Grimmway Farms announced that David Bright has joined the team as vice president of marketing. Bright will direct marketing functions for all product lines at Grimmway, including the Cal-Organic Farms and Bunny-Luv brands as well as the company’s foodservice, industrial and ingredients divisions.

Grimmway, one of the largest carrot producers in the world and one of the largest largest organic vegetable producers in the U.S., sells carrots and over 65 varieties of organic vegetables year-round. In addition to steering the strategy for marketing Grimmway’s new and existing products, Bright will

Donald Creighton Rae Sobey, chair emeritus of Sobeys' parent company Empire Co. Ltd. and son of the Sobey’s grocery store founder, has died. He was 86 years old.

“Donald’s impact on the Empire group of companies was profound. He was a brilliant businessperson, and his legacy of value creation speaks for itself,” said Jim Dickson, chair of Empire. “But beyond his success in business, Donald was someone who cared deeply for his community, giving his time, energy, and resources to support so many important causes across the country. The impact of his generosity will certainly be felt for

Zespri’s leadership continues to evolve as plans emerge to meet the growing demand of Zespri SunGold kiwifruit. As part of the expansion plan, Zespri will establish a New York office in 2022 to supplement its West Coast presence. Dan Riley will assume the responsibilities from Glen Arrowsmith as market manager North America in addition to launching the New York office. Arrowsmith will transition from the North American team mid-year relocating back to New Zealand.

“We would like to thank Glen for successfully laying the foundation of our North American business. He has been a key pillar in

Wada Farms Marketing Group announces new hires in the company’s National Sales and Marketing Team. Industry veterans Stephanie Bench, Susi Torigian, and Fran Torigian have joined Wada Farms to further develop and diversify Wada’s ever expanding commodity portfolio.

“We are excited with the talent and experience that Stephanie, Susi, and Fran bring to our team. Their combined insight and industry prowess will help bring Wada to the next level in customer service and portfolio diversification. Our customers will benefit with these new team additions by helping them achieve next level results,”

Sunview Marketing International of California Inc. has hired Bryan Roberts as its director of retail development.

“The creation of this new position is another example of Sunview’s deep commitment to our customers and is an additional step in demonstrating our grape category leadership," said Mitch Wetzel, vice president of sales and marketing. "Brian will be working closely with customers across the country to provide them with insights, strategies, tactics, and service as we look towards the 2021 Central Valley grape season that will kick off in July.”

Roberts has strong roots in the

When Ron Dandrea, a 30-plus-year veteran of the produce industry, died last April 11 after a battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 57, his family and friends were not able to give him the proper memorial he deserved.

In lieu of a traditional funeral, the family of Mr. Dandrea is extending an invitation to a day of remembrance of a celebration of life on Sunday, April 11 at noon at St. Augustine Prep., in Richland, NJ.

“He passed away at the peak of the pandemic, and we were unable to have a traditional ceremony or funeral because of that,” said his daughter Ali Dandrea, who continues