OXNARD, CA - Janis “Jan” Berk, former Partner-Owner of San Miguel Produce, Inc. (SMP) and a recognized agriculture industry leader and advocate, has retired as Chief Operating Officer of the Central Coast fresh produce grower and distributor after more than 20 years with the company. Together with her husband, SMP Founder and former President/CEO Roy Nishimori, Berk has been instrumental in building SMP into a national leader and innovator in the fresh-cut, specialty vegetable market.

SMP was acquired by Grimmway Farms in July 2024, and Berk has served as an active member of the integration team while continuing to lend her expertise to product innovation and expanding business opportunities across the SMP portfolio, including its signature Cut ‘N Clean Greens value-added product line.

“Jan is a transformative industry leader who has helped build a highly successful global business while always supporting her local community,” commented Jeff Huckaby, President and CEO of Grimmway Produce Group. “Jan and Roy’s expertise in responsible farming practices, their commitment to their employees, and their keen eye for innovative product development and marketing has made San Miguel a standout in the leafy greens category. All of us at Grimmway are deeply appreciative of the family’s legacy and Jan and Roy’s support throughout the transition process to become part of the Grimmway family of brands.”

After a distinguished career as a marketing and media executive with the Los Angeles Times and LA News Group, Berk joined the family-owned business full-time in 2002. Initially focused on SMP sales, marketing, and branding, she was named Chief Operating Officer in 2006. Known for her deep, personal passion for the farming industry, she has been instrumental in furthering SMP’s commitment to providing career opportunities for all employees and advocating on behalf of Ventura County growers at both the state and federal levels, a press release explained.

Berk was previously chair of the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Fresh-Cut Board and served as chair of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA). She is a long-time member of the Ventura County Farm Bureau and a former member of Farm Credit West’s Local Advisory Committee. She was named the IFPA Women in Produce Honoree in 2019.

“It has been a pleasure to work alongside the Grimmway team in ensuring that SMP will continue be an industry leader and innovator,” Berk said. “This operation, our employees, and the ag community in Ventura County and beyond have given us so much. As Roy and I officially step into retirement, we are both excited to watch SMP continue to grow and thrive as part of Grimmway Farms.”

Congratulations to this industry icon on an incredibly successful career!

PORTLAND, OR - Key leadership changes are taking place at New Seasons Market. It was announced that Nancy Lebold has stepped down as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. Following this news, New Seasons revealed that it has named longtime executive Dave Kauder to the newly created role of Senior Vice President of Retail.

According to KWG8, a spokesperson said that Kauder will “support New Seasons Market’s core business goals while driving customer experience, staff engagement, and local partnerships.”

Kauder got his start with New Seasons in 2016 after spending eight years with Whole Foods Market. In his new role, he will oversee day-to-day operations as the leadership transition unfolds.

KWG8 also reported that the leadership change, the company said, is “part of a broader strategic shift within New Seasons Market, designed to enhance the company’s long-term growth and success.”

We wish the best of luck to both of these executives as they take their next steps!

WESTON, FL - Thx!, a social impact program connecting consumers with farmworkers, announces the expansion of its sustainability initiative with new and returning partnerships from leading produce companies. This expansion will bring Thx!-branded products to more major retailers in 2025, including Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Winn-Dixie, and others. The program features a variety of produce, including kiwis, blueberries, cherries, pears, grapes, asparagus, lemons, citrus, and peppers, fostering meaningful connections between consumers and the individuals who cultivate their food while providing significant value to participating produce brands.

Key partners such as El Pedregal, Camposol, Imok Global, Kuara, FruVeg, SunFed, Classic Harvest, and Fudi-Food are collaborating with Thx! to enhance their relationships with shoppers and retailers, and more are scheduled to launch in the months ahead, as stated in the press release. This collaboration focuses on creating engaging consumer experiences, increasing brand visibility, and driving sales. Thx!-branded produce will be available nationwide, sharing the inspiring stories of farmworkers and helping brands differentiate themselves in the competitive produce market.

