In some ways it is difficult to believe that Raquel Espinoza has been working in the produce industry for three decades. Her youthful exuberance and enthusiasm belie the fact that it was a long climb up the ladder to where she is today.

“I was exposed to the produce industry early on as my father worked for a Customs house, but I am a first-generation produce person,” she said. “My first job was with Meyer Tomato and I really enjoyed it and remained there for 12 years before moving on to a few different companies, and eventually to opening Produce House nine years ago.”

Susan Tavilla grew up in a Boston produce family with deep roots dating back many decades, but the old school nature of the Sicilian patriarch didn’t see a place for women in the family business.

“We are Sicilian and it was the belief that the men worked and the women stayed home,” said Susan as she ironically plans for the end of a successful and long career at P. Tavilla Co., one of the mainstays at the New England Produce Center.

BK Trucking has been in business for more than four decades, the majority of business transporting bananas out of the Port of Wilmington. Its two biggest customers are Dole and Chiquita.

Working in Newfield, NJ, the operations are five minutes from the Vineland Cooperative Produce Auction. BK Trucking hauls Jersey Fresh produce as well as Chilean imported fruit. The company also hauls for other industries, including flatbed loads of steel, sod and grocery items.

This year, the company has seen consistent business thanks to its mainstay — the banana business.

Atlanta is known for a large, successful produce scene thanks to a group of dedicated companies and growers that have been working in the area for decades.

In fact, the city has been branded the “King of the Southeast” by many in the industry due to its hotbed of activity for those working in the produce industry.

Your Christmas holiday merchandising program is probably already in place. The program likely includes the usual items such as yams, broccoli, mushrooms, grapes, celery, russet potatoes and other festive favorites.

Every supermarket in town will be promoting the same items using the same merchandising methods as always. Tradition usually dictates the item and manner in which it is programmed. However, that may not be as simple as it has been in the past. Elevated costs along with far-reaching profit budgets are overpowering and, in many situations, far-flung to achieve.

Save A Lot has named interim CEO Fred Boehler to a permanent role as CEO. Boehler has been serving as interim CEO since Oct. 31, following the departure of former CEO Leon Bergmann.