London Fruit Inc. is adding Jorge Hernandez to its leadership team. Hernandez is the company's new business development director and brings a wealth of avocado procurement and operations expertise with over 20 years of experience in the produce industry.

“We are very excited to welcome Jorge back to our team and look forward to working together to grow our current commodities’ market share and develop our off-shore offerings,” said Jerry Garcia, vice president.

Hernandez is a former chairman of the Hass Avocado Board and held leadership roles within the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers

Pace International, a leading provider of sustainable postharvest solutions and technologies for the fresh produce industry, hired Julie Smith as its senior human resources manager. Smith will work to identify, counsel and guide organizational design to meet future business needs.

“We are pleased to welcome Julie to our team at Pace,” said Rodrigo Cifuentes, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Pace International. “Julie brings strong leadership in the development of organizations and in the implementation of policies and initiatives to enhance and develop people’s careers

The Southeast Produce Council creates dynamic female-forward initiatives through its Southern Roots platform. The council recently added Southern Roots committee members who will bring fresh perspectives and a strong commitment to cultivating and enriching relationships of women in produce:

• Desiree Forsythe of National Produce FB LLC
• Melissa Pine of Bolthouse Farms
• Kim St George of Renaissance Food Group

The Southern Roots committee said it is confident these ladies meet the high expectations required of a committee member. These women, part of active corporate membership companies

Western Growers will honor California agricultural icon John Harris with the 2022 Award of Honor. The Award of Honor is Western Growers’ highest recognition of achievement and is given to individuals who have contributed extensively to the agricultural community.

With more than 50 years of experience in ranching, farming, hospitality and thoroughbred horse racing, Harris embodies the diversity of California agribusiness. The Harris Farms Group includes Harris Fresh and the Harris Farms Thoroughbred Division, in addition to the landmark property known to all Californians on the I-5.

“Like his

It’s doubtful that Colorado farmer Bob Sakata ever set out to be an icon, but that’s the status he attained through a long, productive lifetime devoted to farming and agriculture as well as advocacy and activism for the important industries in his state.

So broad was his circle of friends and colleagues made over the decades that his death on June 7 at age 96 brought much reflection and fond recollections from industry members across the country. Each individual seemed to have a single favorite impression, although a common thread connected throughout: Sakata was a man of honor and integrity

United Natural Foods Inc. announced a new leadership and organizational structure to sharpen the company’s focus on key operational priorities designed to better support its customers, suppliers, associates, and the planet as it continues to build the team, capabilities, and technology that are key to its Fuel the Future strategy.

“We are on an aggressive path to drive shareholder value by helping to create sustainable, profitable growth with and for our customers and suppliers,” said UNFI CEO Sandy Douglas. “With positive momentum and a $140 billion addressable market with significant