Tad Thompson, former writer and regional editor for The Produce News and a longtime advocate for the produce industry, died yesterday after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 69.

Mission Produce Inc. will be promoting its spring avocado and mango programs at the Texas International Produce Association’s Viva Fresh Produce Expo April 11-13, in Houston.

Windset Farms has welcomed Delicato Romaine lettuce back to stores this spring. The company first added greenhouse-grown Romaine in 2012. Last fall the greenhouse company rereleased this consumer favorite at IFPA Global Produce and Floral Show in Anaheim, CA. 

Alexandra Farms announced a special addition to its prized Princess Garden Roses Collection with a classically stunning new variety: Princess Holly’s Hope. This special garden rose has been years in the making at Alexandra Farms and is named after the company's friend and close collaborator – the renowned floral designer and educator Holly Heider Chapple.

Nestled in the rich lands of San Joaquin County, Morada Produce stands as a family-owned enterprise specializing in packing and shipping cherries, onions, walnuts and bell peppers. Rooted in the farming heritage of the Foppiano family, the company’s traditions trace back to the California Gold Rush of 1849.

PRO*ACT named Kevin Vogt as its new chief financial officer. Vogt brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in financial management and executive leadership.

Prior to joining PRO*ACT, Vogt served as the managing director at the Swanson Family of Cos., where he oversaw the family office and played a key role in succession and estate planning for the family. He also supported multiple acquisitions to expand the family's portfolio of companies.