Publix Vice President of Internal Audit Linda Hall will retire effective Jan. 1, 2026, after 40 years of dedicated service. With Hall’s retirement, the retailer announced three executive promotions: Meghan Vazquez, Aleece Tiedt and Bill Hammond. Hall began her career in 1985 as a data processing auditor. She was promoted to internal audit manager in 1990 and then to director of internal audit in 1992. She has been in her current role since 2002.

The end of the year holiday period is an extremely important time for Bard Valley Date Growers Association as it is one of the top two selling periods for dates, giving consumers an opportunity to add something special to the menu. “Historically, we see two key seasonal peaks, Ramadan and the winter holiday season,” said David Baxter, Bard Valley’s vice president of sales and marketing. “While Ramadan remains our strongest sales period due to the cultural significance of dates in breaking the fast, holiday sales follow closely behind as consumers incorporate Medjool dates into baking and

ANAHEIM, CA — Following the close of the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, OSMG America hosted a reception for its members and clients at the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort, here. Attendees networked in a relaxed setting, enjoying food and drinks as the sun set on another successful IFPA convention.

Pure Flavor has launched its completely refreshed brand identity, first revealed last week at the 2025 IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show in Anaheim, CA. This bold refresh positions Pure Flavor to connect more directly with families and retailers while staying true to the trusted growing practices that have defined the company for more than 20 years. By simplifying the message in the produce aisle, the updated identity makes it easier for families and retailers to recognize and enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables that are flavorful, convenient and reliably consistent. The new identity reflects

When Debbie Willmann began her journey with Index Fresh in 1990, George H.W. Bush was the U.S. president, California was the cornerstone of the domestic avocado industry and the total weekly U.S. avocado inventory averaged around 8 million pounds. Thirty-five years later, Willmann has advanced from her entry-level start to vice president of sales, growing alongside both Index Fresh and the rapidly evolving avocado industry. “It was dynamic,” Willmann reflects, describing her early days as part of a small, close-knit team. “The first 22 years I was at Index, we were chasing demand.”

In November, a small group of big-hearted mountain hikers will lace up their boots in the Dominican Republic. They’ll hike to the summit of the Caribbean’s highest peak, Pico Duarte, over a five-day trip. This is no endurance race or record attempt. Instead, it’s a mindful journey that invites participants to connect with things that matter most. Things like clean running water at home. The Water For All Trek is an annual hike and fundraiser started by Continental Fresh, an importer of fresh produce with a mission to bring clean water and sanitation to rural Latin American communities. Since