In our tightly knit industry, where careers often span companies and networks share experiences and challenges, the culture we cultivate within our organizations has a profound impact not only on our own success but on the industry as a whole. Creating a company culture of inclusion and belonging is a strategic advantage that influences the broader industry culture.

Culture is how work gets done. It’s how people behave, interact and work toward a common goal. When we build a strong company culture that reflects our values and motivates our people to contribute to their full potential, we set

There’s no shortage of commentary on the breakdown of the paper ceiling, or the degree requirement as a cost of entry for jobs. Everyone is saying that the paper ceiling is being torn up, and that may be true in some respects, for example, it’s becoming less and less common across many industries to see a degree as a requirement to apply.

This is not to say that talent entering the workforce from universities or degree programs will be less desirable. It’s instead a campaign to focus less on the paperwork and more on your actual skillset and learning experiences you’ve had to be able to do a

JOH, a leading independent food brokerage based in Billerica, MA, announced two leadership changes that will take effect with the start of 2025.

John Saidnawey, currently chairman and CEO, will become executive chairman of the board, and Matt O’Hare, currently president and chief operating officer, has been promoted to CEO.

The company said these changes mark the next exciting chapter in JOH’s history as it continues to chart a path for growth in the dynamic and evolving CPG industry.

O’Hare will become just the fourth CEO in JOH’s 68 years in business.

Saidnawey began his career at JOH in

This March marks four years since the COVID-19 global pandemic. Life abruptly halted and staying home became a necessity. It disrupted every aspect of our lives, and our workforce was no exception. Perhaps one of the most profound impacts, and one we are still feeling today, is the effect on women in the workforce. From job losses to increased caregiving responsibilities, the pandemic highlighted and exacerbated existing gender disparities.

Many businesses were forced to shut down or reduce operations, resulting in widespread job losses. Unfortunately, women bore the brunt of these losses

The National Mango Board announced the appointment of six new members to its board by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These individuals will serve a three-year term, beginning Jan. 1, 2025, and ending Dec. 31, 2027.

The newly appointed members are:

• District I Importer: Albert Perez, Miami
• District I Importer: Luis Orrantia, Doral, FL
• Domestic Producer: Umi Martin, Waimea, HI
• First Handler: Luis Gabriel Cintron, Miami
• Foreign Producer: Helena Medeiros, João Pessoa Petrolina, Brazil
• Foreign Producer: Jose Angel Crespo, El Rosario, Sinaloa, Mexico

“We are excited to work with our

Avocados From Mexico recently appointed Curt Webber, formally with PepsiCo, to lead the foodservice business as director of sales and marketing.

In his new role, Webber will be responsible for leading the strategic development and execution of AFM’s foodservice agenda to drive brand equity and long-term demand for fresh avocados in the United States by developing strategic partnerships with operators across restaurants, universities, contract feeders and distributors.

Webber will utilize his prior experience with foodservice sports and entertainment to oversee the Avo Eats branded