Robert R. Glasser, a member of the produce industry for more than 60 years, died peacefully in his sleep on Dec. 22. He was 87.

Mr. Glasser was born Nov. 20, 1933 in Los Angeles to Jacob and Rose Glasser. He joined his father in the family-owned food importing, processing and distribution business Torn & Glasser after graduating from UCLA and serving a two-year commitment with the US Army, first in in El Paso and then finishing in Hollywood.

Naturipe has named Alvaro G. Alezard as its new vice president of finance. In his new role, Alezard will manage Naturipe’s finance department and help implement strategies to optimize operational and financial performance.
 

Carl Northam grew up in Shafter, CA, in the 1940s and 50s in the heart of the agriculturally rich San Joaquin Valley, so it seemed only natural to look for a job on a ranch when he was first seeking employment in his late teens.

In 1960, Northam did, in fact, secure what he calls a “gopher” position with nearby Vignolo Farms. At the time, Vignolo Farms was a row crop operation growing alfalfa, cotton, wheat and beans.

Most people are lucky to find one great job, let alone two. Yet that descriptor defines the more than 40 years Roger Pepperl patrolled the produce sector, leaving his mark on both the buying and selling of fresh produce.

Fall Creek Farm & Nursery, Inc., a global blueberry breeding and nursery company, has announced that Tom Blaser has joined its professional board of directors. Most recently, Blaser served as senior vice president and chief financial officer of W.R. Grace, a $2.2-billion global specialty chemical company. His appointment brings the Fall Creek board to nine individuals.