for the Canadian fruit and vegetable grower.

The Packer's parent company, Farm Journal, has named Prescott Shibles as CEO. He takes over from Andy Weber who retires after 23 years as CEO and becomes vice chairman of Farm Journal’s board of directors. 

Rachelle Schulken joins OPN in the newly created position of vice president of events, where she will oversee the Organic Grower Summit.

Dana Graber joined FMI in 2016 as senior counsel for FMI’s government relations team, providing support to members through regulatory tracking, development of regulatory strategy and compliance assistance.

The Philadelphia-based company says the appointments will strengthen its leadership and enhance its capabilities in global operations, manufacturing, information technology, digital solutions and human resources.

The Oppenheimer Group’s Senior Sales Representative Dan Wickland is the longest-tenured employee in the history of Oppy's Chicago office.

In a move that it says demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability, California Giant Berry Farms has appointed Justin Kosta as director of sustainability.

Kierra Kissack will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Peak of the Market's Winnipeg distribution center, including receiving, shipping, packing and maintenance.

Four other members also will serve on the executive board, supporting the newly elected officers in leading the National Mango Board and serving the mango industry.

Shuman will be leading business development initiatives to maximize the growth potential for the Share-ify platform. The company offers solutions for corporate compliance, food safety and quality assurance.

The digital marketplace that strives to eliminate retail food waste by connecting consumers with discounted food nearing its best-by date has appointed Jordan Schenck and Sepideh Burkett to leadership roles.

AeroFarms has hired two more produce leaders to support retail and foodservice business. The controlled environment agriculture company, based in Newark, N.J., has farms along the Eastern Seaboard and in Abu Dhabi.

Kingsville, Ontario-based grower DelFrescoPure has expanded its sales team with fresh produce industry veteran Michael Jones.

D'Arrigo’s achievements and contributions will be celebrated at the trade association's 2023 annual meeting in November.

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.