Calavo Growers Inc., a global leader in the avocado and value-added fresh food industries, announced that Mariela Matute has been appointed chief financial officer, effective Oct. 11.

“We are excited to welcome Mariela Matute as an integral member of our management team,” said Steven Hollister, interim CEO of Calavo Growers. “Mariela has an impressive combination of financial expertise and relevant industry background, including food production and agriculture, which make her highly qualified to assume the role of CFO. She is a proven senior financial leader, joining us most recently from her

United Natural Foods Inc. announced the promotion of Steve Dietz to the newly created role of chief customer officer, effective Oct. 1. In this new role, Dietz will be responsible for overseeing UNFI’s sales efforts throughout the United States and Canada.

Dietz currently serves as UNFI’s president for its Pacific Region, a position he’s held since 2018. In his new role, Dietz will support the region teams, driving business growth and helping ensure UNFI delivers on its long-term vision to transform the future of food. The sales regions include UNFI’s National, Atlantic, South, Central

Other than the ever-present masks, the throngs of people at the 2021 version of the Organic Produce Summit conducted business like it was 2019, with 1,200 attendees and 150 booths populating the large tent on the grounds of the Hyatt Regency in Monterey, CA, Sept. 15 and 16.

“We’re thrilled we were able to host a high energy event that brought together the organic fresh produce community.   There was obviously a tremendous amount of pent-up demand for our industry to come together and based on the feedback we are receiving, it appears OPS 2021 hit the mark,” said Matt Seeley, founder of OPS. 

Few foods say autumn the way sweet potatoes do. Their taste and coloring are perfect complements to the season. While last year was a rollercoaster for the produce industry, sweet potatoes were a popular item with consumers due to their increased shelf life over other produce items. North Carolina is known for growing exceptional sweet potatoes, both by the volumes grown and the quality of the product.

According to Rebecca Scott, grower accounting and marketing director for the Nashville, NC-based Nash Produce, the growing conditions and soil types are optimal for successful sweet potato

Price Rite Marketplace is holding a company-wide hiring event at 60 stores throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Maryland on Sept. 22.

“Price Rite Marketplace is looking for team players who are energetic, personable and put the customer first,” said Jim Dorey, president of Price Rite Marketplace.  “We offer flexibility, competitive salaries and the opportunity to quickly advance to higher level positions.”

Available part-time positions, including general, perishable, front end and stocking clerks, feature flexible hours and a wide

The Southeast Produce Council has added Clark Roper to its team. Roper will focus on adding value to SEPC and its members by supporting produce farmers, suppliers, buyers and consumers, and fostering positive and productive relationships with current and prospective SEPC members.  

Roper brings a wealth of experience in the produce sector. Throughout his professional career, he has held various positions in the industry, encompassing sourcing, buying, and marketing produce. Most recently, Roper worked with Piggly Wiggly managing projects for the company’s IT, operations, marketing and