Tony Freytag joins F&S Fresh Foods executive team
F&S Fresh Foods has appointed Tony Freytag as chief strategy officer and a member of the senior leadership team.In this role, Freytag will work with the executive team to help shape the company’s strategic direction and accelerate profitable growth across fresh produce and other value-added food categories.
Brian Church named ag leadership honoree
Church Brothers Farms CEO Brian Church has been named the 2026 Agricultural Leadership honoree by the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to agriculture in the Salinas Valley through leadership, innovation and community involvement. Church will be recognized at the Chamber’s 105th Annual Awards Luncheon on April 9.
Hunts Point Market fuels Maurice A. Auerbach’s regional reach
For decades, Maurice A. Auerbach Inc. has maintained a strong presence in the Northeast produce business, building its reputation as a leading distributor of garlic and specialty items while fostering long-standing relationships with customers throughout the region.As a third-generation, family-owned company based in Secaucus, NJ, the firm continues to rely heavily on its deep ties to the Hunts Point Produce Market to support its distribution strategy and customer reach.
Sunkist to engage consumers with new digital series
Sunkist Growers launched a new digital content series — Peel Talk — designed to deepen consumer engagement and reinforce citrus’s role in everyday wellness, snacking and shared moments.Building on the brand’s growing presence across digital channels, Peel Talk introduces original storytelling, culinary inspiration and interactive content that connects consumers more directly to citrus and the farmers behind it — while supporting engagement during peak California citrus season.
IFPA members bring the joy of fresh produce and florals to White House Easter Egg Roll
The International Fresh Produce Association and its member companies once again brought the vibrant colors and flavors of fresh produce and florals to the White House Easter Egg Roll, one of America’s most beloved traditions.
Food Export USA bolsters staff with two new hires
Food Export USA has added two new team members: Danyelle Thornton as marketing manager and Austin Warner as liaison. Both will be based out of Food Export’s Philadelphia office.
Consistency and quality help FPE thrive at Hunts Point Market
Fierman Produce Exchange has long been a fixture in the New York produce scene, with deep roots at the Hunts Point Terminal Market, one of the largest and most influential distribution hubs in the country. Operating in this market puts FPE at the center of a fast-moving, highly competitive environment that demands both precision and consistency.
Arie van Vliet appointed as new general manager of Berg Hortimotive
Berg Hortimotive, part of the Royal Brinkman Group, has appointed Arie van Vliet as general manager effective April 1. With this appointment, the company ensures strong leadership and clear direction while further strengthening its focus on product development. Arie succeeds Bas Brinkman, who will continue to focus on the strategic development of the entire organization in his role as CEO of the Royal Brinkman Group.
Market Minute: Spring lettuce production shifting to Salinas
The transition from desert lettuce in Yuma to Salinas Valley has begun. Salinas Valley, which produces about 70 percent of California’s lettuce, is recognized for its quality. It is also known as the salad bowl of the world where superior quality lettuce is grown. The transition requires relocating equipment and workers, often including a brief stop in Huron, CA. This can affect quality until operations are fully settled in Salinas. April weather plays a role in the transition.
Pacific Trellis Fruit launches summer Southern and Eastern peach program
Pacific Trellis Fruit launched its Southern and Eastern peach program for the summer season. Designed to provide customers with a seamless, high-quality domestic peach supply, the program will feature fruit sourced from leading growers across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia.