Rich Lazer has been selected as PhilaPort's next executive director and CEO, ushering in a new chapter for one of America’s fastest-growing ports. Lazer will succeed Jeff Theobald, who announced his retirement in December after a decade of transformative leadership. Lazer is expected to assume the role on June 1.

Rosy Red Valencias, an exciting new citrus variety native to California’s Central Valley, will be available at Bee Sweet Citrus later this spring. Discovered in 2009 by Bee Sweet Citrus grower Nancy Lange, this variety is an excellent choice for customers seeking unique produce to enhance their summer selection.

SAN ANTONIO — Y-TIPA, a division of the Texas International Produce Association geared toward association members under the age of 35, held a reception April 17, here, at the 11th annual Viva Fresh Expo, drawing up-and-comers who will shape the direction of the Texas produce industry in the years to come. Attendees had an opportunity to network and participate in fun team-building activities in a lively atmosphere ahead of the opening reception that followed.

Allegiance Retail Services has launched a new grocery banner. Developed to meet the expectations of today’s busy shopper, Pathmark Daily was created to make life easier, delivering convenience, quality and the strong value and savings customers have come to expect from Pathmark.

In a category often driven by price and volume, TropiFresh is taking a different approach by introducing a product designed to redefine consumer expectations.

“The market doesn’t need just another mango,” said Mateo Sanchez, managing director of TropiFresh, “it needs the Mango de Azúcar.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture imposed sanctions on nine produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry: