Fresh Produce and Floral Council

FPFC’s Annual Holiday Charity Auction goes virtual

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 22:32:53 GMT

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s Annual Holiday Charity Auction will be a virtual event this year.

Proceeds of the silent and live auctions, which were $121, 715 last year, go to Caterina’s Club and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County .

The live auction starts at noon Dec. 17, and the silent auction open Dec. 10.

Guest auctioneers are Chef Bruno Serato of Caterina’s Club and Harald Hermann of Second Harvest, according to a news release.

Sponsorships are available; information is available online , by e-mail info@fpfc.org, or call 714-739-0177.

FPFC Apprentice class wraps up virtual sessions

Mon, 07 Dec 2020 17:53:28 GMT

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s 2020 Apprentice Class attended their final virtual session on Tuesday, December 4, 2020, which focused on Food Safety and Crisis Communication with Cheryl Enlow of Renaissance Food Group and Scott Farrell of Golin International.

The group started off the day with a presentation by Cheryl Enlow, Vice President of Quality Assurance & Food Safety at Renaissance Food Group. Cheryl started by getting to know the class and asking each Apprentice what they enjoyed most about being in the produce industry. Cheryl stated how pleased she was with the Apprentices.

“It was great to hear that the FPFC Apprentices love being in produce for some of the same reasons as me – never a boring day, healthy products, and full of passionate and diverse people. They were so engaged and had such great questions that they made it seem like Food Safety wasn’t such a dry topic. My goal is that they will each take their unique perspectives to their company’s Food Safety Team!”

Cheryl’s presentation included startling information about foodborne illnesses and shared that.

“Produce is often the source or at least blamed for most foodborne illnesses.”

Cheryl spoke about the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and how it was the first reform in over 70 years, bringing the industry to a prevention stance rather than a reaction stance; FSMA works to create partnerships with other government agencies and private entities to ensure protocols are met. She also noted the importance of “walking the walk” and holding yourself and employees accountable for Food Safety.

The class then moved on to a second presentation and activity from Scott Farrell, Global President of Corporate Communications at Golin. Scott started the class off with the six R’s that he uses when responding to a crisis – rapid response, responsibility, regret, restitution, reform and restore. After explaining the reasoning behind the 6 R’s, the class was able to complete an interactive activity regarding a food safety crisis.

Scott emphasized how important it is to broaden your vision when dealing with a crisis and continue looking ahead to see the bigger picture at hand. Scott stated: “I look forward to my time with the Apprentices. I’m always faced with an engaging and insightful group of future leaders for the industry and this year’s group was true to form. This is a wonderful program and I commend the FPFC and its members for providing their support.”

The FPFC is grateful to our partners and members that made this presentation possible, including the program sponsor Dennis Gertmenian. This session concluded programming for the 2020 Apprentice Class. Their virtual graduation ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, January 26th, 2021; details to follow.

United Fresh, FPFC combine 2021 events in wake of pandemic

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:06:59 GMT

The United Fresh Produce Association and Fresh Produce & Floral Council , mindful of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on companies, are joining for a combined convention and expo in 2021.

The event will be June 24-26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and includes a two-day expo.

United Fresh’s show was planned for April, but is moving to accommodate companies returning to in-person events after the pandemic, according to a news release. The FPFC show is traditionally in July in Anaheim, Calif.

“The FPFC Expo is always a great event for retailers and foodservice buyers in the west, and now will be part of a global event with United Fresh,” United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel said in the release. “We look forward to welcoming FPFC members and exhibitors to be part of a great celebration as our produce community once again gathers in person.”

The COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on postponed and cancelled events will bleed into 2021, and the combined event is designed to bring relief and savings to exhibitors, retailers and expo attendees, Kori Martin, FPFC Expo chairwoman, said in the release.

“With United Fresh bringing their strong presence to Southern California in the heart of LA, we look forward to creating a solid networking experience working together for all of our members while eliminating one extra tradeshow for the industry as we consider the challenges of the current season,” Martin said in the release.

