Avocados From Mexico has prioritized growing demand for in- and out-of-home fresh avocado consumption since its inception in 2013. With avocado imports continuing to climb, the brand is implementing a strategic restructure to enable sustained growth by aligning all demand-driving efforts under one commercial strategy department. As part of the restructure, the brand has appointed Stephanie Bazan to the position of senior vice president of commercial strategy and execution and Stephanie Browder to the position of director of sales and marketing for foodservice.

Avocados From Mexico partners

Kristyn Lawson is now representing one of the leading brands in innovative, better-for-you dips, ¡Yo Quiero!, Fresh Innovations LLC.  

Well-known in the packaged guacamole and avocado category, Lawson brings a wealth of experience, commitment to excellence and a passion for exciting brands like ¡Yo Quiero!, the “Ultimate Dip Destination.”  

“I am excited to be representing ¡Yo Quiero! They use only the freshest produce and premium ingredients to make their mouthwatering products. They have a creative culinary team that focuses on bringing innovation to the avocado and refrigerated dip

James J. Shanley, 61, of Morro Bay, California, died tragically in a swimming accident while on vacation in Costa Rica on Feb. 15.

Mr. Shanley was born on July 23, 1961 in Streator, IL, the son of John F. (Jack) Shanley and Patricia (Brennan) Shanley. He graduated from Rockford Boylan High School in 1979 and The University of Illinois-Champaign in 1983.

Mr. Shanley started his very successful business career at the Chicago Board of Trade, then moved on to California-based JD Heiskell & Co., one of the nation’s largest trading and livestock feed providers. In the late 90s, Mr. Shanley

CMI Orchards announced that Brett Reasor will be joining New Columbia Fruit Packers LLC as its new CEO on March 1.

Mike Wade, the current CEO of Columbia Fruit, will transition to the role of chairman once Reasor joins. “The tree fruit industry is complex and unique, and requires extremely capable leadership,” Wade said. “Brett’s drive for innovation and standard for excellence, plus his broad wealth of experience and the respect he holds within the industry, will take Columbia Fruit’s business into this next exciting era.”

Wade further explained that the leadership Reasor will bring to

Jan DeLyser is quick to credit those women who came before her and blazed the trail that she then followed to an elevated 47-year career in the fresh produce industry. She retired from the California Avocado Commission on Feb. 15 after 25 years with CAC. DeLyser has had a stellar professional career and has been a very visible member of the industry as a volunteer leader in numerous organizations.

“I was often the second woman to serve in various positions,” said DeLyser, speaking of such lofty slots as being the second woman in its history to lead the Produce Marketing Association (now the

The ShopRite of Canton recently welcomed Registered Dietitian Hannah Waxler to its team to head up the store’s health and wellness outreach to customers.

"We are excited to have Hannah join our team. Her addition continues more than 12 years of serving the community through our wellness program, which includes in-store nutritional counseling, events and recipe demonstrations,” said Chuck Joseph, president of Joseph Family Markets, which operates the ShopRite of Canton.

As a ShopRite registered dietitian, Waxler provides complimentary health and wellness services for customers such as free