SANTA MARIA, CA - Main Street Produce, also doing business as Freshway Farms, has named Vince Ferrante Chief Executive Officer of the vertically integrated berry grower-shipper, effective September 28, 2026. Mark Murai, CEO since 2024, will become Chairman of the Board. As chairman he will guide the company's strategy, growth and partnerships.

Ferrante has more than 35 years of experience in berry and vegetable production, operations, sales, and business development. Previously, he served as executive vice president of Carolina Berry Group from 2018 to 2024. There he led farm acquisitions that grew the company's blueberry acreage to more than 1,250 acres. He also oversaw high-tunnel substrate production of blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries. From 2010 to 2013, Ferrante was senior director of agricultural operations for Dole Berry Company. He ran strawberries, blackberries and raspberries across more than 5,000 acres in the Western U.S. and Mexico.

Ferrante began his career at Teixeira Farms and FreshKist Produce in Santa Maria. He worked his way up from production to director of harvesting operations and then international sales. He is a former elected president of the Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District and a founding committee member of the Cal Poly Strawberry Center. He holds a crop science degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, stated in a press release.

“Vince has farmed, packed, and sold berries at scale, and he started his career right here in the Santa Maria Valley,” Murai said. “Over the past two years we've built the foundation to supply strawberries year-round. Vince is the right operator to carry that plan forward. As chairman, I'll concentrate on where Main Street goes next.”

Murai joined Main Street Produce in 2024, succeeding founder Paul Allen. He has four decades of experience in berries and fresh produce.

“Mark has positioned Main Street for its next chapter,” said Daniel Fabian, a partner at Farmers Gate and a member of the Main Street Produce Board of Directors. “Vince's operating depth and berry expertise make him the natural choice to lead the company day to day. Together they give us strategic continuity and strong execution.”

“Main Street's reputation for quality was built by the Allen family and strengthened under Mark's leadership,” Ferrante said. “I'm honored to lead this team. With the support of our board, we're well positioned to grow and to deliver for our customers every week of the year.”

DELTA, BC - WINDSET FARMS® has been named a finalist in the Environmental Impact category of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade's 2026 Business Distinction Awards and in the Circularity category of the Rise Awards presented by BC Food and Beverage.

The two recognitions reflect Windset Farms' integrated approach to sustainable greenhouse vegetable production, bringing together innovation, responsible resource management and environmental stewardship.

Celebrating three decades in controlled-environment agriculture, Windset Farms is a family-owned company growing premium greenhouse tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and specialty vegetables for customers across North America and international markets. Following the recent commencement of planting at its new 38-acre ultra-lit greenhouse, the company's Delta, British Columbia operation now spans 130 acres, including 86 acres of ultra-lit greenhouse production—the largest lit greenhouse vegetable facility in Western North America.

Powered by renewable hydroelectricity, the Delta greenhouse integrates thermal energy curtains, a specialized humidity-control ventilation system, a biomass boiler, a heat-recovering condensing economizer, and advanced climate management systems. Together, these technologies optimize growing conditions, improve energy efficiency, support responsible growing practices and help produce premium greenhouse-grown vegetables more efficiently while reducing environmental impact.

"These recognitions reflect the dedication of our entire team and our commitment to responsible growing," said Steven Newell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Windset Farms. "For three decades, we've remained focused on advancing greenhouse technology and growing practices that help us produce flavorful, premium greenhouse-grown vegetables more efficiently while reducing our environmental impact. We're honored to be recognized alongside this year's outstanding finalists."

As Windset Farms continues to strengthen its North American greenhouse platform, the company remains committed to responsible growth and delivering reliable, year-round supply of premium greenhouse-grown vegetables to customers

SUNBURY, PA - Weis Markets announced recent director-level promotions in its Fresh Merchandising, Advertising/Marketing, and Information Technology departments.

Tom Domaracki has been promoted to Director of Private Brands, according to a press release. In this position, he is responsible for new product development and the day-to-day management of the company’s 6,500-item private brand program, including Weis Quality, Weis By Nature and Weis Organics products.

Mr. Domaracki most recently worked as Senior Manager of the Dairy Category, a position he held since 2014. He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Penn State University and subsequently completed the Food Executive Program at Cornell University.

Mr. Domaracki reports to Maria Rizzo, Vice President of Advertising and Marketing.

Rob Dacko has been promoted to Director of Deli and Prepared Foods. He joined Weis Markets in 2015 and has held various food service and deli merchandising positions. Most recently, he served as Category Manager for Deli and Prepared Foods.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Dacko worked as a chef in Harrisburg, State College and Philadelphia, where he helped open Butcher and Singer, a classic steakhouse operated by Starr Restaurants.

Mr. Dacko earned his culinary arts degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He reports to Doug Becker, Vice President of Fresh Merchandising.

John Cooper has been promoted to Director of Strategic Initiatives. In this role, he will lead efforts to advance enterprise transformation through the strategic use of artificial intelligence, data and digital technologies. He will also continue to oversee the company’s vendor management team.

Cooper most recently served as Senior Manager of Vendor Relations, a position he held since 2019. He reports to Greg Zeh, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer.