Blue Book recently launched New Hire Academy 2.0, a refreshed suite of online instructional videos to help industry new hires.  “Sourcing, selling, and transporting fresh produce isn’t easy,” said Doug Nelson, vice president of Blue Book’s special services division.  “There’s always something to know and learn, whether you’re a new hire or an industry veteran looking for a refresher on a particular topic.”  

The New Hire Academy videos, available online through Blue Book Online Services, include five instructional sessions: Sales & Account Management; Trading Customs & Rules; Transportation

Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania and Vermont, promoted Jeff Cady to the role of vice president of produce and floral as part of Shared Services Center.

Shared Services Center supports both Tops Friendly Markets and Price Chopper/Market 32, which formally merged this past fall.

In this new role Cady is responsible for supporting the produce and floral business at Price Chopper/Market 32 & Tops operating companies.  His responsibilities will include communicating and assisting in the execution of key business objectives

With all industries in a state of upheaval during this past year, BlueSkySearch LLC wants to connect young talent with corporate experts so that the agriculture and produce industries, as a whole, can prosper and move forward. The online agriculture job portal service has curated many internship programs with several long-standing members of the produce community. These opportunities cover the expanse of the country from California to Rhode Island.

Finding opportunities for talented entry level employees to connect with the right corporations is getting more challenging and congested every

Fruit and floral industry executive John-Campbell Barmmer, age 76, died April 18 at home in Glen Mills, PA.

Mr. Barmmer worked as a senior-level executive for Chiquita Brands Inc. for 20-plus years. He was passionate and quickly moved up the banana marketing side of the business until the mid-1980s, when he was tapped to lead the newly organized Chiquita Tropical Products group in a demanding role as its inaugural president.

Driven by his tireless work ethic and skill for connecting with other people, Mr. Barmmer structured the acquisition of several business units, organized a diversified

Richard George Papen of Papen Farms Inc. and a pillar of the farming community, died unexpectedly on April 16.  He was 84.

Mr. Papen was president of the Council of Farm Organizations and a director of the Delaware State Farm Bureau, a member of the Vegetable Growers Association, United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association, the Governor’s Council on Agriculture, the FFA and numerous other agricultural related organizations. 

He was respected and admired by people in the produce business, especially throughout the eastern United States.  A mentor to many, Mr. Papen was an adviser and a friend

Michèle McMillan recently joined Ippolito Fruit & Produce Ltd. as its director of sales - retail. She brings a background filled with experience in the fresh produce industry with progressive experience in retail category management, private label program development, and most recently sales for a national grower-packer-shipper.

McMillan spent over 12 years with national retailer Sobeys, where she held various positions including procurement director – private label bakery/deli/HMR/produce/grocery non-food. In 2018, McMillan transitioned to the supply side, where she was director national