A.V. Thomas Produce is committed to cultivating the freshest, healthiest and most sustainable certified organic sweet potatoes.

Jeremy Fookes, director of sales for the Livingston, CA-based company, noted that 2026 has started off strong, especially on the organic side of its sweet potato program.

Grodan, part of ROCKWOOL Group, announces the appointment of Eric Lekkerkerk as managing director, effective July 1, 2026.

Lekkerkerk joins Grodan from Klasmann-Deilmann, one of the world’s leading suppliers of horticultural growing media, where he currently serves as group commercial director and member of the board of directors.

Paul Catania Jr., president and CEO of Catania Worldwide, has been named the 2026 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to the fresh produce industry.

Ryan Hamburger has been appointed Instacart’s chief commercial officer, joining the company’s senior leadership team.

Hamburger has been with Instacart for over a decade and has played a central role in shaping the company’s commercial organization as it has grown into a leading grocery technology platform in North America.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture announced the results of the 2026 statewide referendum of California avocado growers, confirming that the California Avocado Commission will continue operations through 2031. By law, a continuation vote must be held every five years, requiring a majority of participating producers to vote in favor of continuation.

For HLB Specialties, 2026 is shaping up as a year of measured growth and operational refinement, with continued momentum in key categories and a focus on strengthening its global supply network. 

One of the company’s standout success stories remains its drinking coconut program, which has expanded significantly since its launch.