J&C Tropicals announced the appointment of Jessie Capote Esq. as its new CEO. He assumed responsibilities Jan. 1, 2021, and succeeds Carlos Capote.

Jessie Capote has been part of the J&C Tropicals team for over 13 years. During this time, he has led the transformative growth of each department — from finance, farming, and distribution operations to procurement domestically and abroad and acquiring new sales channels. The company's revenue and market share has grown 30 percent while also developing new and exciting products and services.

Capote has also been an integral part of defining the

Moxxy Marketing has added Beth Adan, an experienced marketer, SEO strategist and content creator, in a new role of marketing director to manage brand objectives and increase agency visibility.

Adan has an extensive background in marketing, PR and content creation, most recently in the cannabis, hemp and CBD industries. She will propel Moxxy’s marketing to increase thought-leadership and continue to expand audiences and opportunities in the fresh produce industry.

"Beth is a welcome and necessary addition to our team as we ramp up our own marketing," said Karen Nardozza, president and CEO of

Bland Farms, pioneer of the Vidalia sweet onion and international leader in the category, appointed Troy Bland as the company’s new CEO, rising from his former position as the company’s chief operating officer.

Troy’s appointment to CEO was an organizational transition mapped out by Delbert Bland, president, and Bryce Edmonson, Bland Farms’ previous CEO. Edmonson will remain involved as a senior advisor for Bland Farms, while Delbert Bland will continue in his current role as owner and president.

“Troy has grown up in the business. He works hard and it’s rewarding to see what he’s

Tim Corkill, marketing manager for FirstFruits Marketing and longtime produce industry member, died Jan. 9. He previously worked with the Pear Bureau Northwest as western regional marketing manager, California Grape Commission as western manager and with Fresh Western, River Ranch Inc. as director of marketing services.

“Tim Corkill had such a killer work ethic and a mind for the details, those qualities coupled with his enthusiasm for our business made him someone we could always trust,” said Chuck Zeutenhorst, president at FirstFruits Marketing.  Mr. Corkill was a trailblazer on the

Tony Lanasa, who ran the company VF Lanasa Produce Inc. for 60 years, died Jan. 18. He was 82.

VF Lanasa Produce Inc. was one of the original produce businesses of Richmond, VA, when Vincent Frank Lanasa brought his father’s banana business to the city and expanded to tomatoes.

Tony Lanasa’s wife, Joyce, was by his side when he died, after struggling with cancer and other illnesses. The couple had three children—Michelle, Vince and Teresa.

“He was generous, had a solid work ethic and was a strong business leader,” said his nephew Jimmy Abbott. “He was an old-fashioned produce slinger. He

Greg Sweet has been promoted to a newly created position of chief operating officer for Monterey Mushrooms. He joined the company in 1997 and has been responsible for many leadership positions, including his most recent role of regional vice president of operations for the farms and facilities in the eastern United States.  This role also included supporting our corporate technical services and innovation initiatives. 

Sweet brings more than 24 years of company and mushroom industry experience to this position. He will be responsible for leading the company’s strategic growth while managing