The International Fresh Produce Association is collecting nominations for the 2026 Retail Produce Manager Awards, recognizing retail produce managers across the globe who exemplify excellence, innovation and commitment to bringing fresh produce to life for consumers every day. 

“I want to say one word to you. Just one word…Plastics. There’s a great future in plastics. Think about it.” 

This is a slightly truncated quote from the 1967 film, “The Graduate,” starring a very young Dustin Hoffman. In this scene, his character, Benjamin, is offered unsolicited career advice by Mr. McGuire, a friend of his family. That scene has often popped into my head these last several years, as much to my chagrin as to Benjamin’s, but for different reasons.

Fresh Direct Produce Ltd., which is part of the FDP Group, has been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies over the past decade. This prestigious national award is sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC, Norton Rose Fulbright, Export Development Canada, TMX Group and The Globe and Mail.

“We are proud to receive our 15th consecutive Best Managed Companies Award, and it couldn’t have been accomplished without the strong dedication and efforts from our teams, customers, vendors and business partners” said CEO Adri de Wet.

FreshEdge announced the appointment of Wes Saber as chief financial officer. Saber brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across the global consumer goods industry, with a strong track record of driving growth, operational performance, and building organizations and capabilities at scale.

Wakefern Food Corp. has appointed Chris Ruane its director of Own Brands, reinforcing the company’s continued investment in the growth and strategic evolution of its award-winning private label portfolio.

In his new role, Ruane will report to Darren Caudill, chief sales officer, and lead strategy for Wakefern’s Own Brands portfolio. He will focus on advancing product innovation, optimizing assortment, strengthening supplier partnerships and delivering the quality and value that drive customer loyalty across brands including Bowl & Basket, Wholesome Pantry and Paperbird.

With Mother’s Day demand now behind us, markets should begin to see slight relief, but availability remains uneven across categories. Disease pressure, seasonal transitions and sizing issues continue to drive active markets on key items. As schools and colleges wind down over the next few weeks, demand should ease, but May will remain active across several major commodities.