Randy Abhold, president of Rainier Fruit Co., will retire at the end of the month. He has a long history in the industry. “It’s difficult, if not impossible, to sum up his achievements over the last 26 years,” said Mark Zirkle, CEO of Rainier. 

Starting his career in his hometown of Yakima, WA, Abhold’s first job was working at a local restaurant. From that humble restaurant job, he was recruited by a hardware store and placed in a position that had him working the floor doing whatever needed to be done. Dedicated to the work and willing to put in the hours, he quickly moved to the sales

Jayne Alyce Bozzuto, former vice president and director of Cheshire, CT-based Bozzuto’s Inc., died Saturday, Aug. 14 at her home in North Palm Beach, FL. She was 67.

Ms. Bozzuto was born in Waterbury, CT, on Oct. 23, 1953, daughter of the late Adam J. and Lillian (Brangel) Bozzuto. She was a graduate of Regis College in Weston, MA, and obtained her master’s degree in business administration from the University of New Haven. She loved her home in Cape Cod, which she called her “Happy House.”

Ms. Bozzuto is survived by her brother, Michael A. Bozzuto of Avon, CT, and many cousins. She will be

The Southeast Produce Council is proud to announce that it will honor two outstanding gentlemen with one of its highest honors, the SEPC Lifetime Membership Award.

This distinguished award will be presented to Steve Pinkston and Frank Swanson at Southern Innovations in Savannah, GA, during the Chairman's Dinner Dance on Friday, Sept. 10.

Pinkston is a produce professional, with over 40 years in the produce industry. He retired as of June 15, 2021.

Prior to retirement, Pinkston held the position director of business development at Sunny Valley International in Glassboro, NJ. Prior to that

Nicole Wegman, senior vice president of Wegmans Brand, has been promoted to the new role of president of Wegmans Brand.

Throughout the company's 105 years, its Wegmans Brand has played an increasingly important function of differentiating the company from other food retailers. "Innovation leading to unique items with great taste that can only be found at Wegmans has helped make our stores a destination for families and food enthusiasts," the company said in a statement.

“Our mission is to help people live healthier better lives through exceptional food,” said Danny Wegman, chairman. “The

Every member of the Southeast Produce Council puts in extra time on the job because of the satisfaction that a better yield in crops, businesses and relationships brings them. But there are a select few who stand out among them who unite the region through tireless effort, extraordinary instinct and a genuine love for the produce industry.

The Southeast Produce Council is pleased to recognize several outstanding individuals who have been nominated for this year's Next Generation Award.

This prestigious award honors an SEPC member 39 years or younger who has been employed in the produce

Mucci Farms hired retail supermarket executive Dan Branson in the role of senior director of business and product development.  A third-generation produce professional, Branson joins Mucci Farms after a notable 15-year stop at Canada’s largest grocery chain, Loblaw Cos. Ltd.  Starting in procurement and merchandising category management, Branson’s career is highlighted by his role as senior director with the Loblaw Brands team that oversaw branding, innovation, and overall strategy.  

Branson is well known in the produce industry as a respected thought leader that places a high degree of