NEW YORK - The New York Apple Association (NYAA) is excited to kick off the new year by launching its new consumer campaign for 2025, The Big Flavor: Wellness Never Tasted So Good with New York State apples. The campaign includes social media content, entertaining videos featuring Bob for Apples from the NYAA 24/7 virtual news desk, apple nutrition from Kelly Springer, registered dietitian and NYAA spokesperson, and a series of healthy recipes and usage ideas for New York apples.

Cynthia Haskins, President and CEO of NYAA, expressed enthusiasm about the increased funding for this year’s campaign: “The New York Apple Association is fortunate to have been awarded additional funding for our current fiscal year as we expand our consumer reach. We are expecting good results from The Big Flavor: Wellness Never Tasted So Good campaign.’”

Last year, the NYAA’s consumer budget from the NYS Local Assistance fund was $790,000. This year, it has grown to $1.24 million. These funds support the promotion of New York apples through various channels including television, radio, social media, digital ads, print advertising, and retail. This state-provided funding complements the annual $2 million raised through the NY Apple Marketing Order, which supports marketing and promotion efforts for New York apples.

“With the additional funding, we are able to expand our consumer and trade reach,” Haskins noted. “We have several Bob for Apples from New York videos lined up in our social media calendar, and there are three that are being launched within the next few weeks. We are also advancing the videos to YouTube.”

One of the campaign’s videos features Bob exercising in a gym, trying to break his personal sit-up record. As Bob struggles, an apple drops into the frame, and he gains the energy to complete 100 sit-ups, to cheers and celebration. The announcer concludes by encouraging viewers to “get energized with The Big Flavor of Apples from New York today!”

Another video segment features “A New York Apple A Day,” where Bob interviews Dr. Crispin Braeburn about the health benefits of New York apples. Dr. Braeburn explains that apples provide fiber, energy, and hydration during workouts. A comedic twist unfolds when Bob appears to interview himself, wearing a disguise as Dr. Braeburn. “No wonder Bob couldn’t snag a real doctor for the show,” the announcer quips, as Bob’s true identity is revealed. “A New York apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

In another fun segment, Bob practices yoga, meditating to manifest a New York apple. As he chants, a glowing apple materializes above him, and he joyfully bites into it, chanting “Yummmmmmmmmm.”

In addition to these videos, Bob and Kelly Springer will team up for a series of “Wellness News Bites.” Haskins explained that “Kelly Springer will be discussing topics like pectin, antioxidants, food as medicine, plant-forward diets, lowering cholesterol, phytochemicals, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, and why apples deserve a spot in consumers’ diets.”

The campaign’s goals for this year include elevating the NYAA brand, raising consumer awareness about locally grown, superior-tasting apples from New York, and emphasizing their health benefits.

“To achieve this, we employed a multifaceted approach, leveraging traditional tactics such as television and print advertising alongside innovative digital platforms, including online digital ads and social media,” Haskins said.

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PORTLAND, OR - It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Maureen Royal of Bridges Produce. Maureen was a pioneer in the organic produce trade and a mentor to countless individuals throughout her career.

Her warmth, genuine care, and unwavering support earned her the affectionate nickname "Mother Mo" among customers, growers, and colleagues alike. Maureen's exceptional interpersonal skills and belief that "taking care of people was the primary job" were evident in her generosity, selflessness, and dedication to helping others.

At a time when few women worked in the produce business, Maureen forged a remarkable path. She progressed from an Executive Assistant at Associated Grocers in Seattle to Sales Manager at CF Fresh/Viva Tierra where she worked from 1989 to 2009. She then joined Bridges Produce as Category Manager, overseeing the Import apple and pear category from Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, and Canada for sales across North America. Maureen's ability to identify and nurture talent led to the creation of many successful teams and launched numerous careers.

She touched so many lives. She was eternally optimistic and encouraging and could juggle so many details with such gracefulness. Her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her.

She leaves behind her husband, sons, and eight grandchildren, as well as all those of us that consider ourselves part of her extended produce family.

A celebration of life ceremony is being planned for March. Further details to come.

We extend our condolences to all who knew Maureen Royal.

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Southeastern Grocers (SEG), parent company and home of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, reflects on a year marked by impactful contributions to its communities and prestigious industry achievements recognizing its people and products.

SEG has donated more than $4 million to support its communities, focusing on disaster relief, food insecurity, health and wellbeing and support for military families, a press release shared. This includes nurturing local store partnerships to strengthen communities and help neighbors thrive. Moreover, SEG has earned 127 awards and recognitions from industry publications and organizations for its outstanding leadership and product excellence.

