RIVERSIDE, CA - The New Year brings with it a fresh era for Blue Banner Company, as its recent launch of Goody builds an inspired wave of service and supply for the citrus industry. Reflecting on the boldest challenges facing the industry from the consumption reduction of citrus as a whole for consumers, particularly grapefruit, the increased pressure from imports, which are shrinking California’s window of sales, and the lack of retail promotional support to drive more sales of citrus, Goody is taking action to counteract these issues. By positioning the brand to participate as guest speakers at respected produce forums that cater to retail buyers and merchandisers, Goody hopes to drive collaborative opportunities between all parties to create programs that increase the demand and consumption.

Additionally, Goody is launching a consumer-facing advertising campaign to increase exposure for citrus while offering advertising incentives and produce samples at club stores and retail grocery outlets.

Recognizing a need for personalized, human-centric support that has widely dwindled in the business-to-business space, Goody has taken a collaborative approach with clients, sharing market updates and insights that can fuel buying decisions through strategy. By equipping clients with on-trend industry data, Goody is helping buyers make informed decisions that support their individual needs. As consumer consumption has shifted with a larger assortment of options available and popular produce items like grapes and mandarins being oversupplied year-round, Goody is focused on providing quality without compromise in both product and service. Goody’s vision for 2026 is centered on helping create more demand from consumers for citrus products, while working with legislation to get government assistance to restrict imports around the prime USA produce seasons. With more than 75 years of experience, Goody is committed to helping the industry evolve into a new era, rich with opportunity for USA suppliers.

Drawing on a history rooted in Riverside County since 1901, when W.J. “Wiser” Mazzetti’s parents settled in the area after emigrating from Montemagno, Italy, Goody holds a unique position in its market reflection. With 125 years of family history across multiple generations in Riverside, spanning dramatic cultural, societal, and governmental changes, the Mazzetti family earned their place as a cornerstone for citrus and entrepreneurship excellence. Wiser Mazzetti purchased the first citrus groves for the family-owned business in the early 1940s. Shortly thereafter, in the late 1940s, he became a partner with Krinard Packing Company. Dedicated to blazing his own trail, Wiser Mazzetti bought out his partners in Krinard Packing Company in 1950, emerging as Blue Banner Company.

“We’re proud to remain family owned and operated in Riverside where our family chose to settle after they emigrated from Italy at the turn of the 20th century. Looking ahead into 2026, I’m inspired to share our story of longevity fueled by expertise, as we develop our brand into a new era," said Vince Mazzetti, Vice President, Goody, in the recent release.

CINCINNATI, OH - The Kroger Co. announced several appointments of experienced enterprise leaders to new retail roles and expanded responsibilities.

"We are excited to promote several talented senior executives to key roles that will position Kroger for future success," said Ron Sargent, Kroger's Chairman and CEO, in the recent release. "Victor Smith, Monica Garnes, Kendra Doyel, and Ken DeLuca are strong leaders with decades of experience, and I look forward to their continued success in their new roles. I also want to thank Colleen Juergensen and Tom Schwilke for their many contributions to our customers, associates, and shareholders. We wish them well in their well-deserved retirements."

Kroger announces promotions in corporate leadership, the Atlanta Division, and the Fry's Division

Kroger promoted Victor Smith, president of the company's Atlanta division, to senior vice president of Retail Divisions. Smith brings more than 40 years of experience in the grocery industry, first joining the company as a courtesy clerk in the Ralphs division in 1983. Smith held various roles within Kroger, including store leader, district manager, and meat merchandiser. In 2015, he was promoted to vice president of Operations in the Houston Division, before returning to Ralphs as vice president of Merchandising in 2016. He was promoted to president of the Delta Division in 2018 and became president of the Atlanta Division in 2022.

Smith currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Kroger Company Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation and the Georgia Food Industry Association Board of Directors. In 2025, he was named CEO of the Year by the Georgia Minority Business Association.

Smith joins Valerie Jabbar and Joe Kelley as the company's senior vice presidents of retail divisions.

Monica Garnes, currently president of the Fry's Division, has been promoted to president of the Atlanta Division. Garnes began her career with Kroger in 1995 in the Columbus Division. She held a variety of leadership roles in her 31-year career with the company, including Produce buyer, store manager, and district manager. Garnes was promoted to vice president of Merchandising for the Fry's Division in 2013 and named vice president of Produce/Floral Merchandising at General Office in 2015. She was promoted to her current role in 2018.

She currently sits on The University of Rhode Island Board of Trustees and Arizona Commerce Authority Board.

