WASHINGTON, DC - International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Vice President of Membership Engagement and Sales, Anthony Barbieri, has announced his retirement after decades in the industry. IFPA’s Megan Nash, current director of education and talent, will step into the role of Vice President of Membership Engagement and Business Development and report to Miriam Wolk, chief membership officer at IFPA.

“Anthony has been a valuable member of the IFPA, and formerly PMA, team for 15 years. We’ve had the benefit of his retail insights to strengthen our connections with members across the global produce and floral community. Everybody knows AB! He leaves us with a strong member-focused business development team,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns in the recent release. “We wish Anthony a well-deserved retirement that’s every bit as rewarding as the career that led to it. He will be missed.”

Anthony Barbieri joined IFPA (formerly Produce Marketing Association) in 2010 after 34 years at Acme Markets. His experience in retail informed his approach to creating a member-centric sponsorship and sales team, always focused on more than a transactional relationship, but on creating a true community of producers, suppliers, and professionals aligned around advancing produce and floral.

“It has been a true honor to serve this industry and our members, whose dedication and innovation continue to inspire me every day,” said Barbieri. “From my early career in retail to my years at PMA and IFPA, I have always believed that our greatest strength is our people. I am deeply grateful for the trust, collaboration, and friendship of this community and proud of all we have accomplished together to advance the produce and floral industry.”

IFPA has identified Barbieri’s successor in Megan Nash. Nash joined the Center for Growing Talent, (PMA’s charitable organization), in 2013.

Previously, Megan Nash worked in the industry for Country Fresh Mushroom Co. for 5 years.

“We’re very excited for Megan to step into this new role and continue the exceptional, member-focused approach the team is known for,” said Wolk. “She is a leader that builds momentum not only through her own work, but by empowering and including others. With her extensive network built over years of collaborating with our member community, she will be an incredible ally for our industry in this role.”

Nash’s leadership has influenced the steady growth of many of the talent programs including Women’s Fresh Perspectives Portfolio, the Game of Leadership, and Career Pathways, and she also has led IFPA’s education team since the founding of IFPA.

“I’m honored to step into this new role and continue serving our incredible produce and floral community. I am deeply proud of the Education & Talent team and all we have accomplished together, and I’m grateful to Anthony for the strong foundation he has built,” said Nash. “I look forward to working with my new team, engaging members in fresh and meaningful ways, and building on that momentum to deliver even greater value across our industry.”

Barbieri will retire at the end of 2025 and Nash will officially transition into the role on January 1st, 2026.

STELLARTON, NS - The Board of Directors of Empire Company Limited is pleased to announce the appointment of Pierre St-Laurent, as President and Chief Executive Officer of Empire and its wholly owned subsidiary, Sobeys Inc. Mr. St-Laurent will also serve on the Board of Directors of Empire.

This appointment follows the company's announcement earlier this year of President & CEO Michael Medline's intention to retire from Empire. Mr. St-Laurent's appointment is effective immediately with Mr. Medline remaining to support a thorough transition into December.

"After a robust and well-governed succession process that included both an extensive global search and consideration of internal candidates, our Board is delighted to have identified our next CEO from within our organization," said James Dickson, Chair of the Board of Empire, in the recent release. "Pierre is a seasoned retail executive who has served as one of the key architects of our company's success and our Board is unanimous that he is the right choice to create long-term value for all of our stakeholders. Choosing a leader from within our senior leadership ranks speaks to the depth of talent in our company and reinforces that our greatest strength lies in our people — those who know our business, live our values and have helped shape our success."

A 34-year veteran of Empire, Mr. St-Laurent has served in increasingly senior roles with the company, across the finance, distribution and logistics, retail operations and merchandising functions.

In 2019, he was appointed Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer for Empire, overseeing the company's merchandising, operations and supply chain functions across Canada, while also serving as a key member of the company's executive leadership team. In 2020, he was named one of Canada's 50 Best Executives by the Globe and Mail's Report on Business Magazine.

"What an incredible honour to lead Empire's 129,000 teammates and to continue to build upon the foundation of success that we have created together," said Mr. St-Laurent. "I have been fortunate to work with so many talented colleagues over the years and I am inspired by what we can achieve together in the years to come, for our customers, our teammates and the communities we serve."

"Pierre is a proven and passionate leader and a fantastic executive who has played a critical role in the transformation and growth of Empire over the past nine years," said Mr. Medline. "He brings a remarkable combination of operational expertise, strategic insight and, importantly, a deep and unwavering commitment to our customers. I am confident he is the leader to take our company to even greater heights."

Mr. Medline retires from Empire after nine years of outstanding contributions to the growth and success of the company. Not only did he lead the difficult transformation and turnaround of what at the time was a struggling business, he has since steered Empire on its current growth trajectory, delivering immense value for shareholders in a dynamic and ever-changing marketplace.

"I am incredibly grateful for Michael's leadership over the past nine years," continued Mr. Dickson. "He has been the true embodiment of a resilient, adaptable and courageous leader and his impact on our company will be felt for years to come."

TUBAC, AZ - The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) proudly announced Gonzalo Avila, CEO of Malena Produce, as the 2025 FPAA Member of the Year during its Annual Meeting held on November 4, at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa.

The Member of the Year Award represents one of the association’s highest honors, recognizing leaders whose vision, service, and commitment leave an enduring mark on the fresh produce industry and the FPAA community, according to a press release.

“The FPAA Member of the Year Award is not simply a recognition — it is a reflection of the values we hold dear: integrity, service, and progress,” said Lance Jungmeyer, FPAA president, during the ceremony. “It is awarded to those who make both an immediate and lasting impact on our association and the fresh produce industry at large.”

Avila’s career is a testament to dedication and leadership rooted in both business excellence and community service. From humble beginnings in sales, he cultivated a deep understanding of market dynamics, logistics, and customer relationships—quietly building success while always staying focused on results and long-term vision.

Under Avila’s leadership, Malena Produce has evolved from its early reputation as an eggplant specialist into a diversified industry powerhouse with over 20 product lines, including tomatoes, bell peppers, squash, cucumbers, and melons. With operations anchored in Nogales and expanded into South Texas and international markets such as Japan and China, the company continues to grow its global footprint.

Avila has been an active and respected leader in the produce community, serving on the FPAA Board of Directors and Executive Committee, including a term as FPAA Chairman. His industry influence extends nationally through service on the Grower-Shipper Board of the United Fresh Produce Association, and his excellence has been recognized previously when he was named Exporter of the Year by an industry magazine. In 2024, Malena Produce celebrated 70 years of legacy.

“Gonzalo leads with integrity. He listens. He builds,” Jungmeyer noted. “He has an ability to sit in a meeting that might be intense, not take anything personally, and offer thoughtful, on-point insight with calm and clarity. That is true leadership.”

With roots in Sinaloa and professional experience across the U.S.–Mexico border region—including studies at Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey and time spent at the University of Arizona—Avila represents a cross-border legacy of agricultural excellence. He is known not only as a visionary executive but also as a mentor who invests in people, builds future industry leaders, and champions sustainability, worker welfare, and consumer education.

Surrounded by his family, Avila accepted the award with gratitude. His wife Yanula and daughter Yanula joined him for the celebration.

“Gonzalo, your journey inspires us. Your leadership strengthens us. And your vision moves us forward,” Jungmeyer said in closing.