Cherry Central Cooperative selects new president and CEO
Cherry Central Cooperative named Helena Beckett as its new president and CEO, effective today.Beckett brings more than two decades of experience in the fresh produce and retail industries, with a strong track record of driving growth, building high-performing teams and developing strategic partnerships across national retail markets. Most recently, she served as director of retail sales at BrightFresh Microgreens, where she led significant revenue growth, expanded national retail partnerships and helped drive the company’s marketing and digital commerce strategy.
William H. Kopke Jr. Inc. combines tradition with innovation
William H. Kopke Jr. Inc. is a fourth-generation, family-owned company founded in 1937 by its namesake. For over 87 years, Kopke has built a legacy importing and exporting the finest fruits from around the world, supplying customers throughout North America and Asia. As an industry leader, the company continues to add value through vertical integration, with strategic investments in agriculture, logistics, and refrigerated distribution.
Giant and Martin's raises raises $1.2 million for Feeding School Kids initiative
The Giant Co., known locally as Giant and Martin's, announced its Feeding School Kids initiative, in partnership with its customers, raised more than $1.2 million to address food insecurity in local school districts throughout the communities it serves.
Market Minute: California strawberries a prime opportunity for promotion
Berry category sales rose 6.6 percent from last year, with strawberries accounting for a 5.6 percent increase and making up 42 percent of all berry sales. This demonstrates that strawberries remain a top choice for shoppers looking for fresh fruit.
What if the most famous onion in America is still being sold like a commodity?
For 12 weeks each year, southeast Georgia produces the only onion in the world with a cult following: the Vidalia Sweet Onion.Shoppers know the name. They wait for it. They seek it out.Yet in a produce department where every SKU competes for attention, simply having them in stock is not a strategy. It is a missed opportunity.
A.V. Thomas Produce sees upward trend in demand for organic sweet potatoes
A.V. Thomas Produce is committed to cultivating the freshest, healthiest and most sustainable certified organic sweet potatoes.Jeremy Fookes, director of sales for the Livingston, CA-based company, noted that 2026 has started off strong, especially on the organic side of its sweet potato program.
Grodan appoints Eric Lekkerkerk as managing director
Grodan, part of ROCKWOOL Group, announces the appointment of Eric Lekkerkerk as managing director, effective July 1, 2026.Lekkerkerk joins Grodan from Klasmann-Deilmann, one of the world’s leading suppliers of horticultural growing media, where he currently serves as group commercial director and member of the board of directors.
CPMA announces Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
Paul Catania Jr., president and CEO of Catania Worldwide, has been named the 2026 Canadian Produce Marketing Association Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. This prestigious honor recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to the fresh produce industry.
Instacart names new chief commercial officer
Ryan Hamburger has been appointed Instacart’s chief commercial officer, joining the company’s senior leadership team.Hamburger has been with Instacart for over a decade and has played a central role in shaping the company’s commercial organization as it has grown into a leading grocery technology platform in North America.