Oppy names Kelsey Van Lissum director of marketing as Karin Gardner retires
After nearly three-and-a-half decades shaping Oppy’s voice and reputation across the produce industry, Vice President of Marketing Karin Gardner is retiring June 30, passing the torch to newly appointed Director of Marketing Kelsey Van Lissum. Van Lissum officially stepped into the role March 1, succeeding Gardner after a decade of progressive leadership within Oppy’s marketing team.
New Jersey blueberry season outlook
The New Jersey Blueberry Industry Advisory Council is happy to report, given the significant weather impacts to the entire northeast, that there will still be blues available for the 2026 crop year.New Jersey grower Denny Doyle, who is the current chair of the council, is optimistic on how the berries were able to persevere through the recent freeze event in late April. Even though there is evident damage, the state should still produce 50-60 percent of what it typically yields.
New York Apple Association names new CEO
The New York Apple Association has hired Susan Chekow Lusignan as its new CEO.Lusignan brings more than 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, with a career defined by strategic organizational management, operational excellence and a consistent commitment to measurable outcomes. She is recognized for her ability to lead with structure and discipline, fostering effective teams and building partnerships that strengthen the organizations she serves.
Alana Wood named 2026 Paul Thomas Intern of the Year
The Paul Thomas Floriculture Production Intern of the Year Award annually spotlights an emerging talent in horticulture and plant sciences. It recognizes exceptional internship performance through the Vic and Margaret Ball Intern Scholarship Program, administered by the American Floral Endowment.The 2026 recipient is Alana Wood, a student at Kansas State University majoring in horticulture production.
GrubMarket looks to transform wholesale food distribution
GrubMarket has launched Sales AI Agent, the newest specialized AI solution within the GrubMarket AI platform. Designed specifically for wholesale food distribution sales teams, Sales AI Agent helps users identify prospective customers, analyze menus and order guides, generate professional price sheets, and deliver proposals through a single AI-powered workflow.
Guan’s Mushroom expands portfolio with new organic specialty mushroom line
Guan’s Mushroom has achieved Organic Certification, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued growth and commitment to serving the evolving needs of the produce industry. Guan’s Mushroom’s Ventura, CA, farm has been organically certified by SCS Global Services to meet USDA National Organic Program for growing and packing organic mushrooms.
Ippolito International bolsters sales team with three new hires
Ippolito International has added three new members to its sales team: Tina Gularte, Cassie Piearcy and Isabel Pozas.
Sweet corn, green beans ready for summer at Papen Farms in Delaware
The Delaware sweet corn crop is on track to hit its post-July 4 harvest date, following a cool early season that slowed growth.A warm, but very dry period spurred growth but forced growers to heavily rely on irrigation to keep the sweet corn on track, and harvest is set to begin at the normal time, around July 10-12.
Walmart adds express delivery from in-store restaurants
Beginning this month, customers of select Walmart locations can order Subway online and have their meal delivered in as little as 30 minutes, either on its own or alongside their Walmart Express Delivery order.This marks Walmart’s first restaurant integration within Express Delivery and reflects the company’s broader focus on helping customers simplify everyday life by bringing groceries, household essentials, fashion, prescriptions and restaurant meals together in one experience.
Ohio potato grower brings quality, sustainable farming, merchandising inspiration to produce departments
Fresh Solutions Network is shining a spotlight on Ohio-based Michael Family Farms as its summer farmer feature, recognizing the fourth-generation family business for its long-standing commitment to quality potatoes, sustainable farming and community support.