JOH has hired Robert Backer as a produce business manager in the Mid-Atlantic region. He joins JOH with more than 30 years of experience in sales, merchandising and operations within the food industry. Backer began his career at a major grocery retailer in the Mid-Atlantic as a produce specialist and manager, where he was recognized for achieving the highest gross profit and sales in the northern territory. Over the years, he advanced through roles in buying, category management and sales leadership, driving market growth and operational excellence across multiple organizations. Most recently

Walmart Inc. announced that its board of directors has elected John Furner to succeed Doug McMillon as president and CEO, effective Feb. 1, 2026. Furner was also elected to the company’s board of directors, effective immediately. McMillon will retire Jan. 31 but remain on the board of directors until the next annual shareholders’ meeting and help ensure a smooth transition. “John Furner is the right leader to guide Walmart into our next chapter of growth and transformation,” said Greg Penner, chairman of Walmart Inc. “After starting as an hourly associate and being with us for over 30 years in

Equitable Food Initiative recognized Amalia Zimmerman-Lommel of GoodFarms for receiving the 2025 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Women’s Catalyst Award. Named for produce industry pioneer Frieda Rapoport Caplan, the award honors individuals who mentor women, act with integrity and create pathways for others to thrive professionally. It is presented annually during the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast held during the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce and Floral Show. Zimmerman-Lommel, who currently serves as director of sustainability and partner at GoodFarms, began her career

Oppy Chairman, CEO and Managing Partner John Anderson has been inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame, recognizing his extraordinary impact on Canada’s agriculture and food industry over the past 50 years. The announcement was made by the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association, which annually celebrates Canadians who have made outstanding, lasting contributions to agriculture. Anderson joins five other inductees — Dori Gingera-Beauchemin, Gaétan Desroches, Joe Hudson, Dennis Laycraft and Peter Sikkema — in the 2025 class. The induction ceremony took place on Saturday, Nov

Ted Schnuck has been appointed Schnucks’ next chief operating officer. In this expanded leadership role, he will have oversight for the company’s strategic initiatives and daily execution of business priorities, as well as executive leadership for store operations, merchandising, marketing, communications and supply chain. Ted will be the eighth Schnuck family member and first member of the fourth generation to have day-to-day operating responsibility for Schnucks. “With Ted’s extensive experience in diverse strategic and operational disciplines across a broad scope of commercial environments

Bolthouse Fresh Foods announced the formation of a new top-tier sales and marketing leadership team poised to accelerate growth by deepening customer partnerships and driving innovation centered on quality, service and a passion for exceeding expectations. "This leadership team is built for execution and is dedicated with serving our customers," said Timothy Escamilla, CEO of Bolthouse Fresh Foods. "They bring a powerful combination of deep produce experience and a forward-thinking, innovative mindset. We are aligning our structure to better serve our partners and signaling to the market that