Page 74 - Roduce Editorials News Today

The Southeast Produce Council is expanding its education portfolio with a unique leadership development program designed for up-and-coming leaders.

The National Watermelon Promotion Board, named winners of its annual Retail Merchandising Contest, which garnered more than 120 entries from various retail chains, independent retailers and commissaries throughout the U.S. and Canada. This year’s contest — the 14th since its inception — continued to utilize mixed media marketing efforts in addition to in-store displays.

Kevin BattReturning to Oppy last summer after nearly 12 years,

William H. Kopke Jr. Inc. and the founders of Vision Import Group LLC are entering into a new joint venture in which Kopke is the controlling member. Vision Import Group is an industry leader in the lime, lemon and mango import-export business. The new consortium will be known as Vision Global Group LLC.

Church Bros. Farms is partnering with ThroughPut Inc. to use AI-powered supply chain capabilities to forecast future product demand and profitability analysis.

Ark Foods, a modern-day farming company bringing bold flavors and a new take on veggies to the produce aisle, will highlight its recently launched Chopped Salad Kits that aim to reimagine staples in the bagged salad set. All non-GMO project verified, the refreshing new salads will be featured front and center during the Global Produce & Floral Show, Oct. 27-29.

Western Growers is welcoming the seventh class of Future Volunteer Leaders, a group that will be embedded in specialized networking and agricultural leadership development events with the organization for the next two years. Members of the class will be invited to participate in all regular Western Growers board meeting functions for the next two years, in addition to standalone farm tours with WG board members and trainings with the organization's subject matter experts.

JOH hired Dennis Shannon as an account executive and account manager, joining the company's produce division in the Pittsburgh-Cleveland market.

Fowler Packing Co., a family-owned and operated farming operation in Fresno, CA, acquired, in partnership with Ag Partners Capital, SunWest Fruit Co., a citrus and tree fruit operator in Parlier, CA. As a result of the acquisition, Fowler Packing will add to its holdings over 10,000 acres of premier farmland in coveted water districts. The acquisition represents one of the most significant agricultural transactions in California.

Jamie MoracciAfter the successful launch of Solara, North America’s first commercial greenh