You can’t talk packaging in the produce industry without mentioning Kurt Zuhlke & Associates, a trusted and innovative company that provides packaging throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

The Easton, PA-based company was an innovator in Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and has been a game-changer in the industry.

Later this month, Kurt Zuhlke, president of the company that bears his name, will head to the New England Produce Council’s show as an attendee.

Honeybear Brands has hired Rebecca Meyers to fill a new role within the company as national sales director. In this new role, Meyers will be maintaining existing customer relationships as well as leading the business development team. 

Sun-Maid Growers of California has promoted Steve Loftus to president and CEO. Additionally, Harry Overly will focus on his role as president and CEO of Flagstone Foods as he steps down from his position as executive chairman of Sun-Maid’s board of directors on Sept. 1, having successfully overseen a smooth leadership transition.

Frank Gilardi, co-founder of fresh-cut processor Freshway Foods, died unexpectedly on July 8. He was 66.

Born and raised in Sidney, OH, Mr. Gilardi was a successful entrepreneur who, along with his brother Phil Gilardi, co-founded Freshway Foods in Sidney in 1988 after purchasing the assets of their father’s wholesale company. Both men had worked in the multi-generational business previously and wanted to refocus the strategy to provide pre-cut and shredded lettuce to the foodservice industry.

Continental Floral Greens announced a major development in its journey to provide top-quality floral products. The company has officially partnered with and leased the renowned Sun Valley Floral Farms in Willow Creek, CA. It is now managing and cultivating esteemed crops such as "Spirit Series" Ilex, Rosehips, Cotinus, Snowberries, Flowering Cotinus and Snowball Viburnum, in addition to Sun Valley's Butterfly Ranunculus and Iris at its Watsonville, CA, farm.

This year's California fresh fig season is earlier so retailers should start placing their orders now.