Stemilt has hired Nick Popper as its new vice president and general counsel. Popper comes to Stemilt following 10 plus years as Chief Counsel – Americas for Spectris plc. He brings 30 years of experience as an in-house attorney with vast knowledge in technology, software, IP licensing, precision measurement and industrial controls. This is a new role at Stemilt, where Popper will be responsible for creating process and systems that support the legal needs at Stemilt.

“We are so thankful to have Nick join our team,” said Stemilt President West Mathison. “His rich experiences will help Stemilt

Pete Pappas & Sons, a Maryland-based fresh produce grower, shipper, distributor and award-winning green business, bolstered its management team with a new general manager and a new director of human resources.

Anjanette Bizzarro joined as director of human resources, bringing new ideas and enthusiasm to the position. She is highly passionate about the fresh produce industry, as well as human resources, and brings over 12 years of industry experience to the company.

“I am excited to be a part of a company that has strong values, and cares for its employees and the environment," she said. "It

Robert Sanderson, co-founder and former president of Jonathan Sprouts Inc., died Jan. 9 due to complications with pneumonia. Mr. Sanderson, along with his wife, Barbara, started Jonathan Sprouts in 1976, and the two have been credited as pioneers of the U.S. commercial sprouting industry. 

Mr. Sanderson was born June 23, 1943 in Boston and attended Phillips Academy-Andover, and University of California-Berkely where he was a Buckminster Fuller enthusiast, active in the free speech movement and played in several jazz bands.

By 2021 when the Sandersons sold the business to family members after

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the 2025-30 Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee.

Advocating for strong nutrition policies that improve and expand consumer access to fruits and vegetables remains one of the International Fresh Produce Association’s priorities. The organization said it looks forward to working with the full DGAC throughout its process to ensure they have the resources needed to provide continued sound dietary guidance to consumers and government programs.
 
“The Dietary Guidelines Committee serves a

Braga Fresh is promoting Colby Pereira to chief operating officer, making her the first person to hold that title as the company enters its 95th year in business.

“Colby’s family farming background and reasoned, no-nonsense approach to problem-solving are an asset for this new position,” said Rod Braga, CEO. “Her leadership and team building capabilities are instrumental to our continuous growth and success.” 

Pereira joined Braga Fresh in 2020 as vice president of operations. In addition to managing the farming, harvesting, shipping and processing operations, she also led the Covid response

Mike Manderson is taking on an expanded role at Church Bros., effective immediately.

Manderson joined Church Bros. in June of 2022 as vice president of warehousing, distribution and fulfillment. In his time at the company, Manderson has made significant strides at improving processes and streamlining operations and will now take on leadership of the appointment loading and logistics departments.

“Mike’s oversight on logistics and appointment loading will help us drive for more efficiencies and create the support and structure needed as the company continues to grow,” said Jeff Church, vice