OXNARD, CA - Cool Pak, LLC, is celebrating 25 years supplying packaging and supplies to the North American produce industry. Incorporated in May of 2001, Cool Pak opened with their first 1 lb. strawberry clamshell, entering a market dominated by two large suppliers. By providing grower/shippers with a more competitive and agile option, Cool Pak quickly grew into a key supplier for West Coast berry shippers.

Cool Pak thrived by fostering a spirit of innovation and foresight, cultivating a multi-national supply chain, and achieving a number of firsts, including the first item-level trace system implemented on strawberry clamshells.

“At Cool Pak, innovation is not just an initiative; it is embedded in our culture. As part of Bunzl we leverage worldwide knowledge and resources to invest in emerging technologies, sustainable materials, and forward-thinking packaging programs that keep our customers ahead in a rapidly changing produce industry," Michelle Cardona, US Sales Manager, Cool Pak, in the recent release.

In August of 2010, Cool Pak was acquired by Bunzl, a global distribution and packaging supply company, to spearhead their new Agriculture Division. With the guidance and financial strength of this new parent company, Cool Pak expanded operations across North America, most notably into Mexico, and became a trusted supplier to a who’s-who of berry and produce shippers worldwide.

“We believe trust is earned through consistency. By showing up, following through, and delivering on our commitments day after day, we build lasting partnerships with our customers, navigating together the continually evolving industry and innovating with new technologies and packaging solutions," said Arjun Sinha, General Manager, Cool Pak.

Since then, Cool Pak has continued to grow into a one-stop partner for growers, expanding into flexible, top seal, label manufacturing, alternative sustainable materials, accessories, equipment, and more.

Cool Pak looks forward to growing innovative partnerships for the next 25 years and beyond and invites you to reach out and see how Cool Pak can work for you.

DUNDEE, FL - As Classic Fruit continues to move forward following the initial melon merger announcement, the sales team is providing an important update on the purpose and progress made throughout the integration process. With a continued focus on customer relationships, service consistency, and operational alignment, the sales team remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining the high standards both companies are known for. This update reflects their dedication to clear communication, strengthened partnerships, and delivering long-term value to their customers as the organization moves into its next phase of growth.

“Successful companies are built around great employees and strong relationships,” comments Tom Ferguson, VP of Sales at Classic Fruit, in the recent release. “Classic Fruit and Westside Produce have mirrored each other, over multiple decades, with a footprint consisting of long-term employees and a like-minded approach of values, work ethic, and commitment to customers, so it is a privilege to welcome them into the Classic Fruit family. I look forward to the opportunities we’ll create together.”

“The merger between Westside Produce and Classic Fruit reflects the year-round needs of our customers,” adds Mark George, VP of Sales at Westside Produce, which will now fall under Classic. “The seasonality of the produce industry has changed, and the ability to supply our customers 12 months a year is a terrific value. Working closely with the team at Classic for the last few years has really escalated this ability, and I am thrilled to see us continue growing the melon category together.”

As the merger explains, Westside Produce and Classic Guatemala, under the umbrella of Classic Fruit, will continue as operating entities for domestic and imported melons, assuring growing supply, harvest, cooling, and distribution activities. They will continue packing both TRI and Classic labels, with all sales and marketing services falling under Classic Fruit. This full company merger is part of their long-term strategy to strengthen operations and better support their customers. Most importantly, they want to reassure that there will be no changes to the product received, the quality expected, or the service relied on. Current programs, supply, and day-to-day contacts will all remain the same.

As progress continues to be made, the teams are excited to keep growing for many years in the future. “While both Classic Fruit and Westside Produce companies have individually achieved great success in our respective arenas, we together as one can continue these successes and improve upon those with our 52-week-a-year grower/packer/shipper operation,” adds Tom Conrado, VP of Sales at Classic Fruit. “I have gained a deep and lasting respect for the Patricio family and their accomplishments in the domestic melon industry and am extremely excited for the Classic Fruit Company/Westside Produce relationship to continue on for many years to come.”

As Classic Fruit continues to advance through this next phase of integration, the company remains committed to transparency, strong customer partnerships, and delivering the quality and service that have long defined both of their reputations. The sales team will continue working closely with customers and partners to ensure a seamless transition while identifying new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

While this is an internal, operational alignment, their focus externally remains unchanged - to consistently provide safe, quality, sustainable melons direct from their farms to you, every day of the year!

For more information on the announcement, please contact one of their offices below:

• Florida - (954) 426-0775
• Fresno - (559) 271-9200
• Firebaugh - (559) 659-3904

SPARTANBURG, SC - Denny’s is awarding $85,000 in scholarships through its Hungry for Education™ Scholarship Program, recognizing young leaders making an impact in their schools and communities.

Now in its 15th year, Hungry for Education™ works with partner organizations to support students who pair academic achievement with real-world action – finding forward-looking solutions to challenges they’ve experienced firsthand.

“This program works because of the partnerships behind it,” said Chris Bode, President & CEO, Denny’s, in the recent release. “We’re able to reach more students and support more stories like this because of the organizations we work with. And what stands out year after year is the same thing – these students are already stepping up and finding ways to make an impact.”

Building on those partnerships, the program awarded 34 scholarships during the 2025-2026 academic year with support from eight partner organizations, including The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), The National Urban League (NUL), United States Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce (USPAACC), National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC), Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD), Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), The National LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), and the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI).

"The USHLI has partnered with Denny's for most of HFE's existence, and we're honored to have helped select the recipient who will become the next national champion, Samantha Xtabay Torres,” said Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr., President at USHLI. “She not only represents all this year's distinguished recipients but also reflects the untapped talent that abounds from coast to coast. More brands should follow Denny's lead so we can continue to invest in the next generation of servant leaders upon whom the majority of Americans depend.”

This year’s national winner, Samantha Xtabay Torres, a student at the University of Illinois Chicago, is pursuing a career in medicine. As a first-generation college student, she navigated the system largely on her own.

“Getting to college wasn’t easy – I had to actively seek out information and learn to ask for help, even when it was uncomfortable,” said Torres. “Receiving this scholarship represents the sacrifices my family has made and the path I’ve worked so hard to build. It means more than I can put into words.”

Since launching in 2011, Denny’s Hungry for Education™ program has awarded more than $2.8 million in scholarships to nearly 700 students nationwide – helping open doors for the next step in their education.

View the full list of 2025-2026 recipients here.

To learn more about the Hungry for Education™ program or to apply, visit: www.dennys.com/hfe.