The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has released its 2024 Annual Impact Report, highlighting the organization’s work with and on behalf of the industry over the past year. CEO Cathy Burns praised the IFPA community and leadership for helping advance the priorities that matter most to the fresh produce and floral industry. “As we approached 2024, […]
Category: Produce News
Posted inProduce News, Food Service News, Southeast
Fresh Express Acquires McEntire Produce
Fresh Express Inc. has acquired McEntire Produce Inc., a fresh-cut processor, repacker and wholesaler based in Columbia, South Carolina. Fresh Express is a brand in value-added salads and fresh produce based in Salinas, California, This strategic acquisition, confirmed by Fresh Express President John P. Olivo and McEntire Produce President and CEO Carter McEntire, combines McEntire […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
IFPA Shares New Strategic Plan, Executive Changes
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) kicked off the new year by beginning its 2025-27 strategic plan, which includes new leadership roles. The plan was announced during Tammy DeBoer’s remarks at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta. DeBoer, president of Harris Teeter and 2025 chair of IFPA’s board of directors, will focus much of […]
Posted inExecutive News, Midwest, Produce News
Empower Fresh Co. Names Austin President, CEO
Kansas City, Missouri-based Empower Fresh Co., the only AI-powered produce management solution designed for independent grocers and wholesale operations, has named Robert Austin president and CEO. Created by industry veterans with more than 100 years of combined experience, Empower Fresh helps retailers fight shrink, optimize inventory, streamline ordering and boost profitability. Austin has been with […]
Posted inProduce News, Executive News, West
Potandon Produce Taps Lawrence As CEO
David Lawrence has been named CEO of Potandon Produce, one of the largest providers of fresh potatoes in North America, effective Dec. 20. He is the former CEO of Fresh Direct. Lawrence succeeds Mel Davenport, who retired after 30-plus years of service marked by the launch of Klondike Goldust and Klondike Rose potatoes and the […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Fresh Express Launches Fresh Start Challenge For New Year’s Resolutions
Fresh Express is launching the Fresh Start Challenge, aiming to empower consumers to embrace the new year with intention and energy. The 2025 Fresh Start Challenge will encourage participants to focus on holistic well-being through a series of themed weekly challenges designed to help them prioritize their health and lifestyle goals. Fresh Express is offering early access […]
Posted inProduce News, Feature, National
Zespri Wants ‘People To Have Fun’ In Produce Category
Zespri Kiwifruit, the world’s leading kiwifruit brand, continues to make waves in the North American market. Jeanne Wilson, head of marketing, North America, shared the company’s success story at the recent Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia. “We’re the No. 1-selling kiwi brand,” Wilson emphasized. “We sell five times more than any other […]
Posted inFeature, National, Produce News
IFPA Unveils New Strategic Plan To Drive Global Growth, Influence
Tammy DeBoer, president of Harris Teeter and incoming chair of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), outlined a new strategic plan during her address at the recent Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta, Georgia. The plan, focused on three key pillars – worldwide influence, personalized member experience and future-proofing the industry – aims to […]