Mario Anthony Pallotta, who owned and operated M.A. Pallotta Brokerage Co. for over 50 years, died unexpectedly March 17 at Melrose Wakefield Hospital as a result of complications from COVID-19. He was 82.

Mr. Pallotta had a tireless, old-fashioned work ethic that had him up at 2:30 a.m. six days a week, when he would head to his second home — the produce market in Chelsea, MA.

He never forgot his passion and affinity for his childhood home, The Italian home for Children, where he grew up from his infant years until his late teenage years. Throughout his entire life, Mr. Pallotta was an

Kegel’s Produce, a 70-year-old family-owned business located in Lancaster, PA, announced the retirement of Jim Sahd, who for the last two decades managed the company’s accounting department.

In a statement, Kegel’s said that Sahd was a fundamental part of the growth of Kegel’s during his tenure, guiding the department with a mix of humor, integrity, compassion, commitment, loyalty and a strong work ethic.

“We have had the honor of working with one of the best in the business,” according to the statement. “While we are sad to see him go, we remain happy that we had the opportunity to work

King Soopers announced a donation of $1 million to the Colorado Healing Fund to support the needs of victims, families, survivors and the community affected by the recent Boulder, CO, supermarket tragedy. The contribution will be provided through the company’s public charity.

CHF provides assistance and hope to victims of mass violence. The King Soopers donation will help provide mental health services and other financial relief to victims and their families and affected survivors who have been traumatized by this event.

“The entire King Soopers family continues to mourn the loss of those

Marking 17 years of recognizing exceptional retail produce managers, United Fresh Produce Association announced the honorees of its 2021 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program. This year’s cohort of 25 produce managers represents supermarket banners, commissaries and independent retail stores from 21 different states and one Canadian province. The winners will be the honored guests during United Fresh 2021 this June.

Sponsored by Dole Food Co., the program pays special recognition to produce managers working every day on the front line to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and

Premium fresh food producer FiveStar Gourmet Foods, Makers of Simply Fresh, is bringing aboard proven produce industry leader Michael Solomon as president, effective immediately. Reporting to CEO Tal Shoshan, Solomon will oversee all day-to-day operations out of the company’s Ontario, CA, headquarters. Shoshan will continue to oversee the company’s innovation and strategic growth.

FiveStar Gourmet Foods owns Simply Fresh and has been producing premium, healthy foods for more than two decades. With multiple processing SQF level 3 USDA/FDA facilities nationwide, FiveStar produces and

After making its successful debut in grocery stores last year, this summer will mark the anticipated return of the Giumarra Cos. premium trio of French-bred California nectarine offerings under its DulceVida brand umbrella: Midnight Edition, Twilight Edition and Sunrise Edition.

“We are very eager for this summer’s return of our proprietary, premium DulceVida nectarines, as our customers and consumers love their sweet taste,” said Jeannine Martin, corporate vice president for The Giumarra Cos. and director of sales for Giumarra Reedley/Kingsburg. “Additionally, we believe our packaging is