Anthony Hucker, President and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said, “Our passionate efforts this year are more than just numbers; they are a testament to our deep-rooted commitment to the communities we serve and our unwavering dedication to making a significant impact where it’s needed most. Each contribution and accolade is a step forward in our journey to not only be a leading grocer but a pivotal community supporter. At SEG, we believe our role extends beyond selling groceries—we are a committed neighbor, dedicated to making a meaningful difference in every life we touch. Our achievements this year, both in leadership and in the excellence of our brands, reflect our pledge to not just serve, but to truly enrich our communities.”

As a grocer in one of the most food-insecure regions in the U.S., SEG is dedicated to nourishing its neighbors and ensuring access to essential food resources through its long-standing partnership with Feeding America®. SEG and the SEG Gives Foundation have provided more than $1 million in monetary and product donations to combat hunger this year. Additionally, the grocer has spearheaded over 30 mobile food pantry events throughout the year, offering localized support in some of its most high-risk communities.

With a heartfelt commitment to disaster relief, SEG contributed nearly $600,000 in 2024 to help impacted neighbors, including significant support to its partner, the American Red Cross. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, SEG quickly activated a mobile pantry event in Madeira Beach to distribute essential food and cleaning supplies, and collaborated with iHeart Radio to boost further donations. Continuing its compassionate efforts just two weeks later following Hurricane Milton, SEG held events in Sarasota and St. Petersburg, distributing gift cards and crucial relief supplies to help families replenish their essential needs.

In partnership with the SEG Gives Foundation, SEG reinforced its dedication to local communities through substantial charitable contributions throughout 2024. The grocer donated $320,000 to eight children’s hospitals throughout the Southeast, supporting the health and healing of pediatric patients. Additionally, SEG contributed $170,000 to the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer initiative. The grocer also continued its strong support for military families by donating $550,000 to Folds of Honor, providing 110 educational scholarships for the children and spouses of fallen and disabled service members. This effort is part of the grocer’s larger commitment with donations totaling more than $8 million since 2018. Furthermore, the fifth year of SEG’s Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant awarded $487,500 to 50 nonprofit organizations, aiding their efforts to foster a more equitable future.

To read more about the successes of 2024, click here.

As the year concluded, SEG commemorated the support from associates, partners, and customers that drives its success. The grocer’s commitment to enriching lives remains strong in 2025, with a focus on community support, exceptional service, and industry-leading performance.

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DELTA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA - BCfresh, a 100 percent grower-owned and operated company, announced the appointment of Steve Roosdahl as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2, 2025. Roosdahl will succeed Murray Driediger, who will retire on March 31, 2025, following an 18-year tenure leading the organization.

Roosdahl joins BCfresh with nearly 30 years of distinguished experience in the international fresh produce industry. His appointment follows an exceptional 29-year career at The Oppenheimer Group (Oppy), where he most recently served as Vice President of Operations and Food Safety. He holds an Executive MBA from Athabasca University.

"Steve's deep industry expertise and proven leadership make him the ideal choice to lead BCfresh into its next chapter," said Peter Guichon, Chair of the BCfresh Board of Directors. "His extensive background in operations, technology, and supply chain management aligns perfectly with our strategic vision for the future."

At Oppy, Roosdahl played a transformative role in managing the company's North American distribution network, a press release stated. His achievements include developing sophisticated in house computer systems, expanding warehousing operations across Western Canada and California, and successfully launching a third-party logistics division.

Roosdahl's industry leadership extends beyond his corporate roles. He has served as Chair of the Technology Committee with the Canadian Produce Marketing Association, Co-chair of the Produce Traceability Initiative, Director of Produce Supply, and contributes to the International Fresh Produce Association's Food Safety and Sustainability Committees.

Outgoing CEO Murray Driediger, who has successfully led BCfresh since 2007, endorsed the appointment: "Steve brings an outstanding track record in the produce industry and deep familiarity with our operations and management team. His exceptional IT background and expertise in produce supply chain management position him as one of North America's leading experts in the field."

BCfresh has established a comprehensive succession plan, with Roosdahl joining the organization on January 2, 2025, for a strategic three-month transition. Working in close partnership with Driediger, Roosdahl will focus on deepening relationships with growers and customers while ensuring BCfresh continues its momentum in sustainable farming practices and supply chain innovation.

Looking ahead to his new role, Roosdahl commented: "I am honoured to join BCfresh and build upon the strong foundation Murray and the team have established. The company's commitment to its grower-owners and focus on sustainable local agriculture align perfectly with my vision for the future of produce. I see tremendous opportunities to leverage technology and innovation while staying true to the core values and deep agricultural roots that define BCfresh."