Baldor Specialty Foods President Michael Muzyk, United Fresh chairman, said he’s seen how new relationships have helped the industry during the pandemic.

“This collaboration between our associations will strengthen the experience for suppliers and buyers in every segment of the business, and provide a cost-effective way for even those companies most stressed by the pandemic to get back into the game meeting new customers and finding new innovations,” Muzyk said in the release.

Education sessions, meetings and networking events begin on June 24, followed by a two-day expo, according to the release. Exhibitors will have access to the United Fresh Live! 365 platform for year-long marketing, along with sponsorship options for online education and networking events, according to the release.

“The consolidation of the two shows for 2021 into a single, two-day event will help bring together an even larger vendor and retail community, providing an increase in interaction for both organizations and their members,” Professional Produce’s Sean McClure, incoming FPFC chairman, said in the release.

Related story:

United Fresh goes LIVE 365! with year-round platform

FPFC Apprentice Class ‘tours’ Duda fields, L.A. produce market

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:51:02 GMT

Members of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council 2020 Apprentice Class continue to learn about the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, recently attending virtual tours.

The Sept. 10 tours gave class members a look into Duda Farm Fresh Foods and LA Produce Distributors, according to a news release. Class members talked to Susan Kavanagh-Duda, regional sales manager, and Brad Stinson, quality control field supervisor and fifth-generation family.

Stinson, in a live video from Salinas, Calif., took class members through celery growing, harvesting and packing process. He also discussed planting and food safety measures at Duda.

Apprentice class members also “toured” the L.A. Produce Wholesale Market, home of LA Produce Distributors.

“One of the advantages of modern technology is the ability to visit Salinas valley and walk the L.A. Produce Wholesale Market in just two hours!” said Allie Fafard, a class member from Frieda’s Specialty Produce. “Our tour guides were very interactive and happy to answer all of our questions. I learned more about supply chain management and considerations that take place from seed to sale of a product.”

“We are proud to be able to continue providing apprentices with educational and enriching content through virtual meet-ups, speaker panels and live tours,” Rachelle Schulken, apprentice program vice-chairwoman and FPFC board member, said in the release.

Related stories:

Team Produce participates in virtual Walk for Hope

United Fresh, FPFC combine 2021 events in wake of pandemic

United Fresh discusses coronavirus, product trends at FPFC event

FPFC Apprentice Class tours Pete’s, floral company

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 18:11:05 GMT

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s 2020 Apprentice Class attended two tours in the last week to wrap-up the virtual tour sessions included in programming. On Tuesday, November 10th they attended a tour with Pyramid Flowers and on Tuesday, November 17th they attended a tour with Pete’s/Hollandia Produce.

Fred Van Wingerden, President of Pyramid Flowers took the group through their facilities and showed us the growing processes from planting to flowering and bouquet making. Fred spoke about the ideal conditions needed to ensure maximum production and quality. He also spoke about having his son, Marcos, join him in the business and how his expertise in pest management has allowed them to improve upon their operations, making them more sustainable– especially with regards to growing hydroponic Gerbera daisies with all beneficial insect control and difficult to grow flowers like Matsumoto Asters.

At the final stop on the tour, the Class was able to view the team who assembles bouquets working in action. Fred spoke about the process of creating a bouquet and explained that all bouquet makers are very talented and often start out as flower “runners” eventually working their way up to achieve a bouquet maker position.

Fred stated his excitement about the tour: “It is wonderful to see the interest of young people in the industry and the more they learn about where their products come from, the better they can serve their respective companies.”

At the Apprentice Class’ second tour, the group was able to hear from Baltazar Garcia, Director of Sales for Pete’s/Hollandia Produce and a graduate of Apprentice Class 2017; President, Brian Cook; Alex Tombelli, Head Grower; and Corrie Hutchens, Director of Marketing. Brian started the group off with a little bit of his history on how he was able to get involved in the produce industry and explained Hollandia’s start in the floral community eventually leading ownership to begin growing cucumbers and tomatoes – to finally hydroponically growing butter lettuce.

