Scott David Grinstead, who was the chief executive officer of Adams Produce Co. in Birmingham, AL, when the company declared bankruptcy last April, has entered into a plea bargain with the U.S. Attorney's office admitting fraud, according to a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Northern District of Alabama

To-Jo Fresh Mushrooms Inc. has hired Julie West Petrovick as director of marketing. Ms. Petrovick will be responsible for the development and implementation of innovative marketing strategies for both the fresh and food products divisions of the company. She will also be responsible for the company's in-house creative services initiatives.

Bayer CropScience announced that it is teaming up with the United Fresh Produce Association Foundation to support Let's Move Salad Bars to Schools, a public health initiative developed to increase children's fruit and vegetable consumption by providing salad bars to schools across the United States. This initiative is supported by evidence that children will choose fresh and healthy foods if they are available.

Hidalgo, TX-based Le Best Banana Supply Co. hired PHILLIP CUCCERRE as sales manager on Nov. 10.

In his new position, Mr. Cuccerre is responsible for developing grower-direct programs with retail, foodservice and processors. He handles the “Carmelite” brand, which includes premium bananas and gold pineapples from Mexico.

Prior to joining Le Best Banana Supply Co., Mr. Cuccerre worked for Chiquita Brands International in Cincinnati for 12 years, and The Oppenheimer Group for three years.

During the past decade, Stemilt Growers Inc. has made calculated business decisions allowing for seamless growth in today’s organic arena. The company, located in Wenatchee, WA, has been farming organic tree fruit since 1989. Director of Marketing Roger Pepperl said significant changes have occurred since those early years.

Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo is collaborating with Fairtrasa, a Latin American company with extensive experience in Fair Trade growing practices.

Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo, headquartered in Pescadero, CA, has practiced innovative organic growing methods, and has been an organic industry leader for over three decades.

Marina Pace, marketing representative, said the success of the company is rooted in a unique vision for social change and a longstanding dedication to growing premium, flavor-focused produce in an environmentally friendly, ethical and sustainable manner.