Mission Produce Inc., a world leader in sourcing, producing and distributing fresh Hass avocados with additional offerings in mangos and blueberries, appointed Diana McClean as director of marketing and communications. McClean is responsible for leading Mission’s marketing strategy to strengthen customer engagement, drive business development and further market innovation as a leader in the avocado category.
 
“Diana is a strong marketer with a successful track record of driving demand and revenue growth with data-driven business-to-business strategies,” said Cheryl Hoefs, senior vice

Wholesale Produce Supply appointed Dirk Updike to the role of supply chain director. In his new position, Updike will drive operational optimization in all aspects of transportation and warehousing.

A results-orientated leader, Updike strives to build strong, confident, cross-functional teams that deliver results. 

"Success in any organization requires not only the ability to achieve results, but also the discipline, process, and structure to sustain those results over time,” said Updike. “As someone who is willing and capable of making challenging decisions and invoking change, I am

The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council launched the application process for the second class of its Blueberry Leadership Program, which elevates up-and-coming leaders in the blueberry industry. The program will accept up to 10 talented, passionate professionals from across the supply chain to become the second group of fellows in the program.

The training is designed to help fellows grow their leadership skill set, learn from decades-long industry leaders and develop their network of connections. Professional development within the industry is a priority as members of the blueberry industry work

Delta Fresh Sales LLC in Nogales, AZ, added Frank Camera as vice president of sales, marketing and business development. Camera will be based in the company’s headquarters office in Nogales.

“We’re excited to see Frank come on board in this new position here at Delta,” said Atanacio Panousopoulos, CEO and owner of Delta Fresh. “His expertise and vision will be an added plus as we continue our expansion of programs we offer to our customers.”

Camera joins Delta as the company begins to gear up for the spring grape and melon season, as well as the ongoing vine-ripe tomato, Roma and cucumber

Mark DeFrancesco, founder and president of 4M Fruit Distributors in Chelsea, MA, who died February 17, 2023, grew up in a family business learning a very valuable lesson: Never say no!

“As the person sharing a bed with him, I can tell you he answered the phone 24/7,” said Maria DeFrancesco, his wife of 51 years.

“My father always used to say, if they call you and you don’t answer, they might not call you the next time,” said son Michael.

Son Matthew also chimed in on the subject at hand: “No matter what the customer wanted, my dad never said no. He always tried to get what they wanted no

Gabriela D’Arrigo, vice president of communications and marketing at D'Arrigo New York, has joined Brighter Bites as its newest board member.

"We are honored to welcome Gabriela as the newest member to our board,” said Rich Dachman, CEO at Brighter Bites. “She and the D’Arrigo family have been large supporters of our work over the years and in helping us make a difference in the communities we serve. Our relationship is a wonderful example of when the produce industry locks arms with us in order to make healthy changes in lives across the country."

D’Arrigo, a family-owned-and-operated fresh