FPFC Apprentice, Jennifer Miller with Zespri stated how pleased she was with the tour of Pete’s: “I’ve never seen a hydroponic farm before and it was amazing to see how efficient and sustainable it is. The part I found the most interesting was how automated the system is – from seeding to harvest there was almost virtually no human contact as the plants moved through the growing system on a conveyer belt. It excites me for the future to see what new and innovated processes we can come up with to feed the world.”

The FPFC is grateful to our partners and members that made these tours possible including the support of program sponsor Dennis Gertmenian. The Apprentice Program will be continue through the remainder of 2020 in a virtual setting and will have more educational sessions, networking opportunities and virtual events to attend.

Long-time leader Carissa Mace out at FPFC

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:18:47 GMT

Carissa Mace, president of the Anaheim, Calif.-based Fresh Produce & Floral Council for the past 12 years, has been terminated by the council’s board of directors.

No reason was given for her termination, which was effective Oct. 25.

Mace had been out on authorized medical leave for about a month and was planning to return to work on Oct. 28, said her attorney, Joel Baruch of the Law Offices of Joel Baruch PC, Irvine, Calif.

Baruch said the medical leave was the result of alleged harassment Mace had received by certain board members.

Earlier in October, the FPFC announced the departure of Amy Wun and Brett Roberts, FPFC employees who worked with Mace.

Although the council gave no reason for their departure, Baruch said it was in protest of Mace’s termination.

Apparently, some board members also had an issue with the termination process.

“There have been two or three or four board members that have basically resigned in protest,” Baruch said, because they claimed the proper termination formalities were not followed.

“They have to follow their bylaws, and they have to vote on it,” he said. “I don’t even know that they had a quorum.”

He said Mace, a member of the board of directors, was not informed of any meetings where her termination was discussed.

“I’ve demanded minutes of any such meetings,” Baruch said.

The termination did not come from the FPFC’s executive committee, which is responsible for her employment, he said.

“I think it’s just orchestrated by two to three guys that are doing this.”

Barach said he informed the council on Oct. 25 that Mace planned to return to work on Oct. 28, but he received an e-mail stating that the board of directors had terminated her employment.

“The decision was made previously and is not in any way related to her medical leave or her retention of your firm,” the e-mail said, according to Baruch.
“I’ve got to get to the bottom of it,” he said, adding that he intends to file a lawsuit on Mace’s behalf.

Baruch said Mace is seeking economic damages that resulted from her job loss and emotional distress as well as attorney’s fees, but she does not want her job back.
FPFC representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

FPFC auction raises $35,000 for organizations

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 12:38:09 GMT

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council had its Annual Charity Auction virtually on Dec. 17th, raising $35,250 to support Caterina’s Club and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

The auction started off with a few words from the FPFC’s Interim Executive Director, Don Gann. Don introduced Angela Fraser of California Avocado Commission, who sang the National Anthem – in usual FPFC luncheon fashion. Harald Herrmann of Second Harvest Food Bank gave surprising statistics to the audience – the food bank has served 620, 178 people and distributed 4,057,636 pounds of food in November alone. He stated that unemployed and under-employed residents have increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, causing more families in Orange County to need assistance.

Chef Bruno stated that Caterina’s Club is serving 25,000 meals per day in Orange County and surrounding areas. He echoed Harald Herrmann in saying that the need has increased significantly since the beginning of the pandemic and Caterina’s Club is continuing to spread love, hope and warm meals to those in need.

The comradery that is ever-present between Michael Schutt of Raley’s and Mihae Finnie of Del Monte Fresh did not disappoint attendees – there were smiles and laughs all around. Keeping the tone of the normal FPFC luncheons, attendees had the opportunity to win gift cards throughout the auction.

Mihae Finnie of Del Monte Fresh stated how pleased she was with the auction going off without a hitch. “Without having any history on how a Zoom Live Auction would be, we were nervous on participation levels. But the FPFC did not disappoint and everyone who participated came fully prepared to provide tremendous support for Catarina’s Club and Second Harvest! It was an honor to be asked to be co-auctioneer with the great Mike Schutt and had a great time seeing everyone’s faces again even if it was on screen. I’m very proud of our FPFC family!”

