DNO Produce Inc., a leading wholesale distributor and fresh-cut produce processor in central Ohio, has promoted Kevin Allen to be the education sales director.

This new role was created to help support the demand of fresh-cut, individually wrapped produce in the K-12 foodservice segment. “Over the past year our FRESHEALTH, fresh-cut line of products has grown significantly. Having a dedicated sales leader directing the outreach and support for this large segment is a huge benefit for our future growth,” said Jeremy Taylor, vice president of sales at DNO Produce.

Allen has been a part of the

Sliced apples specialist Crunch Pak hired Andy Kimbrel as director of sales and marketing. Kimbrel comes to the company with 12 years of experience in the footwear industry at LaCrosse Footwear Inc., where he directed regional sales for several premium footwear brands and managed accounts such as REI, Filson, Scheels, Zappos, and federal and local governments.

In addition to his sales and marketing roles at Crunch Pak, Kimbrel is charged with helping further grow brand awareness.

“All sales and marketing departments benefit from increased collaboration; we anticipate Andy’s experience with

Longtime grape grower and co-owner of Anthony Vineyards Robert (Bobby) Bianco died unexpectedly at 78 on March 6 after undergoing a routing medical procedure.

Mr. Bianco, along with his brother Dominic (Cookie) Bianco, was long associated with Sun World Inc. and was credited with being the first commercial grower of the red Flame Seedless grape in the mid-1970s. The brothers Bianco vertically integrated in the 1990s when they established Anthony Vineyards as a shipping operation as well as grower entity. Over the years, Anthony Vineyards established extensive operations in both the San

Jim Leimkuhler, CEO of Progressive Produce LLC, announced his retirement, effective March 31, after 35 years in the produce industry. The last 25 years have been spent with Progressive Produce in Los Angeles where he was instrumental in building it into a well-respected produce company that serves national and regional grocery chains, and foodservice companies throughout the United States.

"My life and career at Progressive Produce have meant so very much to me," said Leimkuhler. "I feel so blessed to have been given the opportunity to come here in 1995 as the chief financial officer, to be

After 27 years as Peak of the Market’s president and CEO, Larry McIntosh announced his retirement. He will continue to be with Peak of the Market until at least June.

“Larry’s commitment, dedication and extreme passion to the produce industry and to Peak of the Market will not be forgotten," said Peter Loewen, chair of Peak of the Market. "We are grateful for his contributions and wish him nothing but the best in the future.”

Beth Connery, vice chair of Peak of the Market, said, “Today, we are celebrating Larry’s many years and accomplishments with Peak of the Market.  The board of directors

Weis Markets announced the promotion of Bob Gleeson to senior vice president of merchandising and marketing.

In this position, Gleeson will oversee the company’s fresh and center store merchandising, sales and procurement, marketing and advertising. He reports to Weis Markets’ Chief Operating Officer Kurt Schertle.

Gleeson joined Weis Markets in 2019 as vice president of fresh merchandising. He began his career in the industry at Shoppers Food Warehouse in 1984 as a part-time grocery associate. During his 29-year career with Shoppers, which is based in Lanham, MD, and subsequently Supervalu