LOS ANGELES, CA - ProducePay, the agtech company transforming the global agricultural industry into a more predictable, connected, and sustainable supply chain, announced the appointment of Nathan Gilliland as Chief Financial Officer, Yuin Choe as Senior Vice President of Treasury, and Diana Simeonova as Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Controller. These strategic additions bring decades of leadership and expertise to ProducePay as the company continues to expand technology services on its platform and grow its sourcing programs for growers, marketers, and retailers across the entire global fresh produce supply chain.

Gilliland, with more than 30 years of experience in finance, technology, and energy, has raised more than $600 million in venture capital and led four pre-revenue companies from launch to rapid growth. He will drive ProducePay’s financial strategy, bringing insight and experience that position the company for further success in scaling its operations.

Choe, a veteran in corporate finance with more than 15 years of experience in debt capital markets, cash management, risk management, and corporate insurance, will focus on enhancing ProducePay’s financial operational capacity. Previously holding senior roles at J.D. Power, Belkin International, and Hyundai Capital America, he brings a depth of knowledge in financial optimization that is essential as ProducePay grows.

Simeonova brings nearly two decades of extensive experience in global corporate controllership and financial operations, with a focus on technology, SaaS, and manufacturing sectors. Before joining ProducePay, she held various financial leadership positions where she played a key role in overseeing financial operations, building high-performing accounting teams, and implementing industry-leading financial practices and systems to scale businesses and drive growth, including facilitating successful exits. Her leadership and financial expertise will be critical in strengthening ProducePay's financial infrastructure.

“Nathan’s expertise in capital markets, finance, and technology makes him the ideal leader to continue driving our mission of transforming the fresh produce industry with technology services that reduce food and economic waste,” said Patrick McCullough, CEO of ProducePay. “Yuin and Diana will be instrumental in helping us scale our growing portfolio and ensure best-in-class financial operations as we expand geographically along with our suite of products.”

These appointments come at a pivotal year for ProducePay as it continues to digitize the fresh produce sector, a press release explained. To date, the company has facilitated more than $10 billion worth of fresh produce transactions across 60 fresh produce commodities globally.

Incorporating financing, program management, payments, and quality visibility, the company’s Predictable Commerce Platform helps its customers across the fresh produce supply chain grow while capturing value in the form of reduced economic inefficiencies and food waste. When bundling these services in the form of its Predictable Commerce Programs, ProducePay has also been able to secure a supply of high-quality fresh produce for the world’s largest marketers and retailers. These programs are having real results for growers, marketers, and the world’s most respected retailers.

In 2024, ProducePay’s Predictable Commerce Program procured three million cases of Mexican table grapes for over a dozen top U.S. retailers—a sevenfold increase in volume compared to 2023—with a 90 percent reduction in retail rejections, bringing them to nearly one percent. This achievement was accompanied by predictable pricing, enhanced quality, and robust traceability enabled by the company’s Visibility solution and a network of more than 100 agronomists on the ground.

This year, the company plans to expand its programs to additional commodities and regions. Recently, ProducePay launched pilot programs for avocados and berries, with full-scale rollouts expected later this year.

“We have proven the impact of bundling our suite of technology products within our Predictable Commerce Programs and the positive outcomes they bring to the industry. It’s time for us to evolve, go even further, and prove that we can scale these benefits to our customers, capturing value while reducing waste and inefficiencies.

MEXICO - Recent reports show a cold front blanketing northern parts of Mexico, resulting in plummeting temperatures, rain, and snowfall. The winter phenomenon—known as Cold Front 25—is currently in its peak and is expected to last through January 31.

The Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) predicted temperatures will plunge as low as -15°C as a result of the cold front, driven by complex weather systems such as cyclonic patterns and polar jet streams, which are interacting to create winter conditions across multiple states.

The Pinnacle Gazette reported that temperatures are forecasted to drop substantially, with certain mountainous areas expected to experience freezing conditions. The cold front also threatens icy conditions, prompting the SMN to advise avoiding travel if possible and remaining alert to local advisories.

The following temperature ranges are predicted: Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, and Durango will see lows of -10 to -15 degrees Celsius during the coldest period. Meanwhile, areas including Baja California Sur and Michoacán may register temperatures between -5 and 0 degrees Celsius.

Tomorrow, January 31, is expected to see continued cold snaps, with temperatures sustaining lows of -10 to -5°C.

For more weather updates and industry news, leave a tab open to ANUK.

DALLAS, TX - Elephant House Public Relations is excited to announce the expansion of its team with the addition of Amy Davis, RDN, as Consumer Media Specialist. This strategic hire highlights the agency's dedication to providing top-tier support for brands in the fresh produce industry. With the addition of Amy, Elephant House PR now boasts a team of five dedicated PR experts, each contributing unique expertise to help clients achieve their public relations goals.

Amy’s extensive background as a media dietitian, spokesperson, writer, recipe developer, and business strategist positions her as a trusted expert in nutrition communication. Her work has been featured in leading publications such as Shape, Women’s Health, Well+Good, RealSimple, and Parade, as well as on TV and digital media platforms.

