LOS ANGELES, CA - Generous Brands announced the appointment of Andrew Katz as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing one of the beverage industry’s leading modern brand builders to the company’s executive leadership team. Katz will lead marketing across the Generous Brands portfolio, focused on strengthening its market position, deepening consumer connections, and accelerating growth across the company’s premium refrigerated beverage platform.

Katz most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer of Athletic Brewing Company, contributing to the brand’s continued momentum and leadership in the rapidly expanding non-alcoholic beer category. His career spans leadership roles at some of the world’s most recognized consumer brands, including PepsiCo, American Express, and Heineken, complemented by the entrepreneurial perspective gained from building a company as a startup founder.

“Andrew combines world-class brand-building expertise with a bold, disruptive approach to growth,” said Steve Cornell, Chief Executive Officer at Generous Brands. “He knows how to build brands people love and how to turn that connection into meaningful, measurable results. His challenger-brand experience and modern marketing approach will be instrumental in shaping the future of Generous Brands.”

At Generous Brands, Katz will lead the company’s integrated marketing organization, bringing together brand strategy, consumer insights, creative development, performance marketing, and strategic partnerships to deepen connections and strengthen market impact. His appointment comes as the company continues its growth mission as the #1 share company in the refrigerated, better-for-you beverage category across a portfolio that includes Bolthouse Farms, Health-Ade, and Evolution Fresh, alongside a strategic partnership with SAMBAZON.

“The opportunity to help shape the next chapter for this collection of iconic brands is incredibly compelling,” said Katz. “Each has a distinct legacy, a loyal following, and meaningful potential ahead. I’m excited to work alongside the team to build on those strengths, tell their stories in fresh and relevant ways, and create deeper connections with the people and communities they serve.”

Katz’s appointment marks the latest step in the company’s continued investment in its marketing capabilities and broader growth strategy. He will work closely with leaders and teams across the organization to translate that strategy into meaningful brand and business impact.

TUCSON, AZ - On January 13, the FPAA will kick off the first produce show of 2027 with the fourth edition of SWIPE. This year, the show is all about one thing: networking, networking, and, yes, more networking.

So much of business is built on connections, and there may be no better place to make them than SWIPE. The FPAA members and staff have put together three days packed with opportunities to reconnect with longtime colleagues, meet new people, and build relationships. Each day is designed to get people out of their hotel room and into the action, connecting with peers throughout the industry.

SWIPE has golfers of all levels covered with a fun-focused tournament on one of the best courses in Arizona and with January weather that is hard to beat. A day in the Arizona sunshine, surrounded by green grass and a warm breeze, is a great way to relax, reconnect, and spend time with industry peers.

“No one on this course is retiring to join the PGA, but we are all there to have a great time with people we know and people we are meeting for the first time,” says SWIPE Golf Chair Kyle McGrath of EarthBlend in the recent release.

For the non-golfer crowd, SWIPE is taking the pickleball tournament to another level. Two world-renowned luchadores from Mexico will join the competition this year. The luchadores will play throughout the day, and the tournament’s top team will have to face them for the grand championship. The Lucha Libre Pickleball Paddle Battle is one event attendees won’t want to miss.

“Not being a golfer, I was very excited to see pickleball return. This year they are starting the tournament with a quick warm-up and some Pickleball 101 lessons held by some of Tucson’s top players. It’s a great way for newer players to jump right into the fun, and it’s a great way to start the show while meeting new people,” says Mark Munger of IPR Fresh and one of the SWIPE organizers.

Thursday will kick off with Education Sessions designed to bring value to all attendees. Suppliers and buyers will learn the best steps for negotiating in business, how to leverage the power of social media, and the many ways the Food is Medicine movement can benefit the produce industry. The FPAA is also excited to bring an exclusive look at “Reading the Signals: A 2027 Outlook for the Fresh Produce Supply Chain” by the data experts at the Blue Book.

“We really focused on elevating our education sessions to make them attractive to both buyers and sellers. We went out of our way to make them a place of learning, but also a place to spend time learning together,” said Allison Moore, Executive Vice President at FPAA.

SWIPE reimagined the Women’s Networking Event for an afternoon networking and speaker session, and the committee added a 35 and Under session to bring together more of the younger attendees into the conversation to help build new connections across the industry.

Add in goat yoga, golf lessons, cooking classes, opening and closing parties, and plenty of other activities, and people may start to wonder if they even need a hotel room. The SWIPE team suggests you get one anyway, especially since the JW Marriott’s newly designed rooms are beautiful, comfortable, and a good place to store all of the great takeaways from SWIPE.

“We look forward to seeing you in January. Bring plenty of business cards — you’re going to need them,” says Lance Jungmeyer, FPAA President.

MONTEREY, CA - The Organic Grower Summit (OGS), presented by Farm Progress, is proud to announce Thaddeus Barsotti, founder of Capay Organic and former Grower of the Year, as the opening keynote speaker for OGS26, taking place Dec. 2-3, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, California.

Barsotti, a second-generation organic farmer and an influential voice in the organic agriculture movement, will share his journey from growing up on a 1980s organic truck farm to building one of the largest organic direct-to-consumer platforms in the country. His keynote will offer a rare, personal perspective on the evolution of organic farming, the challenges and triumphs of scaling a values-driven business, and what it takes to lead in an industry that's constantly evolving.

