World Fresh Produce, an importer and marketer of high-quality produce from around the globe, has added a former Walmart produce veteran to its executive ranks as part of an aggressive growth strategy.

Patrick Haines, who spent nearly 35 years at Walmart in a variety of merchandising-related roles, joined World Fresh Aug. 29 as executive vice president of the five-year-old company.  

“We feel honored to have Patrick come on board,” said Michel Matouk, president of World Fresh, which is based in Cherry Hill, NJ, just outside of Philadelphia. “We’re very proud to have someone with his

Tom Murray, president of the New England Produce Council board, recently named the 2022 NEPC scholarship recipients at the 22nd NEPC Produce, Floral & Food Service Expo Keynote Luncheon.

The James and Theresa Family Foundation board selected Vincent Burke Gordon as its 2022 scholarship recipient. Gordon is the son of longtime NEPC member Shayne Gordon of CA Ferolie. Gordon is starting his freshman year at the University of Kentucky, studying marketing and business management.

This scholarship was established to memorialize Jim Nolan, who took an ethical stand on a business matter at a great

Produce Alliance, LLC, announced today a reaffirmation of its commitment to remain at the forefront of food safety innovation and unmatched protection for its customers, distributors and grower/shipper partners, in elevating its longtime leader of Food Safety, Barbara Hulick, to vice president of food safety.

Barbara is a highly acclaimed industry leader in the development and advancement of food safety ideology and practices within the produce industry.

Well known in all growing regions and a frequent leader on policy and practice advancement across all sectors of the industry, Barbara has

CMI Orchards has advanced several positions within the company in preparing for a period of tremendous growth.

CMI President Bob Mast shared his vision for the company with these changes: “Our business continues to evolve, grow, and become ever more complex. To meet these exciting challenges, our leaders bring a demonstrated track record of success, as they adapt to the changing needs of our business, growers, and clients and rise above challenges with creative and innovative industry-leading solutions. Keeping in-line with that charge, I am thrilled to announce the creation of two new

Rebecca Calvin is the next senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Stater Bros. Markets, succeeding current Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Dennis McIntyre. Calvin will report to CEO Pete Van Helden and serve on the company’s executive leadership team. She will begin her new role on Sept. 26.

Calvin will lead the company’s marketing efforts, which include the sales and merchandising, integrated marketing, eCommerce and food strategy and innovation departments. She will be responsible for strengthening Stater Bros.’ ability to meet the evolving needs of

Braga Fresh appointed Eric Schwartz to the company’s board of directors.

Schwartz is currently the CEO of Eckert Frozen Foods LLC. Prior past positions include CEO of United Vegetable Growers Cooperative; CEO of Patterson Vegetable Co. LLC; and president of Dole Worldwide Fresh Vegetables.

“Eric brings significant expertise in fresh-cut and retail food manufacturing to the Braga Fresh board of directors with his previous positions including a decade-long leadership position at Dole,” said CEO Rodney Braga.  “We value the experience and perspective he brings to our business.”

Schwartz is a