Elanie Mason, who previously served as the Florida Watermelon Queen, will now take on the role of the watermelon industry’s official promotional ambassador for the next year after being named National Watermelon Queen at the recent National Watermelon Association 110th annual convention in Austin, TX.

Mason’s experience representing Florida will serve her well as she embarks on a nationwide journey to promote watermelon, engage with consumers, and support the industry’s marketing and educational efforts.

The crowning was the culmination of a competition between Mason and the other state

Tom Hughes Sr., the founder of EarthFresh (formerly known as Mackay and Hughes) died Feb. 28. He was 89. Mr. Hughes' lifelong passion for the produce industry began in 1963 when he and his business partner, Dave MacKay, established a potato brokerage office at the Ontario Food Terminal. They distributed potatoes shipped primarily by rail from Prince Edward Island, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving business.

Before long, Mackay and Mr. Hughes expanded into their own warehouse in Etobicoke, ON. With a dedicated rail siding, a fleet of company vehicles, and its own repacking

JOH, a leading independent food broker based in Billerica, MA, has hired Anne Rakosky as an account manager for Produce & Fresh in the North Central Region.

Rakosky brings 16 years of experience in the food industry, with a strong background in sales, marketing, product development and client relations. She began her career in mass market floral as a marketing manager for Encore Floral Marketing, where she managed key accounts for major grocery retailers, led sourcing and product development. 

Most recently, Rakosky worked as a senior business development manager at a national sales and

Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen has resigned from the company following a board investigation of his personal conduct that, while unrelated to the business, was inconsistent with Kroger's policy on business ethics. The board has appointed Lead Director Ronald Sargent to serve as chairman of the board of directors and interim CEO, effective immediately. The board also announced that Mark Sutton will serve as Kroger's lead independent director, also effective immediately.

On Feb. 21, the board was made aware of certain personal conduct by McMullen and immediately retained outside

Per Bank, president and CEO of Loblaw Cos. Ltd., has been nominated for appointment to Ahold Delhaize’s supervisory board. Before joining Loblaw Bank worked at companies such as Salling Group, Tesco, Coop and Mars.

"Per is a seasoned executive with international retail experience," said Peter Agnefjäll, chair of the board. 

The company also hopes to reappoint Jan Zijderveld to the supervisory board, where he has served since 2021. Zijderveld is a member of the audit, finance and risk committee and technology committee. Zijderveld also serves as a non-executive director for Pandora and member

Main Street Produce named Steve Circle as its new director of sales. With an extensive background in sales, business development and operations in the fresh produce industry, Circle brings a wealth of experience that will help drive the company's continued growth and commitment to quality.

Circle’s career spans over three decades in the fresh produce sector, with leadership roles at Veg-Fresh Farms, Sunrise Growers and previously at Main Street Produce. During his tenure at Veg-Fresh Farms, he built a berry division from the ground up. While with Veg-Fresh Farms and Sunrise Growers, Circle