BelleHarvest, one of Michigan's oldest grower-owned distributors of fresh apples, is celebrating the overwhelming success of its local Michigan vegetable program. This achievement not only reaffirms its unwavering commitment to providing fresh, locally sourced produce but also marks an exciting turning point for the company as it embarks on an expansion journey. Additionally with that expansion, BelleHarvest introduced Nick Teriaca, who will play a pivotal role in driving the program's ambitious growth plans.

"This milestone is a testament to our dedication to quality and locality," said

Marianne Santo, three-time president of the Eastern Produce Council and category manager of Wakefern Food Corp., died Sept. 24. She was 61.

"A devoted board member and leader of the Eastern Produce Council, Marianne was so passionate about the produce industry and its people, was a mentor to so many and lifted everyone up whenever she had the opportunity," said EPC's Susan McAleavey Sarlund and Theresa Lowden.  

Ms. Santo spent almost 40 years in the produce industry. She paved the path for many women, initially by becoming one of the first female category managers at Wakefern and then

Robert (Bob) Bassetti, a well-known produce industry veteran and longtime owner of B&B Produce in Hammonton, NJ, died in his sleep on Friday, Sept. 15. He was 83.

Mr. Bassetti was the oldest child of James (Big Jim) and Dolores (Tootsie) Bassetti. His life was a wild ride full of action and adventure. At the age of 16, he joined the Army National Guard and served for seven years. After graduating from Sacred Heart High School in Vineland, NJ, he started a popular local barbershop and developed strong friendships and relationships across South Jersey. 

Mr. Bassetti’s produce career began at R

Randy Riley, a prominent figure in the produce industry and co-owner of GoldenSun Insights, has been selected as the exclusive speaker for the 79th annual Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Convention. This highly anticipated event, which attracts industry leaders, growers, and professionals from around the country, is scheduled to take place, Sept. 25 -27, 2023 in Naples, FL.

“This event brings together some of the brightest minds in our industry, and I am excited to share perceptions and strategies that can empower businesses to navigate the ever-changing retail and consumer landscape

announced that Joseph Wodyka, veteran in the CPG and beverage industries, has joined the team as vice president of sales and marketing. Wodyka comes to Nichols Farms with more than two decades as a sales and marketing leader from Wonderful Pistachios and Almonds and GT’s Living Foods.

“We are very fortunate to have Joe lead the charge for our growing teams,” said President and Chief Operating Officer Jared Lorraine, “and I personally am excited to see how his experience and leadership will help propel us in this next chapter.”

The company has emphasized their farm-to-table story and product

Hapco Farms, a leading East Coast vegetable shipper, is expanding its operations to include a new West Coast office under the direction of industry veteran Scott Norman.

Norman joined the Westhampton, NY-based company on Sept. 5 as a procurement and sales associate, and will operate from an office in the Salinas, CA, area where he lives. In his new role, he will be responsible for procuring fruits and vegetables from the West Coast and Mexico, and he will also handle sales west of the Rocky Mountains.

“Hapco was very interested in expanding its business with West Coast vegetables and they