The FPFC is very appreciative of the personal donation of retailer time and support of 99 Cents Only Stores, Albertsons, Gelson’s, Grocery Outlet, Raley’s, Smart & Final, and Stater Bros. Markets. The live auction items included many outings with FPFC member retailers – Jacob Cadwallader from Stater Bros. jokingly told attendees that lunch was on him at In-n-Out and how happy he was to support the FPFC and these organizations “It is a true honor and great privilege to be in a position to help these two great causes, Caterina’s Club and Second Harvest! In years past, I have typically been on the sidelines during the auctions, wanting to help in a bigger way, and now my time has come to give back a bit and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I was also relieved when people started to bid and we heard more than crickets chirping! I hope those that won the bid are cool with a double-double from In-N-Out, along with stimulating conversation of course!”

The FPFC is grateful to our members for their support and participation in the auction to support the powerful work Caterina’s Club and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County are doing.

For information about the Fresh Produce & Floral Council Charity Auction, please contact the FPFC office at 714-739-0177.

Southern California Fresh Produce Council to host virtual retail panel

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 23:44:17 GMT

The Anaheim, Calif.-based Fresh Produce & Floral Council is hosting a virtual retail panel and the 2020 Apprentice Class Graduation.

Set for noon Pacific time on Feb. 18, the event features Paul Dziedzic of Bristol Farms, Ryan Sanchez of Albertsons and Paige Venable of Vallarta Supermarkets, according to the registration website.

Tim Linden of Champ Publishing will moderate the session, which will touch on produce and floral topics such as COVID-19 and retail operations, the touch-free shopping experience and forward-looking perspective from retailers, according to organizers. Registration is available online .

FPFC seeks applicants for 2021 Apprentice Program

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 18:29:21 GMT

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s Apprentice Program is a member benefit providing education, experience and networking to anyone looking to build leadership skills, develop contacts and learn more about the produce and floral supply chain.

Applications for the program will be accepted starting Jan. 18.

The FPFC Apprentice Program is not limited to sales and marketing professionals, but is open to any employee of a member company, regardless of age, experience or function within the company.

In 2020, the FPFC Apprentice Program successfully switched to a virtual platform. The participants were able to connect with each other, build relationships and take tours all in the comfort of their home offices! We hope to make a return to in-person events when it is safe to do so in 2021.

For more information, contact info@fpfc.org.

FPFC welcomes new board members

Mon, 25 Jan 2021 18:51:30 GMT

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council introduced a new set of Board Members for the 2021 year.

Typically, the FPFC would hold our Annual Dinner Dance to announce the passing of the gavel from Brian Cook of Pete’s, our 2020 Chairman to Sean McClure of Professional Produce the incoming 2021 Chairman of the Board; but due to COVID restrictions the dinner dance has been postponed until it is safe to meet in-person once again. Brian will remain on the FPFC board as the Immediate Past Chair Representative, replacing Andrew Bivens of Westlake Produce Co.

Brian stated what a challenging year this has been and he is thankful for FPFC members “While this wasn’t the year I expected it to be I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to serve the FPFC membership as Chairman. It was challenging and required a lot of creative thinking to drive membership value. It is my sincere hope we delivered under these extraordinary circumstances. I am looking forward to working with Sean and the Board as I continue as Immediate Past Chair.”

Kori Martin of The Oppenheimer Group is now Chair Elect and Kristen Reid of MIXTEC Group has joined the Executive Committee of the Board as Secretary. Michael Schutt of Raley’s will continue to be the Treasurer. Roger Schroeder and Harland Heath will continue to serve as Honorary Past Chairmen.

