Family Tree Farms has hired Leighton Dill as its marketing manager, effective immediately.

Coming from a fifth-generation farm and ranch in Chowchilla, CA, Dill's agricultural journey started at a young age.  After graduating with a bachelor's degree in agribusiness from Oklahoma State University, she honed her skills as a research analyst for the Oklahoma Wheat Program. However, it was her passion for agricultural marketing that led her to switch gears and pursue a new route.

JOH, a leading independent food broker based in Billerica, MA, with 17 offices and strategic partnerships across the United States, announced the promotions of Beth McGuire and Rich Martin to the positions of vice president of produce in the New England and metro regions, respectively, and Bill Nolan to the position of director of produce, New England.

In their newly expanded roles, McGuire, Martin and Nolan will help lead business development initiatives and manage the day-to-day activities for the New England and Metro teams.

JOH’s produce division has seen impressive results since it was

John Gee, vice president of sales at Eagle Eye Produce, was recognized for his dedication to the watermelon industry at the National Watermelon Association’s 109th annual convention in Scottsdale, AZ, where he received the highly esteemed Outstanding Service Award.

The Outstanding Service Award is a rare and distinguished honor reserved for individuals who exemplify the highest levels of dedication and commitment to the National Watermelon Association.

Gee has been recognized for his exceptional leadership and unwavering support, guiding the NWA through a critical period of executive

Mission Produce Inc. named John Pawlowski as its new president and chief operating officer, effective April 1. Steve Barnard will continue to serve as Mission Produce’s CEO and a member of the board of directors.

Pawlowski is a highly accomplished executive leader joining Mission with more than 25 years in the global food and foodservice industry, specializing in business development, system optimization and executive team management. He has a proven track record of leading international market growth strategies in large global organizations such as J.M. Smucker, where he progressed over more

Lidl US appointed four industry powerhouses to the company’s leadership team: Tod Seiling, vice president of fresh; Miguel Paradela, executive vice president of purchasing and chief commercial officer; Frank Kerr, chief customer officer; and Michael Chao, head of marketing.  

Paradela will be responsible for setting the long-term strategy for the buying and merchandising function at Lidl US. He has over 25 years of experience with the international grocer, where he most recently served as the general manager of purchasing and marketing for Lidl Spain.

Kerr as the company’s first ever chief

The Vidalia Onion Committee announced the induction of Delbert Bland, founder of Bland Farms, into the prestigious Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place on Saturday, Feb. 10, honoring Bland's outstanding contributions to the Vidalia onion industry.

Established in 1991, the Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame annually recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to the growth and success of the Vidalia onion. Bland was selected for this honor based on his unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting the Vidalia onion brand.

"Delbert