Philip Joseph Margiotta, who dedicated his life to his family’s very successful wholesale produce business — originally known as M. Trombetta & Sons and now known as J. Margiotta Co. — died Nov. 18 in New Rochelle, NY. He was 99 years old.

Mr. Margiotta and his cousin Steve inherited M. Trombetta & Sons, which they ran together for decades, expanding from the Bronx Terminal Market to Hunts Point Market. Mr. Margiotta was thrilled when his sons Philip and Jimmy joined him in running the Hunts Point location. They worked together as a family and a team until his son Philip’s death in 2010

Brian Lorenz has been named The Giant Co.'s vice president of omnichannel fresh merchandising and Kathy Sweigert has been named vice president of the Mid-Atlantic division. Lorenz will report directly to John Ruane, president of The Giant Co., while Sweigert will report directly to Dave Lessard, senior vice president of operations, customer experience and perishable distribution.

“Brian and Kathy bring vast experience to our business, with more than 40 years of retail grocery experience between them and have a strong understanding and appreciation of the needs of our team, customers, and the

Ocean Mist Farms mourns the passing of Ed Boutonnet, its beloved former president and CEO, a visionary and industry titan.

Mr. Boutonnet was a devoted grower-owner of the industry-leading company for over 40 years, where his vision as president and CEO from 1990 to 2015 helped develop the company into a strategically focused industry leader. The Boutonnet family, who first started consolidating acreage with one of Ocean Mist’s original founding family members, Hugo Tottino, back in 1970 remain actively involved as valued grower-owners of the company.

In 1972 the Boutonnet family joined

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas named Raquel Espinoza, founder of Produce House, as the 2023 Member of the Year. The prestigious award, established in 2010, is a testament to her outstanding contributions and dedication to the association.

Espinoza, recognized for her enthusiasm, solid industry experience and comprehensive understanding of sales and marketing, has left a lasting impression on the FPAA community. Described as having a curious mind and a passion for the association's success, her proactive approach and fresh perspective have resonated with her peers.

During FPAA

At the start of the new year Todd Jones will become the executive chairman of Publix, Kevin Murphy will be promoted to CEO and John Goff will be promoted to president. Chairman of the Board Ed Crenshaw will remain on the board of directors as chairman emeritus.

Jones began his career in 1980 as a front service clerk in New Smyrna Beach, FL. He worked in various positions before becoming a store manager in 1988. He was promoted to district manager in 1997, regional director in 1999 and vice president of the Jacksonville division in 2003. In 2005, Jones was promoted to senior vice president of

The California Avocado Commission has named current CAC Vice President of Industry Affairs and Operations Ken Melban and Vice President of Marketing Terry Splane as co-executive leaders of the organization, effective immediately.

During CAC's Nov. 16 meeting the board elected its new slate of officers, including California avocado growers Jason Cole, chair; Rachael Laenen, vice chair; Daryn Miller, secretary; and Maureen Cottingham, treasurer.

“Since the departure of CAC’s former president, Ken and Terry have been managing the commission together very effectively,” said Cole. “Our board of