John MacDonald has been named vice president of marketing for The Giant Co., effective immediately. He will report directly to John Ruane, president of The Giant Co.

“John is a passionate and talented marketer, with a knack for building dynamic teams that deliver creative and strategic marketing initiatives to drive results,” said Ruane. “With his extensive knowledge of both our business and customers, I’m excited to see how John will elevate The Giant Co. brand and deepen the relationships we have with our loyal customers.”

A veteran of the retail and healthcare industries with more than 30

Big Y Foods' Fresh & Local Distribution Center team is transitioning its leadership: Stephen M. Creed, vice president of distribution and logistics, will be retiring, and Eric A. Swensen will be appointed to the same role.

After over 45 years of diverse experience in the distribution industry and five years at Big Y, Creed will be retiring at the end of this month. His expansive background in all areas of logistics and distribution has helped to transform Big Y’s distribution division. His efforts include implementation of a new warehouse management system, improved communications and

Wholesum has added the fourth generation of Crisantes into its sales team. Carolina Crisantes, daughter of Theojary Crisantes Jr., chief operations officer and co-owner of Wholesum, is the first of the fourth generation to join the team. This strategic move signifies the farm's enduring commitment to excellence, continuity and stewardship of its legacy.

As the company grows, the integration of the fourth generation into the sales team marks a significant milestone in its evolution. This transition reflects the farm's commitment to preserving its core values while adapting to the changing

Guido Doddoli Cárdenas has joined Calavo Growers as sales manager, export division for Calavo Foods. In this role, Doddoli will be focus on building and managing sales for the Calavo’s guacamole and processed avocado business in Mexico, the United States and other international markets.

Doddoli comes to Calavo with an illustrious family heritage and deep-rooted experience in the Mexican avocado industry, including growing, production and project management in fresh and processed avocados.

Prior to joining the sales team at Calavo, Doddoli worked as sales manager for Grupo Freza where he

Patti Sosa, who spent more than 40 years with the Las Cruces, NM-based Charles Johnson Co., died April 24 of heart failure, after a couple years of declining health.

“She will be sorely missed,” said Charley Johnson, company president whose grandfather started the company more than 70 years ago. “I’ve known Patti since she was 5 or 6 years old and used to hang around here with her father who worked for us.”

Johnson said Ms. Sosa began working officially for the company as a teenager, running the onion packing plant for about 10 years. “I brought her into the office about 35 years ago,” he

For their commitment to fresh produce, innovative merchandising, community service and customer satisfaction, 20 produce managers have been recognized by the 2024 Retail Produce Managers Award Program from the International Fresh Produce Association.

“On the front lines, produce managers work incredibly hard to keep the produce department stocked, creatively merchandized, and inviting to customers,” said Joe Watson, IFPA vice president of retail, foodservice and wholesale membership. “This year’s award winners are instrumental in connecting with consumers and influencing them to choose