Kent Kuwata has spent all his professional career in the retail produce industry, primarily on the West Coast, a long, long way from the Millen, GA, headquarters of the Southeast Produce Council.

But Kuwata, category manager at Smart & Final in Commerce, CA, attended the council’s first trade show in 2005 in Lakeland, FL, has not missed a show ever since and has contributed to the council in a myriad of ways, both big and small.

For those past contributions, for his ongoing support of the council, and to recognize his generous and giving character, the council will honor him with its highest

Paul Gianetto has been promoted to president of Raley’s Operating Division. Gianetto will oversee the performance and growth of Raley’s 119 stores across California and Nevada, as well as the Natomas Distribution operations.

With extensive experience and a proven track record in the grocery industry, Gianetto brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this critical position. In Gianetto’s new capacity as president of the Raley’s Operating Division, he will continue to lead the sales and merchandising functions for the organization, and report to Keith Knopf, president and CEO of The Raley

Jason Buechel, CEO of Whole Foods Market, will take on an expanded responsibility leading Amazon's Worldwide Grocery Stores while maintaining his current role.

Buechel has been with Whole Foods since 2013. Prior to his role as CEO, he served as chief operating officer, providing operational leadership over all Whole Foods physical stores, and overseeing the company’s technology, supply chain and distribution, store real estate and design, and HR functions.

In his time as CEO, Buechel has unlocked the company's ability to make high-quality natural and organic groceries more affordable and

Trinity Fruit Co. has hired Anna O’Brien as its social media and public relations specialist. O’Brien will lead all social media and public relations initiatives. She brings nearly five years of expertise in social media marketing to the table.

Before joining Trinity, O’Brien specialized in influencer marketing, gaining experience across brand operations, influencer partnerships and affiliate marketing. During this time, she built strong relationships with top-tier brands like Walmart, Target and Nordstrom, facilitating successful influencer collaborations. Additionally, O’Brien worked

Elephant House Public Relations has added registered dietitian Amy Davis as its consumer media specialist. This strategic hire highlights the agency's dedication to providing top-tier support for brands in the fresh produce industry. With the addition of Davis, Elephant House PR now boasts a team of five dedicated PR experts, each contributing unique expertise to help clients achieve their public relations goals.

Davis’ extensive background as a media dietitian, spokesperson, writer, recipe developer and business strategist positions her as a trusted expert in nutrition communication. Her

JOH, a leading independent food broker based in Billerica, MA, hired Brian LaMarche as the director of produce and fresh in the north-central region. 

This move reflects JOH’s continued commitment to expanding its presence in the north-central market to deliver exceptional service and results to clients and customers.

LaMarche joined the JOH team with 25 years of experience in the produce industry. He began his career as a produce manager at Nash Finch Co. and later served as a produce and floral specialist and category manager at Coborn’s, where he ensured the store exceeded sales