Recently, Cathy Burns took the stage at the Global Produce & Floral Show and showed us a bit about what Artificial Intelligence is poised to do — not just for our industry, but for the world.

For two years now, she has recognized the polarizing views on AI in business that it will either be the solution to our tight labor market, or it will be a job killer. As the conversations have evolved, the answer is likely somewhere in the middle. It’s more likely that people who use AI in their businesses will outpace those who don’t.

According to McKinsey research, the sectors most likely to be

Bonita Packing Co. and Betteravia Farms announce that CEO Joe Leonard will be retiring in spring 2025. This follows a remarkable 17-year tenure of leadership that has significantly shaped the company’s growth and expansion.

Leonard joined Bonipak as its CEO in 2007, bringing with him a towering presence, a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to business management. Since joining the company, Leonard has been instrumental in driving the company’s strategic initiatives surrounded by a strong senior management team, fostering a culture of innovation and championing a customer-centric

Index Fresh, a global leader in quality avocado production and marketing, announced the addition of Carlos Duarte to its sales and business development team. Duarte is a Ventura County resident who has been immersed in the world of avocados for over a decade. Most recently, he served as an account manager for Calavo Growers, focused on fresh sales for key accounts nationwide. Drawn to Index Fresh’s extensive and impressive history, Duarte appreciates the high value the company places on stability and fostering lasting relationships.

“We are thrilled to welcome Carlos to our team,” said Steve

Charles (Chuck) Zambito, long-time owner of Zambito Produce Sales in West Deptford, NJ, died at the age of 85.

His company was a mainstay in the Philadelphia produce scene for nearly 50 years, handling potatoes, California Navel oranges, onions and mixed vegetables, and Mr. Zambito was the driving force behind its success.

Early in his career, while working in the Philadelphia area, Mr. Zambito met the love of his life, Bobbie. They settled in south Jersey where they raised their three children (Frank, Nicole and Christine). A big family man, Mr. Zambito proudly spoke of his kids and four

Meg Ham, president of Food Lion, plans to retire May 2, 2025, after more than 35 years with the organization. Parent company Ahold Delhaize said a successor will be announced before year-end.

Ham has been at the helm of Food Lion for more than a decade and has been part of the brand’s unprecedented growth, grounded in Food Lion’s heritage of customer service and convenient locations.

“Meg has been an outstanding leader at Ahold Delhaize USA and has led Food Lion during one of the brand’s most exciting times as it repositioned itself to better serve customers, while staying true to its core

Weis Markets has promoted Doug Becker to vice president of fresh merchandising and Angela Charnosky to vice president of enterprise services.

Becker has more than 40 years of store-level and merchandising management experience, most recently as director of meat merchandising. In addition to meat, he now oversees the company’s produce, deli/foodservice, bakery, seafood and floral departments. He reports to Bob Gleeson, senior vice president of merchandising and marketing.

Charnosky, who joined the company in 2021, has more than 20 years of experience in multiple information technology