REEDLEY, CA - Mountain View Fruit Sales, a family-owned group of stonefruit growers, is proud to announce the addition of Kevin Steiner as the new Director of Business Development. Steiner has over two decades of experience in the produce industry and will play a key role in expanding Mountain View’s reach while maintaining the personal relationships that have defined the company’s success.

Kevin joins Mountain View Fruit Sales following a distinguished 20-year career at Sage Fruit Company, where he served as President of Business Development and Marketing. Sage Fruit, based in Yakima, Washington, is a leading grower/shipper of apples, pears, cherries, and stonefruit.

According to a press release, Steiner’s career path and passion for produce began in his high school years working at his father’s fruit market in Kentucky. While attending Miami University in Oxford, OH, Kevin continued building his experience with Castellini Company in purchasing and order selecting.

Mike Thurlow, Owner of Mountain View Fruit Sales, expressed his enthusiasm for Steiner’s arrival: “We are thrilled to welcome Kevin to the Mountain View family. His wealth of experience and deep passion for the produce industry make him an incredible asset as we continue to grow. Kevin’s leadership will help us expand our business, but just as importantly, he shares our commitment to keeping that personal connection with our retail partners—something that sets Mountain View apart.”

Kevin Steiner also shared his excitement about joining Mountain View: “I am thankful for the last 20 years at Sage Fruit and being part of such a wonderful team that became family. Mountain View is a company I have respected for many years and am grateful for the opportunity. I can't wait to get started and help add to the value Mountain View brings to their customers and growers.”

Mountain View Fruit Sales looks forward to the fresh perspectives and growth Kevin will bring to the company and its partners in the years ahead, the release added.

Congratulations to Kevin Steiner on his new role!

EUROPE - Westfalia Fruit, a global leader in the avocado industry, has completed the acquisition of Syros, a Belgian-based manufacturer of avocado products serving the European food and service industry as well as retail sectors.

For over 30 years, Syros has been producing high-quality avocado-based products for major European supermarkets, restaurant chains, and meal box companies. The company supplies both private label and branded products with a focus on convenient, healthy, and sustainable food solutions.

Across its portfolio, which contains a wide range of guacamole varieties, there is a strong emphasis on the health and nutritional benefits of avocados, a press release stated.

Wim Destoop, Regional President Europe at Westfalia Fruit, commented: “This acquisition strengthens our value-added business in Europe and aligns perfectly with our growth strategy. Syros has been a trusted partner for many years, with Westfalia supplying a high percentage of their raw materials. Their commitment to quality and sustainability mirrors our own values, making this a natural next step for both companies.”

The integration with Syros will enhance Westfalia’s presence in the European market while maintaining the high standards both organizations are known for.

Pieter Casneuf, CEO of Syros, added: “For three decades, Syros has focused on 'making food happen' by providing flavorful, high-quality food in a sustainable way. Joining Westfalia, with whom we have worked together already for many years, will enable us to continue this mission with even greater capabilities and reach.”

Syros's operations and brands, including the professional market brand Syros and consumer market brand Wonky, will now become part of Westfalia. The acquisition also includes a significant private label development enterprise, which revolves around creating innovative concepts and recipes tailored to client requirements.

Westfalia operates in 17 countries across five continents. This latest development is part of an ongoing strategy to expand the company’s global presence while maintaining its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and responsible corporate citizenship.

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DENVER, CO - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 11 members to Potatoes USA’s Board of Directors. The appointees include nine producer members and one public member, who will serve three-year terms that expire Feb. 28, 2028. One producer member will serve a two-year term that expires on February 28, 2027.

The nomination process for board members is conducted annually. Candidates are proposed by the industry and are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture after a thorough review.

The Potatoes USA Board of Directors guides the organization’s efforts to promote and support the potato industry. The Board sets strategic goals and objectives for the organization and allocates resources to various marketing, research, and education initiatives. The Board also monitors these programs’ performance and adjusts them as necessary to ensure they are effective and impactful for the potato industry, including growers, processors and other stakeholders.

New Board Members

• Thomas Baker, Bakersfield, California
• Andrew J. Price, Center, Colorado
• Beth Rachut, St. Ansgar, Iowa (two-year term)
• Diane Szawlowski Mullins, Hatfield, Massachusetts
• Ben De Jonge, Manhattan, Montana
• Nathan Bender, Dyer, Nevada

Reappointed Board Members

• Alison Sklarczyk, Johannesburg, Michigan
• Pete Ewing, Big Lake, Minnesota
• Matthew Linehan, Guildhall, Vermont
• Jennifer Bunger, Pasco, Washington
• Norbert Bomm, Chicago, Illinois (Public Member)

More information about Potatoes USA’s board can be found at www.PotatoesUSA.com or on USDA’s Agriculture Marketing Service (AMS) National Potato Promotion Board webpage.

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