The Kroger Co. announced that Michael L. Ellis will be named president and chief operating officer, effective Jan. 1, 2014, completing the succession plan announced in September.

Cristie Mather, director of communication for the Pear Bureau Northwest, said the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit is a go-to venue when it comes to doing business.

“The PMA Fresh Summit provides us with the opportunity to connect with our current and future produce industry partners about Northwest pears and the profit opportunities the pear category has to offer,” she told The Produce News.

Nash Produce of Nashville, NC, is rolling into PMA Fresh Summit in New Orleans, Oct. 18-20, with new equipment and systems, a consistent focus on marketing and branding and a network of growers spread throughout a 125-mile radius farming more than 7,500 acres of sweet potatoes across eastern North Carolina.

The company will be exhibiting in Booth No. 4422. The location is a little out of the way, but Director of Marketing Laura Kornegay believes buyers who veer off the beaten path will be glad they did.

Sunkist is joining forces with NBC's hit series, "The Biggest Loser," through a promotional licensing agreement with NBC Universal Television Consumer Products to inspire consumers to make healthier choices, like incorporating fresh citrus into their diet. "The Biggest Loser," now in its 15th season, is a motivational weight-loss competition in which overweight contestants compete to reach a healthier weight through the adoption of a healthier lifestyle. Season 15 of "The Biggest Loser" premiered Oct. 15 and airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC.

NEW ORLEANS -- Though the rise of the regional trade show remains an undeniable trend, there is also no doubt that the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit remains as relevant as ever as more than 18,000 attendees walked the show's floor during the two days of the trade show.

Steve Williams, a former long-time retail executive, has joined L&M Cos. as manager of business development and will work to develop the Raleigh, NC-based company's Washington business.

"Steve has great expertise in produce merchandising and a strong passion for the business and L&M values," John Long, director of sales and operations for L&M's Washington business, said in a press release. "He's a super addition to our team."