Retiring from the FPFC Board this year are:

Alfonso Cano, Superior Grocers
Greg Corrigan, United Vegetable Growers Co-operative
Don Gann, Fresh Produce & Floral Council
Jeffrey McLellan, McLellan Credit Consulting

New to the Board of Directors are:

Jacob Cadwallader, Stater Bros.
Brad Martin, Perimeter Sales & Merchandising
Neil Merritt, Bard Valley Date Growers
Michelle Ziegler, Pactiv
Continuing their service as members of the FPFC Board of Directors are:
Kelly Craner, B&C Fresh Sales
Natalie J. Machado, FreshSource, LLC
Mil Mijanovic, Albertsons/Safeway
Marta Moreno, Rose-Gonzales Plants
Lynnie Nojadera, FreshSource, LLC
Bryan Presley, Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions
Marvin Quebec, Quebec Distributing Co.
Veronica Rodarte, Progressive Produce, LLC
Rachelle Schulken, Renaissance Food Group
Caitlin Tierney, Mastronardi Produce
Dannie Timblin, Melissa’s
Paige Venable, Vallarta Supermarkets

Incoming FPFC Chairman, Sean McClure of Professional Produce stated “We are truly grateful to our outgoing Board members who have concluded their service. We thank them for volunteering and dedicating significant time and energy to help this Association grow. We also want to congratulate and welcome this new group of members to the FPFC Board. As Chairman for 2021, I am grateful and excited to have this collection of individuals join the FPFC board and bring their unique talents, expertise, and perspectives to the work of the Association and its members.”

The FPFC February Virtual Retail Panel will also mark the completion of the 2020 FPFC Apprentice Program and these graduating Apprentices will be recognized during the program:

Ryan Conlon, Progressive Produce, LLC
Cherie Clark, Fresh Concepts
Allie Fafard, Frieda’s
Kyle Griffith, Pete’s/Hollandia Produce
Kimiya Manshadi, Moonland Produce
Emma McBride-Taylor, Fresh Produce & Floral Council
Jennifer Miller, Zespri Kiwifruit
Malinda Moore, Fresh Concepts
Ali Romero, Torn & Glasser
Spencer Smith, Calavo Growers
Luke Vitanza, Wonderful Sales
Justin Yates, Grocery Outlet

FPFC holds charity auction supporting Caterina’s Club and Second Harvest Food Bank

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 22:05:31 GMT

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council (FPFC) held a successful charity auction and luncheon on Wednesday, December 8th at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course.

With over 270 FPFC produce industry members in attendance, we raised over $127,000 for Caterina’s Club and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County.

Chef Bruno Serato from Caterina’s Club and Claudia Keller of Second Harvest Food Bank spoke of the hardships both organizations have experienced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The struggle of internal labor shortages due to strict health guidelines and an increasing amount of food insecurity among clients, meant that they had to pivot and start finding new ways to feed people.

Bryan Presley of Albertsons stated “The generosity of this industry is amazing. The support the FPFC members showed for Caterina’s Club and Second Harvest Food Bank was incredible. Our members helped a lot of people in need today.”

Michael Schutt of Raley’s and Brian Cook of Pete’s held the live auction and kept the crowd thoroughly entertained throughout the bidding. The live auction items included many outings with FPFC member retailers; the FPFC is very appreciative of the personal donation of retailer time and support of Albertsons, Bristol Farms, Cardenas Markets, Northgate Gonzalez Markets, Safeway, Sprouts and Stater Bros. Markets.

FPFC’s 2021 Chairman, Sean McClure of Professional Produce commented, “The FPFC is grateful to its members for their continued participation and charitable support of both Caterina’s Club and Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. With a silent and a live auction, as well as onsite donations, our members certainly outdid themselves this year. I’m constantly inspired by our members’ kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. There are so many exciting things in store for our members ahead in 2022, Our Annual Dinner Dance will be in February and Expo in April. Please register for both events at www.FPFC.org. We can’t wait to share them both with our fantastic members and industry alike.”

The mission of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council is to connect members to the information, education and professional network they need to increase knowledge, grow their businesses and collectively advance the industry.

FPFC apprentices hold first class meeting at 2022 FPFC Expo

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 13:11:38 GMT

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council 2022 Apprentice Class held their first meeting at the 2022 FPFC EXPO last week with the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Career Pathways students, according to a news release.