Thx! products are easily identifiable by distinctive labeling, featuring clear PLU codes or branded clamshell packaging. Each item includes a sticker showcasing a photo of the farmworker who picked or packed the produce, along with a QR code. Scanning the code allows consumers to view videos highlighting the farmworkers’ stories and aspirations. Every purchase contributes to fulfilling a farmworker’s dream—at no additional cost to the shopper—cultivating a deeper connection to the food they consume.

Plus, according to a recent survey of 3,452 consumers conducted by Farm Star Living®, 95.8 percent of respondents said that they would rather purchase a product that supported farmworkers, given the same cost, over a product that did not.

“Thx! is poised for a remarkable year,” says Martin Casanova, Co-Founder of Thx!. “This program creates a true win-win-win: for our produce partners, retailers, and farmworkers. It also offers shoppers a unique and meaningful experience. We are committed to expanding our partnerships with produce companies and retailers and are deeply grateful for the opportunity to positively impact the lives of farmworkers.”

Thx! is redefining the consumer-food relationship by offering brands and retailers a unique way to create value and purpose. By bridging the gap between consumers and farmworkers, Thx! is driving a movement of ‘doing good,’ transparency, and sustainable impact within the produce industry.

Thank you for reading AndNowUKnow.

WILMINGTON, NC - Somerfield Farms is thrilled to announce the appointment of Tom Smith as Vice President of Sales. Smith, a seasoned industry leader with over two decades of experience, leaves his long-time role as Director of Sales at California Giant Berry Farms to take on this pivotal role.

During his tenure at California Giant, Smith played an instrumental role in driving significant sales growth, expanding market share, and nurturing strategic partnerships across the fresh produce industry. His leadership and vision made him a trusted figure in the space, and his transition to Somerfield Farms marks an exciting new chapter.

"Somerfield Farms is not just another opportunity—it's a chance to be part of something truly special," said Tom Smith. "The company’s innovations, values, and dedication to customers and growers alike align perfectly with my own. I look forward to working alongside this talented team and contributing to the next phase of growth and success."

Byron Massey, President of Somerfield Farms, expressed his excitement about the addition of Smith to the team. "Tom is one of the most respected leaders in the industry, and his track record speaks for itself. His expertise, integrity, and ability to cultivate strong relationships make him the perfect fit for this role. We are excited about the impact he will have on our company’s growth and our customers' success."

Lee Kimball, a partner of Somerfield Farms, also shared his perspective: "I’ve consistently heard remarkable things about his dedication to excellence and his commitment to supporting customers in a way that reflects the values we hold at Somerfield Farms. His strategic mindset and deep understanding of the fresh produce industry will be invaluable as we expand our operations and strengthen our market presence."

Smith’s appointment comes at a time of significant growth for Somerfield Farms, which has made strides in both its domestic and international operations. The company’s recent expansion efforts and strategic alliances have positioned it as a rising leader in the industry.

As Vice President of Sales, Smith will be responsible for overseeing sales strategies, building key client relationships, and driving revenue growth across multiple markets. His focus on innovation and customer-first solutions aligns seamlessly with Somerfield Farms’ mission to provide premium-quality produce while fostering long-term partnerships.

Stay informed with the latest transitions and trends in the produce sector here at AndNowUKnow!

DALLAS, TX - Avocados From Mexico is known for serving up innovative marketing, and with a little help from a big friend, this year's Big Game is sure to be a touchdown. The brand debuts a first-of-its-kind industry innovation, the Guacline. The experience connects football fans with "Gronk AI"—the digital version of the greatest tight end in football history and Avocados From Mexico partner Rob Gronkowski. Thanks to the top-selling avocado brand, fans can engage with their favorite athlete and avocado aficionado to get his favorite guacamole recipes just in time for game day.

Visit here to interact with Gronk, learn the story behind his original buffalo Gronkamole, and snag guacamole recipes that are guaranteed to be the MVP of any game day party.

According to the press release, the generative AI platform, created with digital experience agency 270B, offers a digital experience that feels personalized and encourages users to embrace their love of the game...and guacamole. At the end of the call, fans can "Gronk and roll" on their own game day snack after downloading their recipe, ensuring the process feels truly interactive from beginning to end.

