Offshoot Brands has hired Brendan Haslam as director of category management and analytics. Haslam joins the team with over 20 years of experience across market research, consumer packaged goods and the produce industry.

Throughout his career, Haslam has built a reputation for strategic leadership in business intelligence, category development and cross-functional collaboration. His global perspective and ability to translate insights into actionable strategies have helped drive sustainable growth for numerous food and beverage companies.

Georgia is often celebrated as the “Peach State,” and rightfully so. Its beloved peaches are featured prominently on state license plates and heralded for their exceptional flavor. However, the state’s produce scene extends far beyond this iconic fruit.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture’s marketing initiative, Georgia Grown, is committed to highlighting the extensive variety of produce the state has to offer, showcasing the agricultural diversity and economic potential of Georgia’s farming community.

Members of the 2025 Eastern Produce Council Leadership Class received training on FSMA 204 prior to the general EPC membership meeting at Topgolf in Edison, NJ, on April 22. The general EPC membership was also invited to join the Leadership Class at this invaluable seminar.

Michael Medline, president and CEO of Sobeys and parent company Empire Co. Ltd., will retire in May 2026, allowing the board of directors to conduct a thorough internal and external search for his replacement. As part of its succession planning process, the board has created a special committee to oversee the identification and selection of the company's next CEO.

Industry veteran Bruce Hinchman, former sales manager at M&R Co., has partnered with The Estes Ranch and will focus on expanding the reach and visibility of the company’s premium cherries and hard squash across key markets.

The Avocado Institute of Mexico launched its Path to Sustainability, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing environmental stewardship in the avocado landscape in Mexico.