For the first time ever, Chiquita is joining forces with the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and donating more than 60,000 delicious yellow bananas to fuel runners during their marathon journey and help them recover after they cross the finish line. To ensure the discarded banana peels don’t go to waste, leftover food scraps will be collected in organic waste bins and taken to a compost facility to be broken down into nutrient-rich soil, which will be donated to community gardens throughout the Chicago area. Leftover bananas will also be donated to Chicago’s largest food bank — the Greater

Publix plans to hire approximately 30,000 associates across the company’s seven-state operating area through the remainder of the year. The company will hire associates to work in stores, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities for nonseasonal positions.

“As we continue to grow, having a dedicated team ready to meet our needs is vitally important,” said Publix Vice President of Human Resources Marcy Benton. “Whether associates are new to the workforce or making a career change, Publix provides great benefits and a strong culture in which its associates build long, fulfilling careers

Taylor Farms hired former Ocean Mist Farms CEO Joe Pezzini as its senior director of agricultural operations, effective Oct. 11.

Pezzini, a native of Salinas, started his career with the Ocean Mist Farms in 1983 as a farm manager for Boutonnet Farms. He, along with two partners, started Valley Pride Custom Harvesting in 1987. In 2001, he became vice president of operations at Ocean Mist Farms, where he was responsible for cooling operations, food safety, quality assurance and human resources. Pezzini became the chief operating officer at Ocean Mist Farms in 2009 and was appointed to the CEO

BOSTON — The New England Produce Council celebrated its 21st anniversary at its 2021 Produce, Floral & Foodservice Expo, held Sept. 29-30, here. After having to cancel last year's expo due to the pandemic, the council enthusiastically welcomed the fresh produce industry back, and those in attendance were equally happy to see and reconnect with friends and colleagues at the in-person event.

"The opening receptions, seminars and expo were a huge success. The enthusiasm and the energy were proof of the wants and desires of everyone to be back together in person," NEPC Executive Director Laura

John McClung, former president and CEO of the Texas Produce Association (predecessor to TIPA), died Saturday, Oct. 2 in South Texas. Mr. McClung was a leader not only for the Texas produce industry, but for all of fresh produce. Even a decade after his retirement, Mr. McClung is still remembered for his many great achievements during the course of his career. 

Mr. McClung retired from the Texas Produce Association in 2011, 12 years after he took over as president and CEO.  He not only began the transition of TPA to TIPA, but he also oversaw the Texas Produce Marketing Cooperative, the Texas

Bashas’ Family of Stores has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Raley’s Holding Co., an independent regional grocer based in California. The companies said Bashas’ store banners, employment and operations across Arizona will continue without change or interruption. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2021.

“Today’s announcement represents the beginning of Bashas’ next, exciting chapter as a fully formed operating company within the larger Raley’s enterprise," said Edward (Trey) Basha, president and CEO of Bashas', who is also the grandson of the company’s co