Born in Brooklyn but educated in the fine art and science of organics in California, veteran organic grower and salesman Robert Lichtenberg retired from San Francisco’s Earl’s Organic Produce in mid-December. He had spent 24 years with that well-known wholesaler, located on The SF Market, retiring as director of purchasing.

During his lengthy career, he split his time evenly between organic farming and wholesaling, following the rebirth of organic farming in the 1970s to its significant growth in the 21st Century.

Lichtenberg grew up in New York in the 1950s in the borough of Brooklyn. While

Chris Drew, who was named president and CEO of Ocean Mist Farms in October, joined the company in the early 2000s with high ambitions. His goal wasn’t to necessarily reach the corner suite; it was to have an impact.

He achieved that over the years, which no doubt earned him his new position. The 45-year-old still wants to make a difference as he guides Ocean Mist Farms into the future. He doesn’t see revolutionary moves on the company’s near horizon, but he does expect change as the Ocean Mist team leans into consumption trends and adds new items to its portfolio.

Drew sees the top executive

Certified Group and Food Safety Net Services, a Certified Group Company, announced the appointment of John R. Nelson as chief operating officer where he will lead and support Certified Group’s management of its various business holdings that address the food, food safety, nutraceuticals and other industries.

Nelson’s track record in driving organizational growth comes from over 20 years of being in the TIC industry and holding technical, quality and leadership roles. Most recently he served as executive vice president of transportation and industrials at Element Materials Technology, where he

Pete Pappas & Sons Inc. named Mark Pitts as its new general manager. In this role he will oversee daily operations with his forward-thinking approach to continue the substantial progression of the business in recent years.

Pitts brings decades of experience in the food industry and built extensive knowledge in operations and distribution at C&S Wholesale Grocers.

“As the newest member of the Pete Pappas team, I will bring collaborative leadership and experience in end-to-end supply chain to support the amazing growth potential of the organization," said Pitts. "Two of my goals are to focus

Howard Nager has left Los Angeles-based Progressive Produce to pursue other business opportunities.  Nager joined Progressive Produce as its vice president of business development and marketing in August of 2019. 

During his tenure at Progressive Nager had also handled the responsibility of the citrus commodity manager.

Nager has worked in a number of high profile positions during his long produce career.  Previously he was the vice president of business development for Sun Pacific, the owner of the Cuties brand.  He also held the top marketing role at companies like Del Monte Fresh Produce

The Wonderful Co., a global company dedicated to harvesting health and happiness around the world through its iconic consumer brands, announced the appointment of veteran public affairs and communications executive Seth Oster as the company’s first chief corporate affairs officer. Oster will oversee TWC’s global corporate communications and public affairs practice across its multibillion-dollar business lines and will play an integral role helping drive the company’s government relations activities and corporate social responsibility activities.

He joins The Wonderful Co. from United Talent