Steve Clement, the CEO of Sage Fruit Co., will assume the position of PNW Tree Fruit’s new CEO. PNW Tree Fruit owns approximately 6,000 acres of tree fruit as well as Legacy Fruit Packers (a Sage packer since 1999), Chelan Fruit (a Sage packer since 2022) and Manson Fruit. In addition to his new role at PNW Tree Fruit, Clement will become the chairman of the board of Sage Fruit. In this capacity, he will collaborate with Nicole Gordy, the new CEO of Sage Fruit, and continue to guide the company’s strategic direction.

Gordy, who has been serving as Sage Fruit’s director of business analytics

Southern Specialties Inc. is excited that Carlos Solf, vice president of procurement, has assumed the role of PAIA co-chairman East Coast for 2024-25. The West Coast co-chairman is Craig Rolandelli of JMB.

Solf, a native of Peru, joined Southern Specialties 22 years ago after earning his masters degree from the University of Notre Dame. Under his stewardship Southern Specialties’ asparagus program has grown to become among the largest in the nation.

In his role as PAIA co-chairman Solf will help guide the association in its efforts to advance the trade industry and progress the entire

Bonipak Produce reached a significant milestone in its history: the first member of the fourth generation has joined the ownership of Bonipak Produce and Betteravia Farms. Anthony Reade, director of production at Bonipak Produce, has joined the ownership group.

Reade has been working for Bonipak Produce for over five years and has been a driving force in directing operations. A graduate of California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, he brings a wealth of knowledge and commitment to his new role within the ownership group.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Craig Reade, and

Kristen Reid of MIXTEC Group has been involved with the Fresh Produce & Floral Council since 2010, initially serving on a number of committees. As the years went on, she got more and more involved in the council, including its educational work. She has always appreciated how the organization has brought regional suppliers and buyers together for the betterment of the fresh produce and floral industry.

Now Reid is continuing her work in a new leadership role, as she was elected Jan. 1 to chair the council for a one-year term.

"As I got closer to beginning my term over the holidays, I got more

The National Mango Board is searching for nominees to fill six open board member positions for the 2025-27 term. The board's primary goal is to raise awareness and drive the consumption of fresh mangos in the United States while educating consumers about the culture, flavor and nutritional benefits of this versatile superfruit. The board also serves as a unifying force within the mango industry.

Members of the mango industry are invited to submit nomination applications for the following available seats, with the final deadline set for Feb. 29 at 6 p.m.:

• Two foreign producers
• Two District

CHEP, a leader in supply chain solutions, announced the appointment of Xavier Garijo as the CEO of Americas effective Jan. 1, following the announcement that CHEP North America’s president, Laura Nador, left her role on Dec. 31.

Paola Floris, president of CHEP Latin America, and Frank Bozzo, Vice president and general manager of CHEP Canada and Pallecon North America, will continue in their current capacities and report directly into Garijo.

Garijo brings 25 years of experience managing global consumer good supply chains and operations, and multi-industry global logistics businesses. He was