Potandon Produce announced that Mel Davenport, the company’s CEO, will retire after 30-plus years of service marked by the launch of Klondike Goldust and Klondike Rose potatoes and the CarbSmart line. Succeeding him as CEO is David Lawrence, former CEO of Fresh Direct.

Since the turn of the 20th century, the Peter Condakes Co. has established itself as a leading name in the produce industry with its fresh-from-the vine tomatoes are packaged under the Harvest Queen brand.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture imposed sanctions on four 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 of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

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

Berry Fresh has named Ashley West as its director of sales. With over a decade of experience in the berry industry, West brings a proven track record of customer focus and operational excellence. Her expertise and leadership will play a vital role in driving the company’s continued growth and strengthening its position in the market.

Dollar Tree announced that Michael C. Creedon Jr. has been named CEO of the company.

Creedon joined Dollar Tree in 2022 as chief operating officer and over the past two years has taken on increasing levels of responsibility. In November 2024, Creedon was appointed interim CEO, succeeding Rick Dreiling. Creedon has responsibility for leading more than 200,000 associates and more than 16,000 stores across the Dollar Tree and Family Dollar banners.

CMI Orchards invites retailers to elevate the produce aisle with three exceptional apple varieties that deliver unmatched flavor, satisfying crunch and premium shelf appeal: JUICI, Ambrosia Gold and EverCrisp.