Fall Creek celebrates milestone
Fall Creek Farm & Nursery Inc., a world-leading blueberry genetics and nursery company, this month marks 10 years of operations in Spain. What began in 2016 as a two-hectare harvest using plug material from the U.S. has grown into the company's principal hub for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, now serving customers across 52 countries and producing 14 million finished plants annually.
San Diego Farms names Marc Oshima senior vice president of sales
San Diego Farms announced the appointment of Marc Oshima to senior vice president of sales. Oshima’s addition marks the latest step in the company's strategy to strengthen its commercial leadership team as demand for premium microgreens, edible flowers and culinary specialties continues to accelerate across foodservice and retail.
Macadu Fresh moving to new facility
Macadu Fresh has announced that it will be moving into its new facility on June 1. Owner Mike Madden said the new facility will help meet the company’s growing customer demand and support its continued expansion.
Hy-Vee honors produce, floral managers
The helpful smiles Hy-Vee Produce Manager Darin Schleicher and Floral Department Manager Shannon Groepper are now featured on the side of Hy-Vee semi-trailers to recognize the exemplary level of service they provide to customers.Schleicher’s and Groepper’s pictures were unveiled earlier this week during a celebration's outside their respective Hy-Vee stores. Schleicher has worked for the company since 1991, and Groepper has been with Hy-Vee since 2013.
Pat McErlean joins JOH as North Central customer manager, produce
JOH has hired Pat McErlean as customer manager, produce, North Central.McErlean brings more than 12 years of industry experience to JOH. He began his career in retail and event marketing before transitioning into beverage sales, where he gained strong experience managing retail programming and supporting national and regional grocery accounts across the Midwest.
Kroger loses another exec to retirement
The Kroger Co. announced that Tim Massa, executive vice president and chief associate experience officer, will retire Sept. 18. Earlier this week the company said Valerie Jabbar, senior vice president of retail divisions, retired in May after 38 years of service.
USDA cites Texas company for PACA violations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on Riba Foods Inc. The company, operating from Texas, failed to make prompt payment to seven produce sellers in the amount of $948,577 for produce that it purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from October 2022 to May 2023, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
Summer citrus varieties are available at Bee Sweet Citrus
While many California-grown citrus varieties are nearing the end of their season, the Bee Sweet Citrus team reports that Rosy Red Valencia oranges will be available through June, and Star Ruby grapefruit and will be available through August.
D’Ottavio Farms expands crops and technology for 2026 season
After navigating a stretch of unusually cold weather earlier this spring, D’Ottavio Farms is entering the New Jersey growing season with optimism, supported by expanding acreage, new technology investments and strong demand across multiple produce categories.
Mariska Zeeman appointed managing director of Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland
From June 1, 2026, Mariska Zeeman will join Plants & Flowers Foundation Holland as managing director on a permanent basis. Zeeman has served as interim director since November 2025, following the departure of Yvonne Watzdorf.