The California Fresh Fruit Association and the California Table Grape Commission are presenting table grape industry leader Domenick (Cookie) Bianco with the Lifetime Achievement Award at CFFA’s 88th annual meeting on March 11.

This joint recognition will honor Bianco’s lifetime of service to the California table grape industry. The Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed upon an individual whose pioneering spirit and demonstrated inventiveness throughout his/her career, inspired others and influenced the industry in a positive way.

Bianco has spent his entire life working in agriculture, and

Apeel Sciences appointed Luiz Beling as its new CEO. With over two decades of agriculture industry experience, Beling brings a wealth of knowledge and skills in driving innovation and fostering strategic partnerships. This background will be invaluable as he steers the company into its next phase of growth.

Beling most recently held leadership roles at Farmer's Business Network and Bayer Crop Science, where he led large teams across multiple geographies that accelerated business growth and increased customer satisfaction. His career has been characterized by a commitment to finding healthy

In order to expand its national reach and influence, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas added the services of industry veterans John Toner and Phil Gruszka as business development directors.  

“FPAA is the home for distributors of fresh fruits and vegetables from Mexico, no matter whether a company crosses its produce in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona or  California,” said FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer. “Food safety issues, USDA inspections and other market access issues occur at all ports of entry, and FPAA provides a national voice for all distributors of fresh produce from Mexico.”

Weis Markets promoted Mike Umstead to vice president of talent development and associate relations. Prior to his promotion, he worked as the company’s director of field human resources. He succeeds Bob Cline who is retiring.

In this position, Umstead oversees talent and organization development, succession management, associate relations and engagement, career development programs and human resources policies and practices. He reports to Jim Marcil, senior vice president of human resources.

Umstead began his 24-year Weis career as a part-time front-end associate. He has worked as a store

Lipman Family Farms has added four new board members, bringing a wealth of diverse expertise and perspectives to guide the company through its next phase of growth. The newly appointed board members are John Corso, Beth Newlands Campbell, Jorge Fenyvesi and Jared Lipman.

Corso, former CEO of The Coastal Cos., adds valuable experience in distribution, manufacturing, transportation and logistics. Under his leadership, Coastal grew revenue from $85 million to over $600 million and emerged as a leading produce distributor and processor in the mid-Atlantic. His strategic perspective and operations

Big Y Foods Inc. announced six new appointments: John P. Fraro as senior director of fresh foods, Devyn Blais as vice president of finance, Iliana Del Valle-Colon as director of deli, bakery & kitchen, David J. Argento as director of pharmacy, James T. Billingsley as director of accounting and Amanda M. Pereira as director of treasury.

“It’s always gratifying to see dedicated and talented individuals grow within our company," said Michael P. D’Amour, Big Y president and CEO. "I’m confident that through their collaboration, we will continue to innovate and excel in serving our communities.”

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