On April 5, the Apprentice and Career Pathways students and their mentors, attended a morning introductory breakfast that was led by Barbara Hochman of IFPA. There were apprentices and students from varying segments across the supply chain including: quality control, operations, and sales/marketing, according to the release. After breakfast, the group continued to Frieda’s Specialty Produce for a tour of the facility, marketing presentation and a “Fear No Fruit” tasting where the group ate specialty produce such as watermelon radish, Popjoys kumquats and Snow Dragons Fruit.

After their tour concluded, the group travelled back to the Anaheim Convention Center for a supply chain overview from Howard Nager of Pacific Trellis Fruit/Dulcinea.

“The Career Pathway’s and FPFC’s Apprentice Program focuses on key initiatives and current issues in the produce and floral industry, to not only educate the students, but also excite them about the many available career opportunities, Howard Nager of Pacific Trellis Fruit/Dulcinea, said in the release. “It was a pleasure to be able to present to the group at the recent FPFC Expo in Anaheim “The Produce & Floral Industry Overview” touching on such topics as Supply Chain, Sustainability and Technology.”

Following the supply chain overview was a career panel led by Kristen Reid of MIXTEC Group with Ambar Mota of Oppy; Myisha Nathaniel of Raley’s, Jonathan Tong of Bonduelle Fresh Americas; and Tara Olson of Progressive Produce/Pathfinder Logistics.

After a day of tours, programming, and educational sessions; the group attended the Exclusive Tuesday Night Out at Splitsville where they networked with their mentors and Career Pathways students.

“After two years connecting virtually, IFPA was excited to conduct the first in-person Career Pathways Program in conjunction with the FPFC Expo,” Barbara Hochman of IFPA said in the release. “The university students from Cal Poly - Pomona, Fresno State, and Chapman University were joined by this year’s FPFC Apprentices as they kicked off their program. IFPA is grateful for the continued partnership with FPFC and our joint mission of attracting and developing talent.”

On April 6, the group attended the Keynote Breakfast with WNBA Player and Olympic Gold Medalist, Lisa Leslie. Lisa gave the young professionals in the room her insight and viewpoints on leadership. After the Keynote Breakfast, the Apprentices and students walked the show floor with their industry mentors while networking and learning about the various sectors of the industry, the release said.

”The 2022 FPFC Apprentice Program is off to a great start this year and we were thankful to kick off our programming at EXPO in conjunction with the Career Pathways students once again,” apprentice taskforce chair, Rachelle Schulken said in the release. “ We are thankful to companies like Frieda’s for hosting our group at their headquarters, and to the many industry volunteers for taking time out of their schedules to speak with and mentor this eager group of up-and-coming young professionals.”

She expressed thanks to the apprentice program sponsors, Dennis Gertmenian, founder and retired CEO of Ready Pac and Bounduelle Fresh Americas, home of Ready Pac Foods and Grimmway Farms/Cal-Organic. In addition, Schulken thanked programming sponsor of the day, Calavo, and the International Fresh Produce Association for their continued partnership with the Fresh Produce & Floral Council.

For more information about the Fresh Produce & Floral Council please email Emma@fpfc.org or 714-739-0177.

FPFC Expo features dancer, NFL receiver Hines Ward

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:43:26 GMT

Former National Football League player Hines Ward will be the keynote speaker at The Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s Expo.

The Pittsburgh Steeler wide receiver is scheduled to speak at the FPFC’s Expo July 16, at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, Calif.

After a record-setting career at the University of Georgia, Ward played for the Steelers for 13 seasons, setting team records for receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, according to a news release. He was named most valuable player of Super Bowl XL, against the Seattle Seahawks.

He also took top honors during season 12 of “Dancing with the Stars.”

FPFC chooses 2019 apprentice program members

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:43:06 GMT

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council , Anaheim, Calif., has chosen the participants in the 2019 FPFC Apprentice Program.

The program prepares participants for leadership roles in their companies and the industry, according to a news release. Participants attend education sessions, field and facility tours, and join group and team-building projects. Each apprentice is assigned an industry mentor for networking events.

