Latest News From People

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.

Could agriculture face a Southwest-type meltdown?

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.

As the first COO in the company's 95-year history, Pereira will lead strategic initiatives for the Soledad, Calif.-based fresh producer grower.

It doesn’t matter if it’s spring, summer, winter or fall, weather is always on producers’ minds. While slower seasons can offer relief, winter can drain emotional batteries. Here are two steps to help find relief.

The experienced policy and regulatory leader will spearhead organic agriculture advocacy on the 2023 farm bill and other policy initiatives on Capitol Hill.

Meetings are an inevitable element of business, but they can be a boon or a bore, depending on how they are run.

Bassetti's promotion follows the appointment of Sammy Duda as the new CEO of A. Duda and Sons, parent company of Duda Farm Fresh Foods.

The New York-based National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) has announced the first cohort of the Black Farmers Equity Initiative. 

It is again time to honor a well-deserving member of the potato growing community by nominating them for the Potato Person of the Year or Potato Person for All Seasons award.

Sheridan Silver brings over 20 years of procurement, purchasing and supply chain experience to the position.

The Nunes Company, Inc., Salinas, Calif., has appointed Joe Mollner vice president of operations for Nunes Vegetables, Inc.

The new role was created as part of the company's ongoing strategy to tailor solutions even more precisely to specific food categories, according to a news release.

Rossignoli succeeds Michael Castagnetto, who has been promoted to vice president of customer success supporting the North American Surface Transportation division within C.H. Robinson.

Desmond O'Rourke has penned a 277-page memoir.