Veteran business editor Seth Mendelson has joined The Produce News in a newly created role: New York Editor.

In his new role, Mendelson will be devoted exclusively to covering the vibrant New York produce industry, with special emphasis on the Hunts Point Market, as well as greater New York area wholesalers, retailers, foodservice distributors, brokers and shippers.

United Natural Foods Inc. named Andre Persaud as president and CEO of retail, effective Nov. 6. Persaud will lead the company’s two retail banners, CUB located primarily in Minnesota and Shoppers Food Warehouse located primarily in Washington, DC, and Maryland. He will serve on UNFI’s senior leadership team and report to Sandy Douglas, UNFI’s CEO and president.

Mark Gagnon has joined Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet's executive team. As senior vice president of sales and sourcing, Gagnon brings a rich experience and a standout record in leading brands like Del Monte, Dole, Chiquita, Chobani and Kalera.

Gagnon's journey in the produce industry is marked by notable achievements and strategic leadership. After a solid 14-year foundation at Dole, he took on key positions such as  senior vice president of sales at Kalera, vice president of sales at Del Monte Fresh Produce and national director of sales at Chiquita.

Sterman Masser Farms of Sacramento, PA, partnered with Society of St. Andrews last month to host the first annual Potato Palooza, a community-wide event to glean and share farm-fresh food in local communities. The Society of St. Andrew partners with farmers, donors, volunteers, churches, community organizations and large national movements to harvest and share healthy food, reduce food waste and build caring communities to support the food insecure.

Sun World International recently took to New York City to officially debut its AutumnCrisp brand grapes’ global consumer marketing campaign. The results: overwhelming enthusiasm and the birth of a viral grape sensation.

The season of spice, enveloping scents of warmth and comfort, and cozy colors in hues of red, orange and rustic browns is upon us. Fall’s focus on restoration and reflection is undoubtedly an opportunity to create a space equally as welcoming by creating harmonized arrangements with neutrals, bright buds and delicate sprays.