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Duda expands sales team with Midwest hire

Duda Farm Fresh Foods has named Laura Lutjen its Midwest regional sales manager. This strategic hire further reinforces Duda’s commitment to building a best-in-class sales team as the company approaches its centennial in 2026.

Lutjen brings nearly 30 years of experience in the food industry, with a proven track record of driving growth, building customer relationships and leading high-performing teams. Most recently, she served in sales and business development at Index Fresh, where she worked with major retail accounts across the United States.

Her career spans leadership roles at organicgirl, PepsiCo and Campbell Sales Co., where she consistently delivered results across retail, foodservice and wholesale channels. Lutjen’s deep understanding of the Midwest market and her ability to develop strategic partnerships make her a valuable asset to Duda’s expanding sales organization.

“Laura’s extensive experience and customer-first approach align perfectly with our mission to deliver fresh, flavorful produce and exceptional service,” said Alan Ediger, vice president of sales at Duda Farm Fresh Foods. “Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to grow our presence in the Midwest and beyond.”

“I’m excited to join Duda Farm Fresh Foods and contribute to a company that values innovation, quality, and long-term relationships,” said Lutjen. “I look forward to helping drive growth and delivering value to our customers.”

The company said this latest hire reflects Duda’s ongoing investment in talent and innovation, ensuring it remains a trusted partner in fresh produce for generations to come.

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Hy-Vee to host supplier summit

Hy-Vee Inc. will host this year’s Hy-Vee Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit Sept. 9-10 at Hy-Vee corporate headquarters in West Des Moines, IA.

The Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit provides small businesses and entrepreneurs with valuable resources and gives them a chance to pitch their products directly to Hy-Vee category managers.

Titan Farms celebrates America’s 250th birthday with limited-time America’s Peach Box

Titan Farms is bringing back its America’s Peach Box for a limited time, giving retailers a unique opportunity to celebrate peak peach season alongside America’s 250th birthday.

Now being packed and shipped to select retailers, the America-themed boxes will be available in stores for a limited time through mid-July. With peach volume typically at its highest around the Fourth of July, America’s Peach Box offers a timely way to support customers, drive excitement in the produce department, and create seasonal displays that stand out.

California Agricultural Leadership Foundation welcomes bew board members

The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation named Erin O'Donnell (Class 50) and Michael Frantz (Class 36) to its board of directors.

Organic Produce Summit 2026 celebrates 10 years of growth and industry connection

By
Keith Loria

The Organic Produce Summit will return to Monterey, CA July 14-18, celebrating its 10th anniversary with an expanded trade show floor, an additional day of networking opportunities and new features designed to bring together every segment of the organic produce supply chain.

As the only event dedicated exclusively to connecting producers and buyers in the organic fresh produce industry, OPS has evolved into one of the must-attend gatherings on the produce calendar. 

From campus to career: Meet AFE's 2026 interns

Each year, the floral industry celebrates and spotlights future leaders who take their education beyond the classroom through internship programs. In 2026, eight students are being placed through the Vic & Margaret Ball Internship Program and the Mosmiller Intern Scholarship Program.

The programs provide students with hands-on industry experience while helping host companies develop future leaders in floriculture and horticulture. Interns expand their technical skills, gain professional connections and explore career opportunities within the industry.

Berry Fresh strengthens blueberry offerings with Mountain Blue Orchards

Berry Fresh will bring premium blueberry genetics from Mountain Blue Orchards to the U.S. and Canada through its farms in Peru and Mexico, beginning in fall 2027.

The agreement, signed last month between the two parties, strengthens Berry Fresh’s blueberry offering, with plantings commencing in 2026 and fruit arriving to customers for the 2027 season.

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