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.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - Legend Produce, a leading grower and supplier specializing in premium melons, today announced that the company will be exhibiting at IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show, taking place October 14–16 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

The annual event, hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), brings together professionals from across the fresh produce and floral industries for three days of networking, education, innovation, and business development.

“We are looking forward to connect with customers, partners, and friends from across the industry in Orlando,” said Barry Zwillinger of Legend Produce in a press release. “The Global Produce & Floral Show is an important opportunity for us to share what is happening at Legend Produce, learn from our industry partners, and talk about the future of fresh melons.”

Those attending the show are encouraged to stop by booth No. 1007 to connect with the Legend Produce’s sales, marketing, transportation and sourcing teams and learn more about the company’s melon programs, new offerings, exclusive varieties, and year-round supply capabilities designed to add value and improve consumer experience in the category.

A New Digital Home for Legend Produce

In conjunction with the upcoming show, Legend Produce is also proud to announce the launch of its new website (legendproduce.com), designed to provide consumers and industry partners alike with a fresh look at the company, its products, and its growing operations.

The new website showcases Legend Produce’s focus and expertise on melons, including cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew, and specialty varieties such as its Kiss Melon offerings. It also provides information about product availability, the company’s growing regions, food-safety programs, company history, unique recipes, and ways to provide feedback and connect with the team at Legend Produce.

“Our new website gives us a better platform to tell the Legend Produce story and make it easier for our customers to learn about our products and connect with our team. We recognize that in order to build trust with our customers, we have to be transparent, and we have to make a greater effort to engage with them. We know we are better when we are learning about the things we are doing right, and the things we need to improve,” added Barry Zwillinger. “We’re proud of where we've come from, excited about where we’re going, and looking forward to sharing that story with the industry.”

VANCOUVER, BC - As summer production continues across its greenhouses, Perpetual Vegetable Co. is preparing for its winter cucumber and tomatoes-on-the-vine program with expanded lighting, ongoing crop innovation and a continued focus on the people who help drive its success.

Exclusively marketed through Oppy, the family-owned grower began planting in mid-August. To support year-round supply and consistent quality, the company will add 3.5 acres of supplemental lighting this winter, with an additional 11 acres planned for next year.

Known for its long English and mini cucumbers, sweet bell peppers, and mini peppers, Perpetual Vegetable Co. continues to invest in future opportunities through ongoing crop trials. The company had previously trialled winter bell peppers and is now expanding its trial infrastructure to include more lit greenhouse crops. This winter, it will have commercial volumes of tomatoes-on-the-vine under lights and will continue evaluating additional greenhouse opportunities as part of its commitment to improving growing methods.

"We're always looking ahead, whether that's investing in new technology, evaluating new crops or expanding our growing capacity," said Perpetual Vegetable Co.’ Business Director Vijay Randhawa. "The additional lighting gives us greater flexibility and consistency during the winter months, while our ongoing trials help ensure we're meeting the evolving needs of the market and constantly challenging our production skills. At the same time, we're committed to maintaining a strong culture where our employees feel valued and connected to the success of the business."

Built around its positioning line, "Life grows on," Perpetual Vegetable Co. combines advanced greenhouse technology with a commitment to sustainability. High-tech climate-control systems help conserve and recycle water, carbon dioxide, and other valuable nutrients while supporting the production of premium-quality vegetables year-round.

That commitment extends beyond the greenhouse walls. Perpetual Vegetable Co. rotates approximately 200 international workers through its facilities throughout the year and invests heavily in employee engagement through annual events such as its Perpetual Soccer Tournament and Summer Games. Team members also participate in celebrations recognizing International Women's Day and Movember, among others, along with local running events that encourage active lifestyles and community involvement.

The company's people-first approach was exemplified in 2024 when Operations Manager Ajay Randhawa traveled to Guatemala to visit several team members and their families, strengthening connections with the communities that help support the business. Earlier this year, that culture of leadership and innovation received additional recognition when Head Grower Amit Randhawa was named one of Greenhouse Canada's Top 4 Under 40 professionals.

"Perpetual Vegetable Co. continues to set itself apart through a combination of innovation and a genuine investment in its people," said Oppy’s Category Director of Greenhouse Kevin Batt. "Whether it's expanding its lighting program, exploring new growing opportunities or creating meaningful experiences for employees, the Randhawa family consistently demonstrates a long-term commitment to excellence that benefits customers, retailers and consumers."

Retailer partners are welcome to visit Perpetual Vegetable Co.’s facilities throughout the year to see its operations firsthand and learn more about its growing programs, sustainability efforts, and innovations in controlled-environment agriculture. Contact your Oppy rep to set up a visit.

ELGIN, MN - Honeybear Brands, a leading grower, marketer and developer of premium conventional and organic apples, pears and cherries, announces that popular Pazazz® apples are on their way to stores. With ruby-red color, juicy sweetness, tangy flavor and an explosive crunch, Pazazz delivers the kind of bold eating experience that makes healthy snacking anything but boring.

This year’s crop is being harvested and packed across Honeybear’s growing and packing network in Washington, the Midwest, New York, and Canada, giving retail partners access to peak-of-harvest flavor along with a long-term supply program. Pazazz is also an excellent storing apple, delivering a quality eating experience well beyond harvest and into the year.

“Pazazz checks a lot of boxes for today’s shopper. It looks beautiful, tastes incredible, and fits naturally into the way consumers are thinking about food and wellness,” says Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing, Honeybear Brands. “It’s a premium apple that delivers on both enjoyment and everyday nutrition.”

Beauty Starts From Within

As consumers increasingly connect what they eat with how they feel, look and live, Honeybear Brands is bringing a fresh perspective to the conversation around beauty: true beauty starts from within.

Pazazz offers an estimated 4.4 grams of dietary fiber per medium apple, making it an easy, delicious way for consumers to add more fiber to their daily diets. With growing interest in gut health and the continued popularity of “fibermaxxing,” consumers are looking beyond powders, supplements and highly processed foods for simple, whole-food sources of fiber.

Apples offer that solution in a familiar, portable package. Their naturally occurring fiber supports a balanced diet and makes apples an easy choice for consumers who want to nourish themselves from the inside out.

Honeybear’s upcoming beauty-focused public relations effort will bring that idea to life by partnering with food, wellness, and beauty influencers to explore the connection between eating well and feeling—and looking—your best. Paid and earned media will reinforce a simple message: beauty isn't just what you put on your skin; it’s also what you put on your plate.

“Consumers are increasingly interested in the idea of beauty from within,” says Kristi Harris, brand manager, Honeybear Brands. “They’re thinking about fiber, gut health, nutrition, and overall wellness as part of how they care for themselves. We want to show them that something as simple and delicious as an apple can be part of that daily routine.”

Beyond fiber, apples fit easily into busy lifestyles. Portable and naturally packaged, they make an easy snack for work, school, or on the go. They can also be sliced into salads, paired with yogurt or nut butter, or incorporated into everything from breakfast to dinner and dessert.

With a variety of colors, flavors, and textures available across the Honeybear portfolio, there’s an apple for virtually every shopper—and plenty of delicious ways to make beauty from within part of the everyday routine.