Ken DeLuca, currently president of the Michigan Division, has been promoted to president of the Fry's Division. DeLuca began his 38-year Kroger career in 1988 as a clerk in the Michigan Division. Since starting his Kroger career, DeLuca held multiple leadership positions in the Michigan Division, including store manager, Labor Relations manager, and Operations district manager. In 2004, he moved to the Columbus Division as Operations district manager and in 2005 was promoted to Retail Operations vice president for the Dillon's Division. DeLuca was promoted to vice president of Merchandising in 2008 and subsequently back to vice president of Operations. He was promoted to his current role in 2018.

DeLuca served as an executive board member on the Rags Remembered Foundation in Michigan. During his time in the Dillon's Division, he was a board member for the Kansas Children's Service League and the Cancer Council of Reno County.

Kroger announces retirement, promotion in Ralphs Division and retirement in Central Division

Tom Schwilke, president of the Ralphs Division, announced his plans to retire after seven years with Kroger and more than 42 years in the retail industry.

Schwilke joined Kroger in 2019 as division president in the Dallas Division with 35 years of merchandising and retail leadership experience, including president and general manager of Safeway's NorCal Division, president and general manager of Perishables and group vice president of Produce and Floral. He was promoted to his current role leading the Ralphs Division in 2020.

Kendra Doyel, currently president of the Food 4 Less/Foods Co Division, has been promoted to president of the Ralphs Division. Doyel joined the company in 1998 as a pharmacist in the Fry's Division. Since then, she has held several diverse and important leadership roles for Fry's, Ralphs, Food 4 Less and Fred Meyer. In 2017, Doyel was promoted to HR leader for Ralphs and Food 4 Less, and in 2022, she was promoted to vice president of Merchandising for Ralphs. She was named to her current role in 2025.

She served as the board chair for the California Grocers Association and on the board of directors for the Network of Executive Women. In 2022, the CGA Educational Foundation presented Doyel with the Hall of Achievement Award for her outstanding service and dedication to the food industry.

After 45 years of dedicated service, Colleen Juergensen, president of the Central Division, announced her plans to retire.

Juergensen began her career with the company as a bakery clerk in her hometown of Great Bend, Kansas, in 1981. She served in various leadership roles in the Dillons Division including store leader, district manager, and vice president of Operations. Juergensen joined the Smith's Division as vice president of Operations in 2012 and was named to vice president of Merchandising for Smith's in 2015. She was promoted to her current role as president of Dillons in 2016.

FULLERTON, CA - The California Avocado Commission recently conducted Board of Directors elections, which were confirmed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The Board elected new executive officers, including Board Chair Rachael Laenen, who has served on the CAC Board since November 2020, with three of those years as an executive officer. Laenen is the sixth generation of her family to farm in Ventura County and the fourth generation to grow avocados. She now manages the family’s avocado enterprise. Before her farming career, she worked in international motorsports, managing global sponsorships for some of the world’s most valuable brands as well as delivering high-level events and hospitality. Rachael is the first woman to chair the California Avocado Commission Board of Directors.

“Being the first female chair of the CAC Board of Directors is not what matters to me,” said Rachael Laenen in the recent release. “Doing an excellent job representing California avocado growers and the premium avocados we produce is paramount. With that said, I’m proud of the contributions California’s female growers have made and continue to make in our industry.”

Also elected to the Commission Board executive committee were Vice Chair Ohannes Karaoghlanian, Secretary John Berns, and Treasurer Maureen Cottingham. Board members serve two-year terms, and the executive officers are elected annually.

This California avocado season, the California Avocado Commission will support the CA Grown program and its initiative promoting the role of women in agriculture. The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer, a historic milestone recognizing women’s vital role in agriculture worldwide. Supported by 123 countries and led by the United States, the resolution represents a global pledge to promote equity, visibility, and opportunity. California is home to one of the most diverse and productive agricultural economies in the world and has experienced steady growth in the number of women farmers—up 13% in the last decade—a sign that more women are stepping into roles of ownership and influence. With 63% of California farms being female-operated, women are often leading in soil health, water conservation, and long-term orchard management.

“The Commission has supported the CA Grown program for many years because being locally grown and grown in California is a strong purchase driver for California avocado customers and consumers,” said Terry Splane, CAC vice president of marketing.

The International Year of the Woman Farmer highlights that agriculture encompasses more than mere production; it centers on individuals who nourish and support their communities. CAC’s support of this CA Grown initiative will include PR and social media content promoting the impact of California’s female avocado farmers.