Congratulations to the new CEO!

CHARLOTTE, NC - Dole Food Company has renewed its partnership with No Kid Hungry, a national campaign working to end childhood hunger in America, for a fifth consecutive year in 2025 by announcing its active participation in two initiatives. The company’s alliance with the national nonprofit began in summer 2020 in response to the impact of COVID-19 when schools closed and millions more U.S. children were left facing hunger.

Now through January 2025, Dole is one of a handful of national brands offering a seasonal giveback offer to help ensure every child has a full plate for the holidays and throughout the year. The produce leader is challenging its millions of fresh fruit customers in December and January to scan the QR code on their DOLE® Banana sticker or DOLE® Pineapple tag to donate and help provide hungry children access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.

According to Share Our Strength, the national non-profit behind the No Kid Hungry campaign, every $1 can help connect a child with 10 healthy meals.

Dole is also encouraging Americans to get 2025 off to a healthier, more active start by once again serving as the presenting sponsor of Get Fit for No Kid Hungry, a month-long campaign created to unite the nation’s top fitness, health and wellness experts, brands and enthusiasts in a new year fundraising challenge to get fit and give back to hungry kids. In addition to sponsoring the program, Dole is encouraging its own group of influencer partners to inspire their followers to get fit and give back in the New Year by donating to No Kid Hungry, a press release explained.

“We feel privileged to be able to work with No Kid Hungry for a fifth consecutive year to help them battle childhood hunger and ensure that every child has the healthy food they need to develop and flourish—not just during the holidays but throughout the year,” said William Goldfield, Dole Food Company’s Director of Corporate Communications. “Addressing hunger and food insecurity for children is at the core of the Dole global mission of providing the tools and products to make the world a healthier place for all.”

“In addition to returning as presenting sponsor of Get Fit, which sets a healthy, active tone for 2025, we’re excited to be part of No Kid Hungry’s mission to fill the holiday plates of every child and promote healthy, balanced eating at the same time. It is a perfect way to kick-off the New Year!”

“We are so grateful to be partnering with Dole for the fifth year," said Allison Shuffield, Managing Director, Corporate Partnerships at Share Our Strength. "Their dedication to promoting health and well-being for all families makes them the perfect partner for helping to raise the critical funds and awareness needed to end childhood hunger."

A leader in the health and wellness influencer and blog space since 2009, Dole recruited partners from Homemade and SoHookd to participate and fundraise as part of Dole’s Get Fit team.

Led by nationally recognized chef Joel Gamoran, Homemade is the largest livestream cooking platform and community in the world. Homemade features free, interactive classes plus opportunities for home cooks to connect with the best ingredients, products, and brands in the food world. The platform also produces its own year-long cooking show on PBS called “Homemade Live!” which features celebrity guests and is distributed on multiple streaming partners and on Alaska Airlines. Discover more at homemadecooking.com.

SoHookd is a turnkey business-to-business wellness platform for employers with a mission to inspire healthy lifestyles and unlock access to wellness for all. SoHookd’s platform offers customizable programs that address wellness with a holistic approach - from nutrition and fitness to mental health and self-care, enhancing productivity and enriching the employee experience. Through their cost-effective solutions, organizations can create personalized wellness experiences that encourage and reward healthy behaviors. Discover more at sohookd.com.

Visit the Get Fit calendar to see the full list of online classes.

Dole is encouraging its millions of social media followers, employees, customers, Dole Nutrition News e-newsletter subscribers, growers, retailers and other industry partners to contribute to the effort.

The collaboration between No Kid Hungry and Dole has been highlighted by nutrition education, fund raising campaigns, and at-retail initiatives to help give the nearly 14 million kids in the U.S. who are living with hunger access to three healthy meals a day.

For more information about Dole’s partnership with No Kid Hungry, visit the nonprofit’s Dole partner and Get Fit for No Kid Hungry pages NoKidHungry.org/GetFitLive. For a complete list of No Kid Hungry's participating partners and promotions, and to learn all the ways to give back to No Kid Hungry this holiday season, visit NoKidHungry.org/BrandsThatGive.

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WASHINGTON, DC - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is proud to announce the appointment of its members—Amanda Felder, Organic Integrity and Environmental Compliance Manager at Taylor Farms, and Andrea Hatziyannis, Category Strategy Manager at Sprouts Farmers Market—to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Organic Standards Board (NOSB).

The NOSB serves as an advisory body to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, providing recommendations on policies governing the production and distribution of organic food and products. This includes reviewing and developing the National List of Approved and Prohibited Substances. The NOSB is composed of 15 members from across the organic community.

