Berg Hortimotive, part of the Royal Brinkman Group, has appointed Arie van Vliet as general manager effective April 1. With this appointment, the company ensures strong leadership and clear direction while further strengthening its focus on product development. Arie succeeds Bas Brinkman, who will continue to focus on the strategic development of the entire organization in his role as CEO of the Royal Brinkman Group.

The transition from desert lettuce in Yuma to Salinas Valley has begun. Salinas Valley, which produces about 70 percent of California’s lettuce, is recognized for its quality. It is also known as the salad bowl of the world where superior quality lettuce is grown. The transition requires relocating equipment and workers, often including a brief stop in Huron, CA. This can affect quality until operations are fully settled in Salinas. April weather plays a role in the transition.

Pacific Trellis Fruit launched its Southern and Eastern peach program for the summer season. Designed to provide customers with a seamless, high-quality domestic peach supply, the program will feature fruit sourced from leading growers across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia.

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s Apprentice Program is starting the 2026 season out fresh with a brand new cohort and an eye on developing future leaders for the floral and produce world. The initiative is now going into its 13th year, having been launched in May of 2014. The Apprentice Program is a resource for up and coming professionals to thrive and succeed, with the council supplying tools as well as mentors to guide and support the cohort. It also organizes networking opportunities for building meaningful connections in the industry.

Although known for its signature item, fresh Italian chestnuts, A.J. Trucco’s diversification into other produce at the Hunts Point Terminal Market has been ongoing for decades.

A.J. Trucco’s core items also include kiwifruit, mandarins and other citrus programs, blueberries, garlic, limes and cherries, maintaining a year-round supply across key categories, said Yasmin Pacia, chief marketing officer at the wholesaler at the Bronx, NY-based terminal market.

Affinity Sales-Retail has announced the recent hiring of Shayne Gordon as director of produce, New England.

Gordon has nearly 40 years of produce sales experience throughout the Northeast. He has had success for many years as a regional manufacturer’s representative and broker and is knowledgeable in all aspects of the industry.

He has a passion for building new produce brands as well as expansion of established brands.