JOH has hired Pat McErlean as customer manager, produce, North Central.

McErlean brings more than 12 years of industry experience to JOH. He began his career in retail and event marketing before transitioning into beverage sales, where he gained strong experience managing retail programming and supporting national and regional grocery accounts across the Midwest.

The Kroger Co. announced that Tim Massa, executive vice president and chief associate experience officer, will retire Sept. 18. Earlier this week the company said Valerie Jabbar, senior vice president of retail divisions, retired in May after 38 years of service.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on Riba Foods Inc. The company, operating from Texas, failed to make prompt payment to seven produce sellers in the amount of $948,577 for produce that it purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from October 2022 to May 2023, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. 

While many California-grown citrus varieties are nearing the end of their season, the Bee Sweet Citrus team reports that Rosy Red Valencia oranges will be available through June, and Star Ruby grapefruit and will be available through August.

After navigating a stretch of unusually cold weather earlier this spring, D’Ottavio Farms is entering the New Jersey growing season with optimism, supported by expanding acreage, new technology investments and strong demand across multiple produce categories.

From June 1, 2026, Mariska Zeeman will join Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland as managing director on a permanent basis. Zeeman has served as interim director since November 2025, following the departure of Yvonne Watzdorf.