FreshXperts, a leading consulting group for the fresh industry, has added three new team members and appointed a new chairman. Jonathan Raduns has joined the organization as an owner, and Michael Gretz and David Pennington have joined as associates. Anthony Totta, a founding member of FreshXperts and former vice chairman, was named chairman of the board of directors, replacing Ron Pelger.

The announcement follows on Jonathan Radunsthe heels of news last spring that FreshXperts named PJ Petrillo as administrator and general manager, tasking her with the job of handling strategic planning and day-to-day operations for the organization. Petrillo has implemented many positive changes since joining FreshXperts, including development of a new mission statement and an intensive vetting process for all new FreshXperts partners. She is also responsible for the oversight of the organization’s leadership committees.

“As FreshXperts’ new general manager, PJ, brought administrative gifts that we found crucial to lead the company in the right direction — to our next level of innovative achievement," Totta said in a press release. "She has done just that, which resulted in the acquisition of our newest FreshXperts.PJ Petrillo

“As our client base expands and our consultancy grows, we want to make sure that we continue to provide our clients with the same high level of personal attention and customer service that they have come to expect from our team of FreshXperts," he said. "Our owners, associates and affiliate members work collaboratively to offer competency in nearly every area of the fresh industry, providing cohesive, comprehensive solutions to our clients’ business challenges.”

“FreshXperts is looking for the right partners to join us in our expansion, not just any partners,” Petrillo said in the release. “We believe that we’ve found the right kind of partners in Jonathan Raduns, David Pennington and Mike Gretz. They are experienced and professional team players, and their unique experiences and skill sets will prove valuable additions to the FreshXperts team.”

Anthony TottaRaduns is a retail marketing and merchandising consultant, serving growers, shippers, grocers, foodservice operators and independent specialty retailers. He was previously an associate member with FreshXperts and recently has attained ownership status.

Raduns consults with his clients about merchandising, training, operational, and reinvention strategies that are designed to grow their businesses, limit shrink and drive gross profits.

“I am so pleased to be expanding my role with the organization as an owner," he said in the release. "I look forward to working with the other FreshXperts to help our clients operate their businesses more efficiently and profitably while minimizing waste.”

Mike GretzRaduns previously held positions with Wegmans Food Markets and Betters International Food Corporation. He earned a food marketing and distribution degree from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Gretz joined FreshXperts as an associate. He provides strategic market research, marketing and consulting services to the produce and food industries. He offers retail audits of grocery stores, with an emphasis on the produce aisle, and conducts trade surveys. Gretz also supplies historical data related to space and pricing.

“I will be working with FreshXperts to provide a conduit between growers and grocery,” said Gretz. “By looking at the available data in a given area, I help my clients to make informed, strategic decisions that are supported by good research.”

David PenningtonGretz was formerly the president and chief operating officer of Produce for Better Health Foundation. Moreover, he has held positions in marketing, sales management and market research with several large consumer packaged goods companies.

Pennington, another new associate for FreshXperts, provides business coaching, and brings to the table 30 years of management experience. He works with companies to assess their strengths and weaknesses, identify pressure points and strategize how to move businesses ahead. Pennington helps businesses work through cash flow issues, address communication difficulties, and find and train employees. Additionally, he advises business owners about how to achieve balance between work and home life.

“A business can rise no higher than its leader is able to take it,” said Pennington.  “The leader is the ceiling. I look forward to working with leaders in the produce industry to raise the ceilings of their organizations.”

Totta, a founding partner in FreshXperts, was named chairman of FreshXperts. He has more than 30 years of experience in fresh produce procurement, supply chain management, retail sales, purchasing, wholesale development and distribution. He maintains relationships with many of the industry’s largest grower-shippers and works with produce companies and grocers across the globe.

FreshXperts is a full-service advisory team for profitable, sustainable growth in fresh foods. Its consortium of consultants shares over two centuries of fresh produce industry experience. More information about FreshXperts is available at www.freshxperts.com.