“I’ve always envisioned a team that brings together diverse expertise to help elevate fresh produce brands and add immense value to our clients, and Amy is the perfect addition to help us achieve that,” said Beth Keeton, Owner and President of Elephant House PR. “Her unique blend of health and media expertise enhances our ability to meet the growing demand for RD knowledge in consumer media while solidifying our role as a trusted resource for the brands we serve.”

The addition of Amy Davis not only strengthens the agency’s consumer media efforts but also reinforces its commitment to growth and client success, a press release stated. By combining deep expertise in public relations, media strategy, and evidence-based nutrition communication, Elephant House PR is uniquely equipped to support brands in creating meaningful connections with their audiences.

“I’m thrilled to join Elephant House PR and bring my passion for health and storytelling to this incredible team,” said Amy Davis. “The agency’s vision for excellence and its impact-driven approach are inspiring, and I’m excited to create innovative opportunities for our clients that are committed to wellness and high-quality products.”

As Consumer Media Specialist, Amy will focus on generating strategic media opportunities, developing educational content, and amplifying brand messaging for Elephant House PR’s clients. Her addition reflects the agency’s dedication to delivering exceptional results and fostering authentic connections between brands and consumers.

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - The Raley’s Companies is pleased to announce that Paul Gianetto has been promoted to President of Raley’s Operating Division. Paul will oversee the performance and growth of Raley’s 119 stores across California and Nevada, as well as the Natomas Distribution operations.

With extensive experience and a proven track record in the grocery industry, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this critical position. In Paul’s new capacity as President of the Raley’s Operating Division, he will continue to lead the Sales and Merchandising functions for the organization, and report to Keith Knopf, President and CEO, The Raley’s Companies.

“Paul is an outstanding and proven executive. Over the past 16 years, Paul has shaped Raley’s strategies and proven to be an excellent servant leader. Always seeking to put the health of our customers and the success of our team members at the forefront,” said Keith Knopf, President and CEO, The Raley’s Companies. “Raley’s is fortunate to have such a skilled and experienced leader to assume the helm of our largest operating division.”

According to a press release, Paul began his career with a small chain of family-owned convenience stores in Anaheim before joining Ralphs Grocery Company for a 21-year stint, moving up through Store Operations prior to holding various Marketing and Merchandising roles.

Paul joined Raley’s in 2008, excelling through several key roles positioning him to serve as Senior Vice President of Sales and Merchandising the past seven years, where his strategic vision and impactful leadership have contributed to Raley’s continued success.

To further support the Raley’s store operations, Natalie Slatter has been promoted to Vice President, Store Operations. In her new role, Natalie will lead store operations of all Raley’s stores, along with operations solutions and communications.

“Natalie’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence have significantly enhanced our efficiency and stores, making her an invaluable asset to our team,” said Paul Gianetto, President, Raley’s Operating Division. “I am excited to see her take on this expanded role, and confident in her ability to enhance our store operations and customer experience.”

Natalie joined Raley’s in 1999 as a night baker at Bel Air. She progressed through various ranks becoming Store Director, then District Team Leader and Director of Operational Excellence, most recently serving as Executive Director of Operations Solutions and Communications.

MONTREAL - METRO INC. has kicked off Fiscal 2025 with a strong performance, reporting its first-quarter results for the period ending December 21, 2024. The company highlighted notable growth across key metrics, showcasing its resilience and strategic focus in both the food and pharmacy sectors.

According to the press release, METRO's highlights this fiscal quarter were:

• Sales of $5,117.1 million, up 2.9 percent
• Food same-store sales up 1.0 percent and up 2.4 percent when adjusting for the Christmas week shift
• Pharmacy same-store sales up 5.1 percent
• Net earnings of $259.5 million, up 13.6%, and adjusted net earnings of $245.4 million, up 4.4 percent
• Fully diluted net earnings per share of $1.16, up 17.2 percent, and adjusted fully diluted net earnings per share of $1.10, up 7.8 percent
• Declared dividend of $0.37 per share, up 10.4 percent versus last year

"We are pleased with our first quarter results which were driven by solid revenue growth and good expense control. Our commercial programs continue to resonate with customers, aided by the successful launch of our Moi Rewards program in Ontario this fall, leading to increased traffic and tonnage. Our teams are focused on delivering value in all our banners and leveraging our recent supply chain investments. We are confident in our ability to continue to create long-term shareholder value," stated Eric La Flèche, President and Chief Executive Officer.

METRO’s strategic initiatives, including the successful rollout of the Moi Rewards program in Ontario, have played a pivotal role in driving customer engagement and traffic. The company’s focus on operational efficiency and supply chain investments has further strengthened its position in the competitive retail landscape.

As METRO continues to build on its momentum, the company remains committed to delivering value across its banners and creating long-term growth opportunities for its shareholders.