The Texas International Produce Association will induct five distinguished individuals into the Texas Produce Hall of Fame. This prestigious event recognizes outstanding leaders who have significantly contributed to the betterment of the produce industry in Texas and is scheduled to take place Jan. 29 at the Mission Events Center in Mission, TX.

The 2024 Texas Produce Hall of Fame inductees are:

James V. Bassetti of Little Bear Produce: Renowned for his decades-long dedication to excellence and innovation in the produce industry, Bassetti is a well-respected figure whose contributions have

Big Y Foods Inc. has made some big executive changes, effective Jan. 21. Charles L. D’Amour will become executive chairman of the board as the reins of president and CEO move to Michael P. D’Amour, and executive vice president and chief operating officer move to Richard D. Bossie.

These changes reflect the next chapter in the company’s history as it continues to chart a path for growth, collaboration and innovation in the challenging and changing retail environment.

As executive chairman, Charles will continue to provide oversight, strategic advice and board leadership as this transition

The International Fresh Produce Association announced that Tamara Muruetagoiena has been promoted to become IFPA’s first ever vice president of sustainability. Muruetagoiena joined the organization in April 2022 and established the critical importance of the produce and floral industry taking the lead in sustainability efforts of the entire fresh and food systems.

“When Tamara joined our team, it was a reflection of the importance of providing member resources and guidance for and on behalf of industry on sustainability,” said IFPA Chief Science Officer Max Teplitski. “We’re thrilled that she

Dollar General Corp. announced Steve Sunderland’s intent to leave the company as its executive vice president, store operations effective Jan. 19. Steve Deckard, the company’s current executive vice president, growth and emerging markets, will transition to an expanded role leading store operations across Dollar General retail locations, Mi Súper Dollar General in Mexico, pOpshelf stores and the corporate store operations teams.

In addition to the company’s domestic and international store operations, Deckard will continue to lead real estate, asset protection and DG’s Wellbeing strategies.

Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. President and CEO David Smith retired as of December 2023. His successor, Dan Funk, has now assumed the role of president and CEO.

Smith joined AWG in 2003 and became president and CEO in 2015. Under his leadership, AWG experienced significant growth and success, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry. He was instrumental in steering the company through various challenges and played a key role in shaping AWG's strategic direction. During his time with AWG, the cooperative and membership grew from a Midwest company supplying 1,200 stores and

Keenan Farms Inc. promoted Mitchell Keenan to vice president. In his new capacity, Keenan’s role will be expanded to overseeing all operations of the company, with particular emphasis on export sales.

Since graduating from Fresno State with a degree in agricultural business, Keenan has worked diligently at Keenan Farms, gaining experience in domestic and export sales, farming operations, processing and project management, including Keenan Farms’ latest plant expansion project.

“I am thrilled to have Mitchell in this leadership role at Keenan Farms,” said Robert Keenan, president of Keenan