The 2019 apprentices are:

Julie Boland, Bonduelle Fresh Americas (Ready Pac);
Destiny Dulaney, Sunkist Growers Inc.;
Jeffrey Fish, Western Mixers Produce & Nuts Inc.;
Jessica Garcia, Veg Fresh Farms;
Briana Giampaoli, Live Oak Farms;
Denise Gonzalez, Charlie’s Produce;
Esmeralda Mejia, Westlake Produce Co.;
Jose Morales, Progressive Produce LLC;
Amanda Nojadera, Quebec Distributing Co.;
Lizbeth Reyes, Naturipe Farms;
Thomas Rossi, Fresh Concepts; and
Kevin Trisko, Earthbound Farm

“They each bring something unique to the program and we are confident they will gain a lot through the course of the year,” Mixtec Group’s Kristen Reid, chairwoman of the Apprentice Program Committee, said in the release.

A record number of people applied to participate, Reid said.

Ready Pac founder and retired CEO Dennis Gertmenian sponsors the program.

The apprentices will meet with their mentors in April, and the program concludes at the FPFC annual dinner/dance in January.

Related articles:

FPFC Expo features dancer, NFL receiver Hines Ward

Westlake’s Andrew Bivens heads FPFC for 2019

FPFC consolidates Northern, Southern expos

FPFC announces new board for '24 with celebration

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 13:59:17 GMT

The Fresh Produce and Floral Council says it marked the transition from its 2023 board of directors to its 2024 board by reflecting on the past year of growth and success under the guidance of the 2023 chair, Michael Schutt of Bay Area Herb & Specialties.

“It has been an incredible year of growth and achievement for the FPFC. Our dedicated members, innovative initiatives and collaborative spirit have propelled us to new heights,” Schutt said in a news release. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that 2024 holds even greater opportunities for the FPFC.”

The FPFC said it looks forward to the leadership of the 2024 chair, Kristen Reid of Mixtec Group.

“I am honored and thrilled to lead the FPFC in 2024. The organization has a strong foundation, and I am committed to taking it to new levels of success. Together with our members, we will continue to foster excellence within the fresh produce and floral industry,” Reid, new council chair said in the release.

FPFC said it will hold a dinner dance at the Balboa Bay Resort on Saturday, Feb. 24, to formally induct the 2024 board. This event will bring together industry leaders, members and supporters to celebrate the ongoing success and future prospects of the FPFC, according to the release.

The evening will feature the passing of the gavel from Schutt to Reid; Schutt will remain on the board as the immediate past chair, replacing Kori Martin of Oppy, who will remain on the board as past chair representative, according to the release. Bryan Presley of Albertsons will serve as chair-elect.

Paige Venable of Vallarta Supermarkets has joined the FPFC’s executive committee as secretary, and Veronica Rodarte of Progressive Produce will serve as treasurer, the organization said. Roger Schroeder and Marvin Quebec of Quebec Distributing Co. will continue to serve as Honorary Advisors to the board.

Retiring from the FPFC board this year are:

Sean McClure, Professional Produce.
Neil Merritt, Pairwise.
Mil Mijanovic, Safeway.

New to the board are:

Daniel Bell, Grocery Outlet.
Myisha Nathaniel, Raley’s.
Ryan Sanchez, Albertsons.
Rachelle Schulken, Calavo.

Continuing their service as board members are:

Andrew Bivens, Westlake Produce Co.
Jacob Cadwallader, Stater Bros. Markets.
Baltazar Garcia, Local Bounti.
Alex Jackson, Frieda’s.
Natalie J. Machado, FreshSource.
Brad Martin, Perimeter Sales & Merchandising.
Lynnie Nojadera, Great West Produce Co.
Debi Orrin, Edge Sales and Retail Services.
Caitlin Tierney, 99 Cents Only.
Shonna Lea Williams, Cardenas Markets.
Michelle Allen-Ziegler, Pactiv.

The FPFC said it is grateful for the 2023 board’s dedication and that it welcomes the incoming board with anticipation for a year filled with growth, achievements and continued success.

FPFC says its mission is to connect members to the information, education and professional network they need to increase knowledge, grow their businesses and collectively advance the industry.