Exp. Group, a major importer of tropical fruits, has announced that it has named Fraymil Rodriguez, a longtime employee of the firm, to chief operating officer. Rodriguez has been with Exp, Group since 2007, serving as a senior vice president for seven years. “He has grown through the ranks at our organization as an executive, starting off as chief of staff to a vice president, then senior vice president, and now my father and I are making Fraymil our chief operating officer,” said Anthony Serafino, president and principal of the North Bergen, NJ-based company. “He comes with such a plethora

The Kroger Co. has named three new division presidents — Kenny Kimball at Smith's, Chris Albi at King Soopers and Kendra Doyel at Food 4 Less — as well as appointing Joe Kelley senior vice president of retail divisions. Kelley has been president of the Colorado-based King Soopers & City Markets division and is an industry veteran of nearly 40 years. He has held a number of executive leadership roles across a variety of retailers, including Price Chopper, Stop and Shop, Star Market,and Shaws Supermarkets. Kelley joined the Kroger enterprise in 2019.

Continental Fresh been awarded first place in the Brand Citizenship category at the National Agri-Marketing Association’s 2025 Best of NAMA Awards. Recognized as the premier organization for agri-marketing professionals, NAMA hosts the annual Best of NAMA program to spotlight excellence in agricultural communications. Following regional recognition in January, Continental Fresh advanced to the national competition, receiving top honors for its Water For All campaign — a purpose-driven marketing and PR initiative highlighting the company’s commitment to improving access to clean water in Latin

Equifruit, North America’s leader in Fairtrade bananas, is hosting free goat yoga sessions in select Sprouts Farmers Market store parking lots to raise awareness about their Fairtrade banana partnership. Why? Because paying banana farmers fairly is the right thing to do. On Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, yoga will take place at two stores in Arizona, led by the iconic Arizona Goat Yoga team, to highlight and celebrate fair pay for banana farmers.

MONTREAL – The Canadian Produce Marketing Association celebrated its 100th anniversary last week at the Palais des congrès de Montréal in Montreal. As the largest fresh produce event in the Canadian industry, CPMA's Convention and Trade Show provides a unique opportunity for industry leaders to enhance existing relationships and develop new business opportunities in Canada.

Potatoes are the fourth-largest food crop in the world. One of the most popular of the 4,000-plus varieties was developed by Luther Burbank in 1872 and is known today as the Russet Burbank. Idaho grows the most potatoes in the U.S. The rich volcanic soil together with Idaho’s climate are ideal for growing Idaho potatoes. Potatoes have always been known for their cooking versatility. The Idaho Burbank potato is very popular and can be baked, roasted, fried, mashed and boiled. Currently, the demand is light on a steady market. Some sheds will transition over to the Burbank variety. Quality is