Fresh Direct Produce requalifies for Canada’s Best Managed Companies Platinum Status
Fresh Direct Produce Ltd., which is part of the FDP Group, has been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies over the past decade. This prestigious national award is sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC, Norton Rose Fulbright, Export Development Canada, TMX Group and The Globe and Mail.“We are proud to receive our 15th consecutive Best Managed Companies Award, and it couldn’t have been accomplished without the strong dedication and efforts from our teams, customers, vendors and business partners” said CEO Adri de Wet.
FreshEdge names new chief
FreshEdge announced the appointment of Wes Saber as chief financial officer. Saber brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across the global consumer goods industry, with a strong track record of driving growth, operational performance, and building organizations and capabilities at scale.
Wakefern names director of Own Brands
Wakefern Food Corp. has appointed Chris Ruane its director of Own Brands, reinforcing the company’s continued investment in the growth and strategic evolution of its award-winning private label portfolio.In his new role, Ruane will report to Darren Caudill, chief sales officer, and lead strategy for Wakefern’s Own Brands portfolio. He will focus on advancing product innovation, optimizing assortment, strengthening supplier partnerships and delivering the quality and value that drive customer loyalty across brands including Bowl & Basket, Wholesome Pantry and Paperbird.
PRO*ACT Crop Update: May grey, mixed markets
With Mother’s Day demand now behind us, markets should begin to see slight relief, but availability remains uneven across categories. Disease pressure, seasonal transitions and sizing issues continue to drive active markets on key items. As schools and colleges wind down over the next few weeks, demand should ease, but May will remain active across several major commodities.
Breeding the future of berries
In berry fields around the world, rows of strawberries, raspberries and blackberries represent decades of careful breeding, research and innovation. Plant Sciences Genetics (PSG) is helping drive that progress—building on a family legacy that began with applied science and has evolved into an advanced berry genetics company serving growers and marketers across diverse production regions worldwide.
Ganfer Fresh reacts to recent PACA complaint
Ganfer Fresh, a distributor of fruits and vegetables from Mexico, based in Nogales, AZ, affirms that the company is financially sound despite a recent report that it received an administrative complaint from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s PACA division.According to the company, that matter relates to a past period during 2024 and early 2025 in which Ganfer Fresh experienced temporary financial disruption resulting from circumstances involving a third-party financial services provider.
Washington Fruit Growers launches Stars and Stripes cherry packaging
In celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, Washington Fruit Growers is introducing a limited-edition Stars and Stripes cherry bag designed to elevate retail displays and boost cherry sales leading up to the Fourth of July weekend.The Stars and Stripes bag features the American flag and the company’s long-time logo, the Liberty Bell. This patriotic bag will stand out on the shelf and in displays, encouraging shoppers to add fresh cherries to their carts during one of the strongest sales periods of the year.
Nickey Gregory retires, Scott Chapman succeeds founder as president
Nickey Gregory Co. has named Scott Chapman president as the company's founder, Nickey Gregory, retires after more than four decades building one of the Southeast’s most respected produce businesses. The leadership team, customer relationships and day-to-day operations remain in place. Chapman leads the company alongside the senior leadership team, including Executive Vice President Marianna Gregory Skrine.
FDA Deputy Commissioner Kyle Diamantas to keynote IFPA's The Washington Conference
The International Fresh Produce Association announced the featured Food Safety and Nutrition education sessions for The Washington Conference, taking place June 8–10, 2026, in Washington, DC.
Spudman Open to mark 50 years of potatoes, partnership and philanthropy
What began 50 years ago as a spontaneous golf outing by a group of hardworking potato packers has grown into one of the produce industry’s most enduring charitable traditions.The Spudman Open will celebrate its Golden anniversary this July 14, marking five decades of industry camaraderie, charitable donations and longstanding partnerships. Held annually at Tunxis Country Club in Farmington, CT, the tournament is expected to sell out once again this year while also surpassing a remarkable milestone of raising $1 million for charity since its inception in 1976.