“Thaddeus Barsotti represents the very best of what organic agriculture stands for—innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to sustainable farming,” said Matt Jungmann, Farm Progress senior national events director, in the recent release. “His story is one that every grower, retailer and industry professional needs to hear. We're honored to have him open OGS26 and set the tone for two days of meaningful conversation and collaboration."

A Legacy Rooted in Organic Agriculture

Born and raised on an organic farm in California's Capay Valley, Barsotti has spent his entire life immersed in organic agriculture. He is the founder of Farm Fresh To You, which became the largest organic CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program in the United States before being acquired in 2020. Today, he continues to operate Capay Organic, a medium-to-large-scale organic produce farm, and he serves as Chairman of the Board for CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers), one of the nation's leading organic certification and advocacy organizations.

Barsotti is also a recently published author, having written a compelling memoir, Betting on the Farm: An Heirloom Childhood, about his experiences growing up on an organic farm and being part of the organic farming movement from its earliest days. His work as a farmer, entrepreneur, and advocate has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the organic community.

As a previous OGS Grower of the Year, Barsotti's return to the Organic Grower Summit stage is a full-circle moment—one that underscores the event's role as a gathering place for the industry's most innovative and impactful leaders.

In addition to Barsotti's keynote address, OGS26 will deliver an immersive experience designed to connect, educate, and inspire the organic community. The summit will introduce an exclusive Farm Progress AGTech Reception & Field Demos at Reservoir Farms, an offsite evening networking event featuring live field demonstrations of the latest innovations in organic agriculture technology, sponsored by Reservoir, John Deere and Western Growers Association. A new Retailer Panel Discussion will bring together industry experts to share critical insights on product quality, consistency, pricing, packaging, and sustainability. Adding to the excitement, This Week in Agribusiness will be filming live on-site, hosting their weekly episode and engaging attendees while spotlighting the innovations and stories shaping the future of organic farming.

The summit will also feature educational sessions covering sustainable practices, emerging technologies, soil health strategies, integrated pest management (IPM), and market trends, alongside an enhanced indoor and outdoor trade show with live presentations of next-generation organic farming innovations. The prestigious Grower of the Year Award, sponsored by John Deere, will recognize four finalists for excellence in organic growing practices, with one ultimately being named Grower of the Year. Nominations close Aug. 31, 2026.

2026 Registration

The Full 2-Day Pass delivers the summit's most comprehensive experience:

• Complete access to all educational sessions and networking events
• Meals including breakfasts, lunches, and coffee breaks
• Entry to the opening general session and the retailer panel
• Transportation and entry to the Farm Progress AGTech Reception & Field Demos at Reservoir Farms
• Attendance at the Grower of the Year awards ceremony
• Full access to the tradeshow featuring leading-edge organic solutions

For those with limited schedules, single-day passes are available and include all activities scheduled for the selected day. Complete registration details and package options can be viewed online at www.OrganicGrowerSummit.com.

Registration is now open for all organic industry and allied trades professionals, including growers, consultants, and inspectors.

PROCTORVILLE, OH - Maurice “Tiny” Wade Totty, 71, of Proctorville, Ohio, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, September 18, 2026, in Hurricane, West Virginia. He was born May 6, 1955, in Williamsburg, Virginia, to the late William Alvin Totty and Lelia Copper Totty.

Maurice devoted his life’s work to one simple and meaningful purpose: feeding people. Throughout his career, he managed restaurants, led food logistics operations, and developed successful produce distribution programs that reached across the country. His work ultimately touched countless tables, food stands, restaurants, and stadiums, helping bring fresh food to communities near and far. His knowledge of the industry, dedication to quality, and genuine appreciation for fresh produce were hallmarks of his professional life.

Maurice was an accomplished amateur athlete. He played softball, competed in Tough Mudder events, and was an avid cyclist. Fiercely determined, he embraced every challenge and celebrated many impressive victories and personal milestones, along with his fair share of injuries along the way. His love of sports and fitness extended well beyond competition. Maurice gave back to his community by coaching Little League baseball, training friends in his impressive home gym, and participating in cycling fundraisers for charities including Bike MS and Ride Without Limits. Through these efforts, he rode thousands of miles and raised more than $250,000 to support research and care for people affected by multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.

A devoted member of Hephzibah Baptist Church, Maurice shared his faith through services like leading Bible study and spending countless hours in the church kitchen, once again making sure that people were cared for and well fed.

Maurice is survived by his loving wife, Carol; his daughter, Jessica Flynn (Joe); his son, Austin Totty (Cat); and his beloved grandchildren, Jocelyn, John Thomas, and Sully. He is also survived by his sister, Karen Dowdy, and his brother, Gregory Totty, along with many other family members, friends, and loved ones who will miss him dearly.

His family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Braley Care Homes and HospiceCare WV for the care they provided Maurice during his final months and days. They are forever grateful for the love, dignity, and support shown to Maurice and to his family during that difficult time.

Maurice leaves behind a legacy of determination, generosity, compassion, faith, and love that will live on in all who knew him.