TUCSON, AZ - Are you going to Tucson this year? The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) is gearing up to host this year’s 2024 SWIPE Expo at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa in sunny Tucson, Arizona, from November 7-9. Several distinguished retail buyers have recently confirmed their attendance.

“The quality of retailers and foodservice buyers at SWIPE 2023 was one of the top remarks from attendees last year,” said Lance Jungmeyer, President of the FPAA. “We have seen a great response from buyers this year too.”

The 2024 SWIPE Expo will bring together buy- and supply-side leaders, creating a prime opportunity for networking, building new partnerships, and showcasing products to top-tier retailers.

Here is a breakdown of some of this year’s retail roster:

• Walmart
• US Foods
• Sysco
• The GIANT Company
• Associated Wholesale Grocers
• Grocery Outlet
• H-E-B
• Markon Cooperative
• Jewel-Osco
• Piggly Wiggly
• Sobeys
• Freshpoint Central Cal
• Buyer Edge Fresh Alliance

“SWIPE is truly the place to be for those looking to make impactful connections and tap into the latest trends in the produce industry,” added Jungmeyer. “With the top retailers in attendance, exhibitors have an invaluable opportunity to position their products in front of influential buyers who are ready to do business.”

Lock in your spot today and get ready to connect, collaborate, and thrive in the heart of Tucson’s desert landscape. Click here for all the details.

And click back to ANUK, where we have you covered on all the year’s premiere industry events.

MONTEREY, CA - Here’s a collaboration aimed at empowering chefs and foodservice operators to create unforgettable culinary experiences! PRO*ACT has announced a new partnership with Spiceology, the seasonings brand known for its Periodic Table of Flavor™ and innovative spice blends.

“We are thrilled to partner with Spiceology, a brand that shares our commitment to quality and innovation in the foodservice industry,” said Rich Hall, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “By combining our expertise in fresh produce with their unique spice offerings, we are confident that this partnership will inspire chefs and elevate their culinary creations.”

The integration of Spiceology's products with PRO*ACT’s fresh produce solutions will enable foodservice operators to deliver diverse and exciting menus tailored to customer preferences. As the demand for flavor and creativity in food offerings continues to grow, this partnership will allow PRO*ACT’s network of chefs and foodservice professionals to gain access to Spiceology’s extensive range of unique and artisan spices.

Spiceology's over 300 fresh spices and innovative spice blends, ground domestically and packed fresh, allow chefs to experiment with flavors and create signature dishes that stand out in a competitive landscape, a press release noted. With a focus on quality and innovation, this partnership will provide culinary professionals with the tools they need to enhance their menus and delight their customers

When you’re hungry for more industry news, click back to ANUK.

SOUTH AFRICA - Drumroll, please—a new Chief Executive Officer has been named! The Board of Hans Merensky Holdings (HMH) and Westfalia Fruit Group have named Chris Bush as the new Group CEO, effective October 28, 2024. Bush will take over from Acting Group CEO Rian du Toit, who will return to his role as Group Chief Financial Officer.

“I am both honored and delighted to be joining an organization that is so clearly dedicated to innovation, product quality, and sustainability,” Bush said. “I am inspired by the company’s stated mission to lead the way in addressing climate change by following in the footsteps of the company’s founder, Dr. Hans Merensky, to do good and contribute to a better planet for future generations.”

Bush, a graduate of Manchester Business School and INSEAD, is a highly experienced international CEO with almost 40 years of experience working across grocery retail. He has led vastly complex multinational organizations, driving both growth and turnaround across various geographies. According to a press release, he has a strong track record in leading people and operations at scale. Most recently, he was Divisional CEO of DFI Retail Group, South East Asia (formerly Dairy Farm Group), directing DFI Retail’s 1,500 stores across seven countries. Prior to that, Bush worked at Tesco Plc for 32 years, leading large-scale businesses in Asia, culminating in his position as the UK Managing Director.

“I am excited to meet our talented team, our customers, communities, and stakeholders around the world to listen and learn how together we can maximize our growth potential and build sustainable, long-term success,” Bush concluded.

HMH and Westfalia Fruit Group Chairman Dr. Khotso Mokhele commented on the appointment.

“After an extensive global search process, the Board is delighted to welcome Mr. Bush as our new Group Chief Executive,” Mokhele said. “Chris is a seasoned CEO with exceptional strategic capabilities, proven operational effectiveness, and strong experience in retail, as well as working across a breadth of different countries and cultures.”

Congratulations to Chris Bush!

LAKELAND, FL - Big changes will be taking place in 2025 as Publix’s Senior Vice President of Product Business Development Dave Bornmann lays out his retirement plan following a successful 41-year tenure. As he steps down from his executive role, Brad Oliver will be promoted to SVP of Product Business Development, and Lee Revis will be promoted to VP of Product Business Development for Fresh Products.

Oliver currently serves as Vice President of Product Business Development for Fresh Products. According to a press release, he began his Publix career in 1991 as a part-time front service clerk, working in a variety of store positions during his tenure.

Oliver was promoted to Business Development Director for Grocery Retail Support in 2013 before becoming Business Development Director for DSD Grocery in 2017 and Vice President of Product Business Development for Grocery/Non-Foods in 2018.

In 2020, he took over as VP of Product Business Development for Deli and Produce, assuming his current position in 2022.

Revis, who currently serves as Product Business Development Director for Meat, has held multiple key positions in the meat department, including Meat Manager, Meat Merchandiser, and Retail Coordinator for Meat. In 2003, he stepped into the role of a Fresh Meat Buyer and was later promoted to Category Manager, Fresh Meat in 2006.

In 2013, Revis was appointed as Director of Fresh Products/Produce and Bakery of Retail Support before becoming Business Development Director for Bakery in 2016 and assuming his current role in 2019.

“We are proud to have Brad and Lee take the next steps in their Publix careers,” said Kevin Murphy, Chief Executive Officer. “Promotion from within provides our associates amazing opportunities for growth and development. Both have been exceptional leaders dedicated to growing and mentoring their teams to best serve our customers. I am excited to see the continued contributions they each will make to our company.”

Putting the cap on an illustrious career, Bornmann began his journey with Publix in 1983 as a Computer Programmer. Since then, he has held a variety of leadership positions, including Business Development Manager for Dairy, Processed Meats, and DSD Items; Vice President of Produce Business Development for Grocery/Non-Foods; and his current role as Senior Vice President of Product Business Development.

Bornmann’s retirement and the promotions of his two successors will take effect on January 1, 2025. To find out more, click here.

Congratulations to each of these leaders as they take the next step in their industry journey. We wish Dave Bornmann the best in his retirement!