Sev-Rend has hired Mark Hoppenjans as its new national sales manager and sustainability lead.

Bringing Hoppenjans  on as the national account manager lines up with Sev-Rend’s goals to further service clients in the produce industry with high-performance packaging. This move allows Sev-Rend to expand its footprint even further in the ever-growing fresh produce market along with bringing in experience from other packaging areas such as corrugated. On top of this, Hoppenjans has worked for the past several years as an independent sustainability consultant for many large firms where he support

NatureSweet announced several developments in its sales organization that went into effect this month.

Vice President of Sales Jimmy McErlean, a produce industry veteran who has more than 35 years of experience, has been named to a newly created position at the company, vice president of customer relations. McErlean has had senior leadership roles at Chiquita, Fresh Express and Dole.

Michael Chauvet has joined NatureSweet and will oversee the company’s sales department as senior vice president. Chauvet brings more than 20 years of CPG and packaged produce experience to NatureSweet and has a

Allan O'Donoghue, a longtime retail produce expert, has joined RJO Produce as its first-ever retail-grower strategist. The addition of O’Donoghue strengthens RJO’s retail engagement and gives the firm’s grower customers additional insight into the retail sector.

In this new role, O’Donoghue will be a liaison between retailers and growers-shippers, helping retailers make better buying decisions that recognize market realities, while boosting their bottom lines.

O’Donoghue is based in the Western Growers Center for Innovation and Technology in Salinas — in the heart of the growing area. An ag

Ahold Delhaize USA announced that John Ruane has been named president of The Giant Co.

“We have been fortunate to have John lead The Giant Co. as interim president during a time of transition, and we are excited about this next step in his career,” said JJ Fleeman, chief executive officer, Ahold Delhaize USA. “He has led the team during a very important time in the company’s history as it celebrates its 100-year anniversary this fall. John is a leader who cares deeply about his team and serving customers. He will continue to drive strong performance and advance many of the hallmarks of The

Kate Burr has joined the Ocean Mist Farms team, taking on the role of director of food safety and quality assurance. Burr brings with her tremendous experience and a commitment to the high standards Ocean Mist Farms practices in its food safety and QA programs.

“Kate will play a vital role at Ocean Mist Farms. Food safety is central to everything we do and every decision we make,” said Chris Drew, president and CEO. “Our best practices in every step from planting through harvesting, to processing and distribution are continually evolving to ensure the quality and safety of all of our products

Dale Luther Greene, who co-founded Hollar & Greene Produce, died Saturday, July 1.

Mr. Greene was born on March 2, 1940, in Stony Fork, NC. He graduated from Appalachian High School and soon after, married his high school sweetheart, Betty Hollar. They lived in the Rutherwood community for over 65 years. Both were faithful members of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church where Mr. Greene served as a deacon and on several committees of the church in many capacities.

In 1963, Mr. Greene and his father-in-law, Lige Hollar, founded Hollar & Greene Produce. This small business turned into one of the largest