The eighth Eastern Produce Council Leadership Class gained firsthand knowledge of production practices and logistics while touring farms and facilities in southern New Jersey and Philadelphia. The trip was held June 2, and began at the farm of Frank Donio Inc. in Hammonton, NJ.

Westfalia Fruit, a global leader in the avocado industry, announced the appointment of Tommy Padilla as president, North America. 

One of the most respected figures in the global avocado trade, Padilla brings more than 20 years in the global food industry, the majority of it dedicated to avocados, along with a track record of building international sales, shaping export strategy and developing high-performing commercial teams. He arrives at a pivotal moment for Westfalia Fruit as the company accelerates its growth across North America.

NuBerry Farms is a fully vertically integrated blueberry supplier with owned farming operations across domestic and international growing regions, providing retail partners with consistent quality, supply security, and year-round program support.

NuBerry Farms oversees approximately 2,600 acres of blueberry production across Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina and Michigan, supported by packing facilities in Georgia, New Jersey and Michigan to provide customers with consistent supply and quality throughout the year.

Fall Creek Farm & Nursery Inc., a world-leading blueberry genetics and nursery company, has acquired Berryplant, an Italy-based leader in raspberry and blackberry nursery production, and Berrytech, its dedicated breeding and intellectual property company.

The acquisition strengthens Fall Creek's genetics platform with the addition of raspberries and blackberries while maintaining its global leadership in blueberries and extending the company's ability to serve growers who operate across multiple berry categories.

Foster, a leading mid-Atlantic refrigerated supply chain company, announced the appointment of Michael Lopez as vice president of operations, effective May 25.

Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. named Paul Miller its executive vice president, chief purchasing and merchandising officer, and Ian Ferry its executive vice president and chief financial officer. These executive appointments support the company’s continued efforts to restore long-term profitable growth and strengthen its operational foundation. 

Miller, a former key executive in the company’s purchasing organization, returns to lead the company’s integrated purchasing and merchandising organization, succeeding Matt Delly, who will depart the Grocery Outlet.