LOS ANGELES, CA - Progressive Produce and Pacific Trellis Fruit are pleased to announce several changes in executive leadership designed to enhance the ongoing partnership between the two brands, allowing them to work synergistically to best serve both customers and growers around the world.

Effective immediately, Eric Coty will join Pacific Trellis Fruit as Executive Vice President of Fruit. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Coty has served in executive roles across sales and marketing, grower relations, quality control, and operations. In this newly established position, Coty will spearhead the go-to-market strategy for the Fruit division, which includes Grapes, Stone Fruit, Cherries, and Citrus. Coty will be managing relationships throughout the supply chain, with a focus on driving sales and creating sustainable operations that support Pacific Trellis’ significant upcoming growth, according to a press release.

Additionally, Josh Leichter has chosen to step away from his responsibilities as CEO at Pacific Trellis Fruit but will retain his role as Director of Imported Grapes, a category that is vital to Pacific Trellis Fruit and for which he carries immense experience and excitement. For the past two seasons, Pacific Trellis Fruit has been one of the largest importers of South American grapes, with a diversified supply base across multiple countries and growing regions.

Next, Cory Stahl will leave his position of Vice President of Sales for Progressive Produce to assume the role of Executive Vice President of Dulcinea Melons at Pacific Trellis. He will lead the go-to-market strategy for the Melon division as it continues to scale. Dulcinea brand impressions reached more than 100 million consumers in 2024. Throughout his time at Progressive, Stahl has contributed to every business unit. Notably, he was integral to the successful launch of the Asparagus and Wet Vegetable category, and in 2018, assumed the role of Vice President of Sales, overseeing Asparagus, Wet Vegetables, Chilis, Herbs, Citrus, and third-party logistics services.

Furthermore, Scott Leimkuhler will now be Executive Vice President at Progressive Produce. In this expanded role, he will lead the go-to-market strategy for all of Progressive’s key categories, including Potatoes, Onions, Yams, Asparagus, Wet Vegetables, Chilis, Herbs, and Citrus. Leimkuhler, who has been with Progressive Produce for more than 15 years, exemplifies the company’s commitment to year-round conventional and organic production, nationwide logistics, and outstanding customer service.

This divisional approach is designed to create a more dynamic and responsive organization, which will maximize efficiency and put a clear focus on growth, while also providing leaders with greater ownership and accountability and creating more direct lines of communication among divisions.

As part of these shifts in executive leadership, Marty Kamer, previously CEO of Progressive Produce, and Simon Miller, will serve as Group CEO and CFO/COO, respectively, of both Progressive Produce and Pacific Trellis Fruit. Though the companies will remain two distinct entities with unique product offerings and go-to-market strategies, this transition is a strategic move that will allow these two companies to share resources and best serve both growers and customers.

The announcement marks the culmination of a partnership 18 months in the making.

Last year, Progressive Produce joined Arable Capital Partners, which also holds a majority stake in Pacific Trellis Fruit. This led to a symbiotic relationship between the two entities, in which Kamer and Miller worked alongside Pacific Trellis Fruit CEO Josh Leichter and other executive leadership to forge a path forward as two separate and distinct entities.

“Our strategy going forward is quite simple: Put the right people in the right positions at the right time,” said Kamer. “These adjustments to our leadership structure will enhance the synergies we have developed over the past several months and allow for continued growth going forward.”

CALIFORNIA - California is staring down a volatile stretch of September weather, with tropical storm remnants feeding a humid heatwave that could pivot into dry-to-wet thunderstorm outbreaks, according to Weather West.

The month already opened with a jolt as lightning ignited dozens of wildfires, including the destructive “6-5 Fire.” While recent rainfall and the absence of deep drought have tempered the worst-case wildfire outcomes, forecasters warn that the setup this week shares similarities with the August 2020 dry lightning event that triggered widespread blazes.

Moisture from former Tropical Storm Mario is expected to drift into the Central Coast midweek, colliding with hot inland air and elevated instability. This alignment raises the risk of thunderstorms that may drench parts of Southern California while producing more dangerous dry strikes farther north, especially near the Bay Area and Sierra foothills. Some storms could also unleash strong downdrafts or flash flooding in burn scars and mountain terrain.

Adding fuel to the pattern is a record-breaking Pacific marine heatwave, warming coastal waters and juicing atmospheric moisture. That’s keeping nights muggy along the coast and could extend storm potential well into next week.

California agriculture, transport, and wildfire crews are already bracing for the swings—from parched fields to sudden downpours—that could ripple across the state in the days ahead.

Keep checking ANUK for more weather updates.

WASHINGTON - September is here, and class is officially in session! As students flock back to school, shoppers are on the lookout for school-year certified products to fill their lunchboxes and satisfy their snacking needs. Equitable Food Initiative-certified farms are leading the charge, with products that aren’t just delicious but also grown with a commitment to safe food, fair labor, and environmental responsibility.

From beloved apple varieties to delicious mini cucumbers, the organization recently shared a list of standout offerings to support healthier kids and a healthier food system.

