W. Galen Weston, who led the transformation of retail giant Loblaw from near-bankruptcy to one of Canada's leading retailers, died April 12 at home after a long illness. He was 80.

Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc., one of North America’s leading marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, announced the official relaunch of its Honeyglow pineapple, further showcasing the brand’s range and diverse product line in the pineapple space.

Harold Paivarinta, senior director of sales and business development at Red Sun Farms in Kingsville, Ontario, and who currently serves as chairman of the Southeast Produce Council's Board of Directors, was unable to attend Southern Exposure in person due to travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; however, he took part virtually in many aspects of the event. During the trade show Thursday, April 8, The Produce News was able to interview him via video which was set up at the SEPC booth.

Don Goodwin, founder and former owner of GoldenSun Insights, a strategy centric firm focused in the fresh produce industry, died Sunday, April 18. He was 58 years old.

BJ’s Wholesale Club Holdings Inc. announced that the company’s Board of Directors has appointed Bob Eddy as president and CEO. Eddy joined the company in 2007 and was named interim CEO in April 2021 following the death of Lee Delaney. He will assume day-to-day leadership of the company and will also join BJ’s Board of Directors.

After most of the 2020-21 winter saw big volumes of avocados on the market and relatively low f.o.b. prices, spring has brought a slight easing on the volume, which has been accompanied by very strong pricing. The run-up to the always-avocado-centric Cinco de Mayo, which is a feasting holiday in the United States celebrating Mexico’s history, has seen good volume and solid f.o.b. prices that are not expected to abate in the foreseeable future.