Western Growers’ membership of family farmers and growers have elected Rob Yraceburu, president of Wonderful Orchards at The Wonderful Co., to serve as chair of the Western Growers board of directors for a two-year term. Yraceburu’s long relationship with the organization, which represents two-thirds of America’s fresh produce, spans more than two decades going back to his many years as a senior banker at Wells Fargo focused on the agriculture industry and, more recently, more than a decade at The Wonderful Co. as a grower. Yraceburu was first elected to the Board in 2016 and has served as

NatureSweet , one of North America's largest vertically integrated controlled environment agriculture company announced the appointment of Paul Bonvehi as its new chief financial officer. A seasoned global finance leader, Bonvehi will play a pivotal role in advancing NatureSweet’s long-term strategy and strengthening the company’s operational and financial performance. With more than 25 years of international financial leadership experience across the United States, Latin America and Europe, Bonvehi brings a proven track record of driving transformation and growth within the agriculture and

Wakefern Food Corp., the retailer-owned supermarket cooperative, today announced Asarasi as the winner of its 2026 Local Wellness Supplier Summit, held Nov. 3 at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center. After an inspiring day of presentations and product demonstrations by eight innovative local suppliers, Asarasi wowed a panel of Wakefern leaders with its organic Sparkling Tree Water and Nekter Pop Probiotic Soda, earning the top spot in the summit. Asarasi’s beverages are naturally produced from sustainably sourced maple tree water, resulting in crisp, refreshing beverages that are USDA

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas announced Gonzalo Avila, CEO of Malena Produce, as the 2025 FPAA Member of the Year during its annual meeting held Nov. 4 at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. The Member of the Year Award represents one of the association’s highest honors, recognizing leaders whose vision, service and commitment leave an enduring mark on the fresh produce industry and the FPAA community.

Pierre St-Laurent has been named president and CEO of Sobeys Inc. and its parent company Empire. St-Laurent will also serve on the board of directors of Empire. This appointment follows the company's announcement earlier this year of President and CEO Michael Medline's intention to retire from Empire. St-Laurent's appointment is effective immediately with Medline remaining to support a thorough transition into December.

Anthony Barbieri, the International Fresh Produce Association’s vice president of membership engagement and sales, announced his retirement after decades in the industry. IFPA’s Megan Nash, current director of education and talent, will step into the role of vice president of membership engagement and business development and report to Miriam Wolk, chief membership officer at IFPA. “Anthony has been a valuable member of the IFPA, and formerly PMA, team for 15 years. We’ve had the benefit of his retail insights to strengthen our connections with members across the global produce and floral