Page 48 - Roduce Editorials News Today

JOH announce the addition of Nick Lewandoski to their Mid-Atlantic produce division as an account executive/account manager.

The Fresh Produce and Floral Council held its annual Charity Auction and Luncheon on Dec. 7, 2022 at the Sheraton Cerritos in Cerritos, CA. Bryan Presley of Albertsons was the master of ceremonies with additional auction hosts including Shonna Williams of Cardenas Market and Marvin Quebec of Quebec Distributing Co. A silent auction began while attendees gathered for the luncheon and a post-event social hour occurred immediately following the luncheon where friends and colleagues joined each oth...

Working an 8,000-acre farm located beside Lake Okeechobee on the eastern shore of Pahokee, FL, R.C. Hatton Farms has long been trusted for providing some of the most fertile “black gold” in the United States. Paul Allen, co-owner and president of the company, called the area ideal for anything and everything that the company grows — from green beans to corn to cabbage, and more. In fact, when talking Florida-grown produce, the company has as much experience as anyone. 

IRI, which recently merged with The NPD Group, released a new report, November 2022 Price Check: Tracking Retail Food and Beverage Inflation, offering new insights into food inflation and its impact on consumer shopping behavior. The report leverages point-of-sale data for November 2022 and includes data across U.S. food channels, including grocery, drug, mass market, military commissaries and select club and dollar stores, as well as e-commerce.

California Giant Berry Farms announced the appointment of Andrew “Andy” Rice as vice president of field operations and product supply, reporting to president, Joe Barsi. Rice will play a vital role in the California Giant field operations and growth throughout North America, South America and Mexico.  

To celebrate National Opal Apples Day,

U.S. Customs & Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa Cargo Facility in San Diego found over $3 million worth of methamphetamine hidden in a shipment of carrots. On Dec. 1, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a 43-year-old truck driver applied for entry into the United States from Mexico. The driver, a valid border crossing card holder, was referred for further examination by CBP officers along with the tractor trailer and shipment.

The board of directors of Equitable Foods Initiative, the multi-stakeholder workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farm workers, retailers and consumer groups, has named Pete Donlon as a new board member. Donlon, vice president of Misionero, will fill the seat recently vacated by Vic Smith of JV Smith Cos.

On Friday, Dec. 2, Wholesum, the Fair Trade-certified grower and shipper of organic farm-fresh vegetables based in Amado, AZ, celebrated 10 years of Fair Trade certification at its first-ever festival highlighting the themes of community, art and impact at its farm in Sonora, Mexico.

NOGALES, AZ – Produce industry veteran Hurley Neer joined Coast Produce as vice president of sales earlier this year, and while he was not necessarily looking to make a move, he knew joining such an esteemed company would be rewarding. “I’ve known the folks at Coast for 20 years and have always had a great relationship with them,” he said. “It’s a first-rate outfit, and I’ve already developed some great relationships with the people here.”