Sun World International LLC, a global fruit genetics, R&D and licensing company, announced an agreement to be acquired by Bridgepoint, an international private equity group. Bridgepoint will become controlling shareholder alongside management and succeed a transformative and successful period of ownership from Renewable Resources Group LLC and Vision Ridge Partners.

The Bridgepoint investment will support Sun World’s plans to accelerate its growth strategy by building a broad-based genetics and technology platform for specialty fruit growers.

Wish Farms, international grower and year-round marketer of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, held a ribbon cutting on its new headquarters in Plant City, FL, to commemorate the official move to its new 24,000-square-foot office on its 36-acre campus.

“Our company has a 100-year relationship with the community of Plant City. Our connection goes back to our days on the State Farmers Market and beyond,” said Wish Farms’ Owner Gary Wishnatzki. “This is a strawberry town, so keeping our new address here means a lot to our company, employees and growers.”

Mario Anthony Pallotta, who owned and operated M.A. Pallotta Brokerage Co. for over 50 years, died unexpectedly March 17 at Melrose Wakefield Hospital as a result of complications from COVID-19. He was 82.

Kegel’s Produce, a 70-year-old family-owned business located in Lancaster, PA, announced the retirement of Jim Sahd, who for the last two decades managed the company’s accounting department.

King Soopers announced a donation of $1 million to the Colorado Healing Fund to support the needs of victims, families, survivors and the community affected by the recent Boulder, CO, supermarket tragedy. The contribution will be provided through the company’s public charity.

Marking 17 years of recognizing exceptional retail produce managers, United Fresh Produce Association announced the honorees of its 2021 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program. This year’s cohort of 25 produce managers represents supermarket banners, commissaries and independent retail stores from 21 different states and one Canadian province.