Felder and Hatziyannis were appointed by Secretary Tom Vilsack to serve five-year terms, beginning this month, a press release stated.

“We are delighted to see these dedicated members of our association appointed to the NOSB,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “Their commitment to agriculture and expertise in organic fresh produce will bring invaluable perspectives to the Board’s work. Their contributions will ensure that the voices of organic producers are well-represented at the national level and will nicely complement the ongoing work IFPA’s Organics Committee and Government Relations team do in collaboration with the NOSB.”

NOSB proposals with decisive votes by Board members become recommendations to the USDA through the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program. Established by the Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) and governed by the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the NOSB considers and makes recommendations on a wide range of issues involving the production, handling, and processing of organic products.

Most recently, IFPA responded to the NOSB’s Fall Work Agenda with comments focused on many challenges facing the organic produce community, including residue testing, certifications, crop insurance, among others.

For more updates like this, stick with us at ANUK.

WEST CONCORD, MA - Divert, a sustainable solutions company on a mission to solve the wasted food crisis and advance a circular economy, announced the expansion of its executive leadership team with the appointment of four new strategic hires: Andrew Johnston as Vice President of Industrials, Derek Spillane as Vice President of IT, Frenchie Audette as Vice President of Food Service, and Lee DeVasier as Vice President of Transportation and Supply Chain.

“We’re deeply committed to hiring exceptional leaders with the expertise, knowledge, and agility needed to support us in this next stage of growth,” said Ryan Begin, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder. “With the additions of Andrew, Derek, Frenchie, and Lee, we’ve brought on valuable and diverse perspectives that will expand our food service and industrials business, strengthen IT operations, and optimize our transportation and logistics strategies.”

This momentum comes during a period of transformative growth for Divert, as the company continues scaling to 30 facilities by 2031 to meet increasing demand for its solutions to address the wasted food crisis. Divert has expanded its customer base significantly in the past year, explained a press release, now working with nearly 8,000 customer locations—including grocery retailers, food manufacturers, distributors, and food service.

Andrew Johnston, VP of Industrials

Johnston brings over 15 years of commercial and technical experience from companies in all stages of growth. In his most recent roles, Johnston served as a strategic advisor to venture-funded and privately held technology companies in starting commercial activities and scaling efficiently.

“Eliminating wasted food is among the most profound, tangible, and immediate things we can do to reduce emissions, while creating a multitude of other societal and economic benefits,” said Johnston. “Divert has already proven itself as a market leader in partnering across the food value chain at a remarkable scale and level of sophistication. I'm thrilled to join the team to expand our support of our industrial customers, creating novel solutions for a traditionally underserved group of stakeholders and ensuring no food goes to waste, even in the most complex environments.”

Derek Spillane, VP of IT

With over 26 years of IT industry leadership, Spillane has a proven track record in implementing solutions that optimize operations, foster collaboration, and drive transformational change. In his most recent role at Surgalign, Spillane led the global enterprise applications and IT operational teams, delivering innovative and scalable solutions.

“I am thrilled to join the Divert team and look forward to partnering across departments to drive the company’s continued growth and success,” said Spillane. “Leveraging my experience across a broad spectrum of IT roles, I’m eager to deliver meaningful business value for the company through enterprise IT systems and operational excellence.”

Frenchie Audette, VP of Food Service

Audette brings nearly two decades of food service industry expertise to build impactful partnerships and strategies that align with the evolving needs of national restaurant brands. Audette has held key leadership roles across the industry, including with Local Kitchens, Square, and as a former restaurant owner.

“I’m excited to join Divert because it uniquely combines my commitment to sustainability with my passion for supporting food service and restaurant operators,” said Audette. “At Divert, I have the opportunity to drive impactful solutions that not only address our wasted food crisis, but also enhance the operational efficiency and profitability of our partners in the food service industry.”

Lee DeVasier, VP of Transportation and Supply Chain

DeVasier brings nearly three decades of leadership in strategic engineering, steering large-scale operations, and optimizing processes to drive revenue and continuous improvement. In his most recent role at Pitney Bowes, DeVasier was responsible for all aspects of the parcel network, facility placement, transportation design and execution, as well as the relationship with the United States Postal Service.

“Divert is filling a big gap in addressing the national wasted food crisis and I’m proud to join this effort to more effectively manage and mitigate unsold food products,” said DeVasier. “I look forward to leveraging my expertise in strategic planning, optimization, and people leadership to help Divert scale.”

To read the entire press release, click here.

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