Kegel’s Produce, a 70-year-old family-owned business located in Lancaster, PA, announced the retirement of Jim Sahd, who for the last two decades managed the company’s accounting department.

In a statement, Kegel’s said that Sahd was a fundamental part of the growth of Kegel’s during his tenure, guiding the department with a mix of humor, integrity, compassion, commitment, loyalty and a strong work ethic.

“We have had the honor of working with one of the best in the business,” according to the statement. “While we are sad to see him go, we remain happy that we had the opportunity to work

Marking 17 years of recognizing exceptional retail produce managers, United Fresh Produce Association announced the honorees of its 2021 Retail Produce Manager Awards Program. This year’s cohort of 25 produce managers represents supermarket banners, commissaries and independent retail stores from 21 different states and one Canadian province. The winners will be the honored guests during United Fresh 2021 this June.

Sponsored by Dole Food Co., the program pays special recognition to produce managers working every day on the front line to increase sales and consumption of fresh fruits and

Premium fresh food producer FiveStar Gourmet Foods, Makers of Simply Fresh, is bringing aboard proven produce industry leader Michael Solomon as president, effective immediately. Reporting to CEO Tal Shoshan, Solomon will oversee all day-to-day operations out of the company’s Ontario, CA, headquarters. Shoshan will continue to oversee the company’s innovation and strategic growth.

FiveStar Gourmet Foods owns Simply Fresh and has been producing premium, healthy foods for more than two decades. With multiple processing SQF level 3 USDA/FDA facilities nationwide, FiveStar produces and

Frank Muir, who has been president and CEO of the Idaho Potato Commission since July 2003, announced that he would be retiring in six months.

“In my commission meeting on Wednesday [March 24], I made an announcement on my plans to retire,” Muir told The Produce News. “I haven’t set a specific date,” but it will be sometime around mid-September.

When Muir took the helm at the IPC 18 years ago, farm gate revenues for Idaho potatoes were at a 15-year low. Nationally, the famous and once highly regarded Idaho russet had lost much of its sheen; studies showed that although almost everyone

Dollar General announced the planned retirement of Mike Kindy, the company’s executive vice president of global supply chain, effective April 15. During his tenure with the company, he drove tremendous expansion, highlighted by the addition of nine traditional distribution centers, the inception of the DG Fresh supply chain that now includes 10 DG Fresh facilities, and the creation of the DG Private Fleet network that now includes more than 550 drivers.

“Mike’s retirement comes after an outstanding career marked by exceptional leadership in supply chain innovation and operational excellence,”

The designation of March as Women’s History Month perfectly aligns with the start of this year’s California avocado season, which presented the concept to interview the three women that currently sit on the California Avocado Commission.

Jessica Hunter, secretary of CAC, joined the family-owned farming and packing operation — Del Rey Avocado Co. — almost 20 years ago. She has been on the board for five years. Rachael K. Laenen is assistant ranch manager of Santa Paula, CA-based Kimball Ranches - El Hogar, and is the fourth generation of avocado growers in her family. She joined the CAC board