G&R Farms has promoted senior team member Ronald (Kelby) Werner to sales manager.

As a seasoned professional with 10 years in the onion business, Werner is known for fostering strong relationships with both customers and growers. His fiery passion for the onion industry and his exposure to veteran mentors has allowed him to blossom taking on more executive responsibilities.

“His passion for the onion industry as well as his experience in and knack for relationship building will be integral as we continue to find new ways to partner with retailers outside of our annual programs," said Blake

Last month, the Colombia Avocado Board held its annual meeting to elect two new members to its board of directors. The pair will be vital in growing awareness and consumption of Colombian avocados in the U.S. market.

New to the nine-member board of directors are Brian Gomez, importer director from GreenFruit Avocados, and Kathryn Mejía Vergel, CAB vice chair and Corpohass director.

Currently serving board members are:

• Ricardo Uribe, CAB chair and exporter director from Cartama
• Brock Becker, CAB secretary and importer director from Mission Produce
• Kellen Newhouse, CAB treasurer and

Charles Bracher has informed Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. of his intention to step down as chief financial officer, effective March 1 to pursue another opportunity. Bracher will work closely with Lindsay Gray, who currently serves as senior vice president of accounting (principal accounting officer), through his transition. If a new CFO is not appointed by March 1, the company will appoint Gray to serve as interim CFO until a permanent replacement has been identified.

Bracher will continue in his role through the expected filing of the company’s annual report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2023. The

Calavo Growers Inc. announced the addition of Kurt Kistler as vice president of sales, tomatoes and papaya, and the retirement of industry veteran Brian Bernauer.

Kistler brings over 25 years of fresh produce industry experience after having spent the last seven years at Charlie’s Produce. He also previously held positions at Taylor Farms and UNFI. During his tenure at those respective companies, he became proficient in managing a national sales department, brokerage, purchasing, grower relations, marketing and quality control.

In his position at Calavo, Kistler will direct all aspects of

Jenn Weisgram has been promoted to Coborn’s vice president of merchandising operations.

In her new capacity, Weisgram will play a pivotal role in supporting Coborn’s merchandising by crafting and executing strategies for private brands, pricing, seasonal planning, inventory, production planning and category development/assortment planning.

Weisgram brings an impressive two decades of grocery retail leadership experience, excelling in various roles at Hornbacher’s and Coborn’s Inc. These include senior director of fresh merchandising, director of operations, district manager, human resources

The California Fresh Fruit Association expressed its gratitude to Congressman Kevin McCarthy for his longstanding leadership in the United States House of Representatives. He has been a dedicated partner to California’s agriculture industry throughout his 16 years of service.

Earlier this week McCarthy announced that he plans to resign from Congress at the end of the year.

“On behalf of the California Fresh Fruit Association membership, we are grateful to Congressman Kevin McCarthy for his support of the fresh fruit industry throughout his career in public service," said President Daniel