Page 52 - Roduce Editorials News Today

Established in 1925 as a local small crop farm in Pelion, SC, Walter P. Rawl & Sons has grown into a national, multi-generational business, selling leafy greens and specialty vegetables. A clear understanding of consumer demands for sustainability has driven innovation and success. “Today’s consumer is more likely to prefer packaging that is recyclable and we have heard that message from them for years,” said Ashley Rawl, vice president of sales, marketing and product development, as w...

Situated on the Michigan Produce Terminal in Detroit, Ben B. Schwartz & Sons is a trusted partner for local and national chain stores, as well as foodservice providers. The company’s strong distribution network stretches through most of the United States and into Canada. With the calendar turning to December, it represented one of the busiest times of the year for the company.

Kacy Fabie, Colour Republic’s head of digital marketing and eCommerce, has joined the International Fresh Produce Association’s Leadership Program — the first time a member of the floral industry has been invited! The 2022-2023 class was announced in Oct. 2022, during the annual Global Produce and Floral Show in Orlando, FL.  

Produce professionals from throughout the industry gathered in Manhattan for the New York Produce Show & Conference. The event offered attendees networking opportunities and educational micro-sessions. Industry members packed the Javits Center Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the one-day trade show.

At any given time of the year, there are usually a few buzzwords that seem to pop up and stick around for a short lifespan. You’ll find them in just about every LinkedIn post and in most conversations. You know the 2022 words I’m talking about — disruptor, omnichannel, snackable content, growth hacking, innovation and more. There’s nothing wrong with using the buzzwords of the moment, you wouldn’t be a savvy marketer or business professional in general if you didn’t.

After 45 years of service at Publix Super Markets, Sam Pero, Lakeland division vice president, will retire at the end of this year. Marsha Singh has been promoted and will take over Pero's vacated position.

Russ Davis Wholesale Inc. has acquired Kansas City, KS-based produce wholesaler Liberty Fruit Co. Inc.. Now part of Russ Davis’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Liberty will continue to operate independently and will be led by its existing leadership team. According to Liberty CEO John McClelland, the opportunity to become 100 percent employee-owned was the driving force behind the merger.

The closing day of the Organic Grower Summit  on Dec. 1, 2022 was a whirl of activity and celebration. A morning full of educational sessions provided insight into the growth, opportunities and future of CEA production while industry leaders also discussed the softening demand for organics and what growers can do.

Bobalu Berry Farms managing partners established an annual scholarship in 2022 to celebrate 60 years in business honoring their grandparents. In 2023 Bobby and RC Jones are expanding the program to support additional students.

Did you ever notice the many special calendar days that are celebrated? I was amused by a few selected anniversary days seen on nationaldaycalendar.com such as national Bubble Bath Day, Polka Dot Day and Yellow Pig Day. Believe it or not, there is a national Produce Misting Day that recognizes the innovation of automatic sprinklers over the refrigerated wall case to keep vegetables hydrated, fresh and crisp. According to nationaltoday.com, May 21 is Eat more Fruits and Vegetables Day.