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Sunny Valley International expands its sales team

Sunny Valley International, a leading supplier of domestic and imported fruit on the East Coast, welcomed Kevin Lyons and Paul Pascal to its sales team on Dec. 1. Lyons brings more than 30 years of produce industry experience. Most recently, he was a produce sales manager with UNFI, leading a sales team and managing everything from sales and store merchandising to transportation and procurement. Prior to joining UNFI, he was at Baldor Specialty Foods, where he helped guide the expansion of their retail and fresh-cut business segments. He also brings extensive organic produce sales experience

Fall Creek appoints Robert Reiter to board of directors

Fall Creek Farm & Nursery Inc. has appointed Robert (Bob) Reiter to its board of directors. Reiter, former head of research and development for Bayer Crop Science, brings more than three decades of global experience in plant breeding, biotechnology and large-scale agricultural innovation. “It’s a privilege to welcome Bob to our board,” said Kevin Murphy, executive chair of Fall Creek’s board of directors. “As Fall Creek continues to expand its global footprint, the depth of Bob’s scientific leadership and his record of delivering innovation to growers worldwide will help guide our long-term

Mission Produce appoints Douglas Stone to board of directors

Mission Produce Inc. has appointed Douglas M. Stone to its board of directors as an independent Class I director, with a term set to expire at the company’s 2027 annual meeting of stockholders. With the appointment, the board has expanded from 10 to 11 members. Stone also has been named to the compensation committee, effective Nov. 26, 2025. As part of the change, Bruce C. Taylor will step down from the committee. Stone brings decades of leadership experience in the agribusiness sector. He most recently served as president of AgriBusiness at J.R. Simplot Co. from June 2018 through December

Bonipak names Scott Cruciger as its CEO

The Bonipak Family of Cos. named Scott Cruciger as its new CEO. Cruciger brings over 20 years of experience in the ingredients industry across food & beverage, industrial, pharmaceutical and agricultural markets. He has held leadership roles in multiple business sectors including operations, supply chain, commercial and strategic management. "I am honored to join Bonipak and lead this incredible organization," said Cruciger. "I look forward to building on the strong foundation established and working with the talented team to drive continued innovation and growth." “As a family-owned company

Influential produce leader Fred Webber mourned

Fred Webber, retired president and CEO for the Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corp., died Nov. 24. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy shaped by his dedication to fairness and ethical trading in the fresh produce industry. Mr. Webber began his career in the USDA PACA Branch as a marketing specialist, where he developed his signature craft and became an impartial defender of produce industry contract law. He further honed his skills and leadership abilities when he joined Bluebook Services Inc., serving as the company’s chief arbitrator and becoming the vice president of special services

Hapco Farms hires Kevin Fix to lead carrot program

Hapco Farms , a leading East Coast grower-shipper based in Westhampton Beach, NY, has hired Kevin Fix as vice president of business development, with a primary focus on advancing the company’s carrot program across Florida and Canada. Fix brings more than 24 years of experience in fresh produce, CPG, distribution, logistics and transportation — most recently with Bolthouse Cos. In his new role, Fix will lead sales strategies and operational improvements across both carrot locations, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. He joins the team as Hapco Farms continues to invest in its