Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania and Vermont, promoted Doug Stachewicz to digital specialist.

Stachewicz will help build digital strategies and oversee the content development and deployment of digital communications for Tops. In addition, he will assist with technical aspects, testing and maintenance of eCommerce and other digital platforms and will be a key liaison with third-party partners to ensure best in class digital experiences.

Stachewicz has worked with Tops for 10 years, starting his career as a scan coordinator at

With business continuing to grow, Ippolito International is keeping pace and expanding its sales team. Jeff Feldeisen has recently come on board as a sales and commodity manager.

Feldeisen brings more than two decades of produce experience to the group. A Salinas Valley native, he began his career working in operations, in the fields, working as an inspector for Foodsource (now known as Robinson Fresh) and America West Distributing. After a few years, he was promoted into a sales role. From Foodsource, he went to Dole Fresh Vegetables, where he spent the last 18 years and ultimately

Miguel Gonzalez, one of the founders and owners of Vallarta Supermarkets, died Tuesday, Nov. 23 as a result of an automobile accident. He was 56. Mr. Gonzalez’s passion in building the Vallarta Supermarkets family business was contagious and he corralled anyone he could partner with to enjoy the journey.

After graduating from Van Nuys High School, Mr. Gonzalez had an eye for buildings and design, and pursued his passion in architecture, receiving his associates in arts degree.  His love for architecture and interior design greatly enhanced the flavor and ambiance within the Vallarta

Mission Produce Inc. appointed Shaunte Mears-Watkins to its board of directors. She will stand for election at the company’s 2022 annual meeting of stockholders.

Mears-Watkins is an accomplished global sales and marketing executive with over 20 years of experience and is known for her innovative strategic perspective and global P&L leadership in the consumer product and food industries. She currently serves as the chief commercial officer at Clif Bar & Co., a double-digit growth manufacturer in the energy food and drink space.

Before joining Clif Bar & Co. in the summer of 2021, Mears

Milagritos Olivero Groppo has been named Camposol's new vice president of finance. She started this role Nov. 1 of this year. Olivero previously served as finance and planning manager at Camposol.

Olivero joined Camposol SA in 2017 after a career of more than 20 years managing financial operations from executive and managerial positions. She has led major financial changes and corporate mergers in high-profile organizations while implementing financial and business development strategies that generated value for all company stakeholders. She has more than four years of experience in the

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas hosted a breakfast event earlier this month to honor the industry’s essential workers as part of 2021 Member of the Year celebration. This fall, the FPAA announced the Essential Worker as the 2021 Member of the Year recipient. The Essential Worker represents all those who contributed to the success of a secure food supply during the last year. From warehouse workers to administrative staff, the award was dedicated to all the employees of FPAA member companies.

During the event, attendees had the opportunity to enter a raffle where prizes included