"Avocados From Mexico is always up to something good—so when they approached me and said, 'Hey, can we make the first digital avatar of you for the Big Game?' I was immediately excited to team up," said Rob Gronkowski. "I've always been drawn to creating fan experiences that are entertaining and bring a good time—and interacting with them via my avatar on the Guacline lets me do just that. Plus, they get a Gronk-approved guac recipe for the Big Game!"

From kickoff to the final whistle, the Big Game is always a good time. And, it's always better with fresh guac. In fact, the Big Game is the top occasion for avocados and guacamole, making it the perfect time to kick off the Guacline. Not only is Avocados From Mexico responsible for approximately 95 percent of avocados sales in the U.S. during the Big Game weekend, but about 250M pounds of avocados are consumed. That's enough to fill approximately 30M football helmets with guacamole—or stretch the height of 20 million Rob Gronkowskis!

"Ever since our first Big Game advertisement nearly 10 years ago, we've constantly reimagined what it means for our brand to connect with guac-loving football fans everywhere," shared Alvaro Luque, President and CEO of Avocados From Mexico. "We were determined to take our innovation to the next level this year and via our ongoing experimentation with AI, we've unlocked a way to serve up an avocado-fueled experience unlike any other. With Rob Gronkowski as our teammate, we have even more fun in store ahead of the Big Game—stay tuned!"

Keep reading for more exciting industry partnerships and announcements, here at ANUK!

PROSSER, WA - As we step into the new year, many seek effortless ways to enhance their diets with nutritious foods, aiming to achieve goals such as improved sleep, elevated energy levels, better gut health, and more. This January, two notable names, Northwest Cherries and Chukar Cherries, are collaborating to highlight the research-backed advantages of Northwest sweet cherries and encourage their inclusion in daily nutrition plans.

Karley Lange from Northwest Cherries, which operates under the Washington State Fruit Commission, emphasizes the value of these fruits, stating, “Research shows that adding sweet cherries to your diet—regardless of whether they are fresh, frozen, dried, or jarred—offers powerful health benefits. Thanks to simple preservation techniques, cherries are not just a summer fruit!”

Extensive studies, in collaboration with Washington State University, have identified key health benefits:

• Rest Easier – Sweet cherries are a natural source of serotonin, melatonin, and tryptophan. Studies suggest that these compounds can improve the quality of sleep, giving the body time to repair and restore itself. Consuming a serving of cherries, about half a cup dried, an hour before bedtime can stabilize and regulate sleep.
• Lower Stress – Along with helping sleep patterns, serotonin may lower stress and improve mood. On a cellular level, cherry phenolics also work as antioxidants to offer some protection against oxidative stress.
• Support Gut Health – A recent study suggests that the phenolics and anthocyanins in dark sweet cherries may have a beneficial effect on the gut microbiome. The compounds appear to keep in check certain bacteria linked to inflammation, preventing one type from proliferating and reducing the presence of another.
• Replenish Energy – With a lower glycemic index than most other fruits, dark sweet cherries help blood sugar stay level, and their fiber content keeps the body feeling full longer. Combined with heart-healthy nuts, dried sweet cherries make a perfect grab-and-go snack with staying power.
• Nourish Skin – Dark sweet cherries are rich in antioxidants, which can give winter skin a boost. Antioxidants stabilize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which can age skin. Sweet cherries also contain Vitamin C, which has a role in collagen production and in maintaining a healthy complexion.

Family-owned Chukar Cherries has been dedicated to naturally dehydrating cherries from the Northwest for over 35 years, providing a flavorful and nutrient-rich option for those seeking healthy choices.

“We use locally grown, tree-ripened cherries. We dry our cherries at low temperatures to retain original nutritional value without added preservatives or sugar,” notes Tim Oten, General Manager of Chukar Cherries. This dedication allows consumers to enjoy a delicious and nutritious start to the year. Explore further for tips on incorporating sweet cherries into meals and snacks, enhancing diet and wellness goals.

ANUK will continue to keep you informed on the industry's latest, so stay tuned.