Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown has appointed Helen L. Aquino as vice president of innovation, reinforcing the company’s focus on consumer relevance and customer-driven innovation.

Aquino has been with Village Farms, now Village Fresh, since 2008, bringing more than 20 years of experience across agricultural research, brand strategy, product development and controlled environment agriculture. During her tenure, she has contributed to varietal introductions, packaging innovation, category management, sustainability communications and retail-focused go-to-market strategies.

After a near-decade of trending upward, employee engagement in the workplace fell in 2024, sliding from 23 percent to 21 percent. In the State of the Global Workplace: 2025 Report, Gallup attributes the decline largely to a drop in manager engagement, which fell from 30 percent to 27 percent during the same period.

“Since the pandemic, managers have been asked to square the circle of new executive demands and employee expectations. We are starting to see the toll,” said Gallup.

Tops Markets is turning up the excitement this winter with the launch of its 2026 Produce Winter Olympic Games, a four-week, company-wide competition that brings teamwork, creativity and fresh food to center stage across its stores.

The National Mango Board launched a search for nominees to fill six open board member positions for the term of 2027-29. The board's primary goal is to raise awareness and drive the consumption of fresh mangos in the United States while educating consumers about the culture, flavor and nutritional benefits of this versatile super fruit. The board also serves as a unifying force within the mango industry.

Members of the mango industry are invited to submit nomination applications for the following available seats, with the final deadline set for Feb. 27 at 6 P.M (EST):

Family Tree Farm has promoted Jerry Guerrero to chief development officer, effective Jan. 1.

Guerrero has been part of the Family Tree Farms organization since the age of 15, growing alongside the company and gaining deep, firsthand knowledge of its operations, people and global footprint. Most recently serving as director of international finance, Guerrero played a key role in supporting international expansion, financial strategy and long-term planning across multiple global markets.

Eduardo Flores, president and CEO of Sakata Seed America, will be leaving the company and pursuing other opportunities. Sakata thanked Flores for his contributions during his time with the company and wishes him success in his future endeavors.

Dave Armstrong will step in to serve as president-CEO of Sakata Seed America.

Sakata said it remains focused on serving its customers, supporting its employees and advancing its long-term strategy in a manner consistent with its values and culture. Business operations will continue without interruption.