BJ’s names Stephanie Reibling EVP, chief merchandising officer
BJ’s Wholesale Club named Stephanie Reibling executive vice president, chief merchandising officer, effective immediately.Reibling will lead the company’s merchandising organization, playing a critical role in driving BJ’s merchandising transformation and delivering continued growth across categories. Reibling will report to Paul Cichocki, executive vice president, chief commercial officer.
Duda honored by state leaders for 100 years in ag
DUDA, a fifth-generation, family-owned-and-operated agricultural and real estate enterprise, recently marked a historic milestone as state leaders joined company executives and family members to celebrate the business’ centennial and the grand opening of its new corporate offices in Oviedo, FL.
Associated Wholesale Grocers names new chief operating officer
Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. announced that Joe Kelley has been appointed chief operating officer, effective May 4.Kelley is a seasoned grocery industry executive whose career spans strategic leadership roles across retail operations, merchandising and supply chain in independently owned, private equity-backed and publicly traded companies. He began his career as a deli clerk in Boston and has since held senior leadership positions at several major U.S. grocery chains.
Roadmap to retailer success for California avocado season
With the California avocado season officially under way, and peak promotable volume anticipated from April through August, West Pak Avocado is encouraging retailers to capitalize on the strong projected volume. To drive category performance and meet consumer demand for fresh, locally grown fruit, the global avocado supplier offers strategic programs with seasonal storytelling, bag initiatives and premium variety differentiation.
The Produce Moms' Lori Taylor selected as World Food Championships judge
The Produce Moms Founder and CEO Lori Taylor has been selected as an official judge for the World Food Championships’ elite culinary event, Final Table, taking place April 17-19 in Bentonville, AR.Taylor’s selection reflects her long standing leadership in the fresh food and produce industry, as well as her role as a trusted voice in how consumers experience food, from sourcing and storytelling to everyday meal inspiration.
Leadership Program spotlight: Belinda Van Schaik
IFPA’s Leadership Program is in its 29th year, providing a year-long leadership journey for 12 industry professionals. The program focuses on four fundamental pillars: leadership development, business relationships, government and public affairs and media and public communications.
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Freeze to heat, still no easy fix
As we roll into April, supplies out of both Florida and Mexico remain tighter than expected, and the market hasn’t found much relief from where we were last week. Peppers continue to be the biggest pressure point. Florida is still working back from freeze damage, and recent heavy rains, with some areas seeing several inches, have only slowed harvest and reduced yields further. Quality remains inconsistent, and number-one grade product is hard to come by.
The Wonderful Company climbs ranks in Best Companies to Work For list
The Wonderful Company has again been named one of Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, earning the No. 72 spot in 2026, up 13 spots from its No. 85 ranking last year. This is The Wonderful Company’s third year in a row making the list, and it remains the only agriculture enterprise among this year’s 100 honorees.
J. Cowart increases acreage and eyes expansion
For nearly four decades, J. Cowart, Inc. has built its reputation on delivering consistent, high-quality Vidalia onions while adapting to the changing demands of the produce industry. As the 2026 season approaches, the company is expanding its footprint, investing in the future and preparing the next generation of leadership to carry the business forward.
Exp. Group’s 2026 expansion plans focus on service
Following significant steps to expand its fruit program in 2025, Exp. Group has major plans this year, adding at least one location, doubling space in south Texas and launching a frozen division at its North Bergen, NJ, headquarters.“We’re hoping to announce our next location very soon,” Anthony Serafino, Exp. Group president said in late March. “We have planned some serious expansion because we feel we can serve different markets in an efficient way.”