Though it has been widely noted that organic produce sales are no longer reaching the annual double-digit growth of years gone by, the record-breaking attendees at this year’s Organic Produce Summit enthusiastically celebrated the fact that organic produce increases are still outpacing the growth in conventional produce and portend a bright future.

Jeff Smutny has joined the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute as executive director.  With over 30 years of experience in global marketing and leading successful business operations, he has dedicated his career to improving trade associations, demonstrating a deep commitment and passion for his work.

Trucco Inc., which began its journey in New York City in 1937 as a supplier of fresh Italian chestnuts and other products, has recently added Italian roasted hazelnuts to its line-up. The company is also focusing on expanding its domestic and imported cherry business.

The National Mango Board has partnered with the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) Athletics and will now sponsor all Ole Miss football and basketball home games for the 2024-25 season. This partnership kicks off with the highly anticipated Ole Miss vs. Middle Tennessee State football game on Sept. 7, where the National Mango Board will serve as the official game sponsor.

Cathy Burns, CEO of IFPA, said The Foodservice Conference, taking place July 25-26 in Monterey, CA, promises top-notch education, the right connections and the best expo — with products and services targeted specifically to the foodservice industry.

Baldor Specialty Foods partners with more than 1,000 farms to supply food items to restaurants and wholesalers, with foodservice long being its bread and butter.

In that segment, Baldor services restaurants, hotels, corporate feeders, upscale food markets, hospitals, school cafeterias, country clubs, in-flight caterers and everything in between.