SunFed, a Rio Rico, AZ-based shipper-distributor of Mexican produce items, announced that Allie Coombs has joined its sales team, effective Sept. 1.

Coombs graduated from Oregon State University in 2010, earning her bachelor’s degree in new media communications with a minor in political science. Upon graduation from OSU, she joined EuroFresh Farms as a sales coordinator. She remained there for two years, including for a short time following that company’s acquisition by NatureSweet in 2013, before working a brief stint with Fresh Alliance.

In 2014, Coombs joined Moxxy Marketing in Salinas

As DiMare reaches the halfway point in its 95th year of business, Jeff Dolan has been named president of DMB Packing. Dolan will play an expanded leadership role in the family business. Previously he held the position of field operations manager. In the new role, he will oversee all operations regarding the growing, packing and shipping of fresh market tomatoes in California.

“This announcement comes as DiMare embarks on its next century of dedicated service to our esteemed customers and partners. I am so pleased to extend sincere congratulations to Jeff as he assumes this pivotal leadership

 The Texas International Produce Association proudly invites industry members to apply for this year’s challenge, which will kick off in mid-Oct.  and will culminate at the 2024 Viva Fresh Expo in Houston on April 13. 

Last year, 11 participants completed the fourth annual Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge which culminated at the Viva Fresh Expo in April. It is now time to select the new class of participants. Since 2020, the Challenge has captured the attention of the produce industry as participants challenge themselves every year to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their daily

Oppy has elevated two sales stand-outs, Ben Vallejo and Jim Leach, from management roles to director level responsibilities.

Vallejo, who celebrates his 25th anniversary with the company this year, has been promoted to director, West Coast sales. He initially joined Oppy in quality control, moving into sales about a decade later, and going on to service several Oppy key accounts while also building Western U.S. distribution of kiwifruit and citrus, among other items. Most recently, Vallejo managed the sales efforts of Oppy’s California offices; he now leads the entire West Coast sales team.

PRO*ACT has added Joe Collier to its leadership team. With over 40 years of experience in the foodservice industry, Collier brings extensive knowledge and industry relationships to his new role as vice president of business development.

In 1996 Collier co-founded Produce Alliance, which developed into a robust network of members and produce distribution centers, creating distribution network servicing the U.S. and Caribbean for over 27 years. After briefly retiring in late 2018, Collier started two new companies in 2021, Collier Produce Consulting and ProFresh360 Management Services.

Collier

SpartanNash promoted Bennett Morgan to executive vice president, chief merchandising officer. Morgan joined SpartanNash in January 2022. He leads fresh, center store and pharmacy merchandising, category management, pricing, promotions and master data management.

"Bennett's leadership has advanced our capabilities in Merchandising and accelerated the benefits we are realizing from our transformation work," said SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarsam. "Merchandising continues to play a critical role in our store guest experience, and we are leveraging those insights to help our independent grocery