Naturipe Farms announced Ashley Finster as its new vice president of marketing. Finster is a marketing professional with nearly three decades of management experience. Her experience spans management consulting, as well as senior marketing roles at various CPG and agriculture organizations. As vice president of marketing Finster will direct Naturipe Farms’ marketing, communications and digital strategies.

Food Lion achieved another milestone for its dedicated sustainability efforts and successes in energy conservation. For the 23rd consecutive year, Food Lion has earned the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The omnichannel grocery retailer is the only company in the nation to receive the distinctive honor for 23 years.

The New York Apple Association launched its Apple Ambassador program on March 21, with Kelly Springer, official spokesperson on health and wellness for the organization, leading the way.

Baldor Specialty Foods has started 2024 in a sprint.

The company has hired a new chief people officer in Regina Picciano from Southern Glazer Wines & Spirits, and promoted Ben Walker, who has been with the company for 11 years leading sales and marketing, to chief revenue officer.

The transition to California's coastal valleys (Oxnard, Santa Maria and Salinas) continues as more growers begin production in these areas. The various regions received up to an inch of rain over the weekend in many locations, which was quite a bit more than what was forecast for many areas.  

CMI Orchards is poised to make waves this summer, adding significant volume and expanded seasonal availability to complement its expansive cherry portfolio. Bob Mast, president of CMI, said the acquisition of Starr Ranch growers back in November 2023 substantially bolstered CMI’s cherry supply with supply partners Custom Apple Packers in Wenatchee, WA, and Diamond Fruit Growers in Hood River, OR.