Bryan Barsness, a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience in agriculture, food technology, and business operations, has been appointed business development director at Prophet. In his new role, Barsness will drive continued growth and innovation for Prophet ERP’s cutting-edge solutions tailored to the produce and agricultural industries.

How can produce marketers discover the best ways to communicate the appeal of fruits and vegetables to boost sales and grow consumption? Only at the Consumer Connection Conference, where produce marketers will network and learn from dozens who influence consumers’ purchasing decisions every day. Hosted by The Foundation for Fresh Produce, the Consumer Connection Conference will be held April 28-30, 2025 in Dallas, TX. 

Michael Maxwell, president of Procacci Bros., is retiring after an extraordinary 43 years of dedicated service. A true pillar of the Procacci family of companies, Maxwell’s impact is immeasurable.

With a new year comes a bit of trepidation for retailers, especially this year. Consumers are prepared to tighten their belts — and their wallets — when it comes to spending. So, what does that mean for the long-term success for retailers?

According to Coresight Research, a research and advisory firm specializing in retail and technology, U.S. store closures totaled 7,325 in 2024. The firm expects that to increase in 2025 to approximately 15,000. Store openings totaled 5,970 in 2024 and are expected to be similar this year.

Salix Fruits made its debut in the U.S. citrus market in 2015, starting with imports of lemons from Argentina. Established by Juan González Pita and Luis Elortondo, the company boasts over a century of combined experience in the fresh fruit industry. While Salix offers a diverse portfolio of 25 fruit varieties, it primarily concentrates on ensuring a reliable supply of imported citrus in the U.S. market.

Michael Eugene (Mike) Alise, a cherished figure in the Gulf Coast community and a leader in the produce and logistics industries, died Jan. 7 at Lighthouse Memory Care in Ocean Springs, MS. He was 65.