Stemilt Rave® Apples

“Rave® Apples lead the charge as the first apple of the harvest, arriving in early August with a Honeycrisp crunch, juicy bite, and fuchsia-pink glow. Perfect for lunchbox kabobs, nut-butter slices, or a quick after-school treat. Rave’s short season makes them a must-have through September.”

Homegrown Organic Farms Little Pranksters Kiwi Berries

“Kiwi berries are a bite-sized twist on traditional kiwi, bursting with flavor once ripe. These skinless, poppable fruits are fun to eat and perfect for packing into snack cups and bento boxes.”

WINDSET FARMS® Yum Yums™ Cherry Tomatoes

“Cherry tomatoes deliver a burst of natural sweetness with each bite. Greenhouse-grown for consistent quality, they’re excellent for snacking or pairing with cheese cubes or their favorite salad dressing.”

Mucci Farms Mini Cucumbers

“Crisp and refreshing, these mini cucumbers are perfect for snacking or quick pickling. Slice them with baby bell peppers and grape tomatoes for a colorful, kid-friendly veggie platter.”

This back-to-school season, retailers have the opportunity to make fresh produce as essential as paper and pencils. With flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-pack options from EFI-certified farms, parents can fill lunchboxes with foods that fuel health, learning, and play.

For more updates from across the industry, keep reading AndNowKnow.

WASHINGTON, DC - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) brought together top executives from across the fresh produce and floral supply chain for its 2025 Executive Leadership Summit – Asia, spotlighting the region’s pivotal role in shaping the future of global trade, consumer demand, and sustainability.

The event took place in conjunction with Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong and welcomed executive leaders from companies across 22 countries. The invitation-only event convened executives to hear from IFPA and industry experts, and take part in robust roundtable discussions with peers.

“The future of fresh produce and floral is playing out in Asia, with exciting growing markets joining long-established markets in the region,” said IFPA VP of Global Industry Relations, Jessica Keller, in the recent release. “The Executive Leadership Summit provides the space for leaders in the industry to confront disruption, explore opportunity, and ensure our industry is ready to meet the demands of billions of consumers.”

The half-day summit, held alongside Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong, featured sessions on:

• Trade and Consumer Trends Across Asia – presented by IFPA Chief Membership Officer Miriam Wolk, offering insights into economic forecasts, sustainability priorities, and evolving consumer preferences.

• Famously Effective Creativity for Asia’s Dynamic Markets – led by Grey HK’s Duffy Lau and Desmond Li, showcasing case studies of brands that successfully localized global campaigns.
• Executive Reaction Panel – moderated by IFPA VP Jessica Keller, featuring executives from Del Monte Fresh Produce, IG International, and Rijk Zwaan, who shared perspectives on disruptions such as tariffs, climate change, and supply chain shifts.
• Dynamic Roundtable Discussions – leaders participated in roundtable discussions to reflect, share insights, and provide industry perspectives on the topics above.

The summit concluded with a networking reception, giving attendees the opportunity to build partnerships and continue the day’s conversations.

“IFPA uniquely represents the entire global produce and floral supply chain, so it is critical that we’re not just talking about markets from afar,” said Wolk. “Our ability to bring global leaders together in person where the conversations matter most means we’re engaging directly with the opportunities and challenges on the ground. We appreciate our members joining us for this exciting day and look forward to connecting again at the upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, California, in the US this October, as well as at our many global signature events scheduled for 2026.”

For more information about IFPA’s global initiatives and upcoming events, visit freshproduce.com.

SUNBURY, PA - Weis Markets announced it has completed the remodel of its Culpeper store.

The store features include:

• Updated decor throughout the store
• Increased variety in the grocery department
• Expanded, market-style produce department offering an increased variety of fresh items

“We’re excited to celebrate the grand re-opening of our Culpeper location, now with even more ways for our Culpeper neighbors to enjoy the fresh, affordable foods they love,” said Dennis Curtin, Weis Markets Director of Public Relations, in a recent release. “Weis Markets is committed to making healthy options accessible to everyone we serve, and these renovations bring us one step closer to that goal.”

In celebration of each reopening, Weis Markets presented donations to Culpeper Fire Department, Culpeper Rescue Squad, and Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

The Culpeper store is located in Meadowbrook Shopping Center.

MADRID - Ahead of Fruit Attraction taking place at the end of this month in Madrid, Fyffes – a global leader in bananas, pineapples, and melons – has confirmed that it is working diligently on its own farms, and with its long-term supplier partners, to secure premium quality bananas and guarantee consistent supply despite industry-wide challenges.

Over recent months, the banana sector has faced severe pressure from global climate change, geopolitical tensions, and strikes in Panama. Yet Fyffes has stayed ahead of the curve, leveraging its farming expertise, trusted grower network, and resilient logistics operations to ensure uninterrupted deliveries.

Sheila Morrison, Chief Supply Officer at Fyffes, says in a recent release, “Thanks to the geographical diversity of our farming and sourcing operations and our close collaboration with our long-term growing partners, Fyffes is guaranteeing premium-quality fruit not just for the season ahead but also for the long-term.”

Frank Burkhardt, Chief Commercial Officer at Fyffes added, “Not only do we have this unrivalled close relationship with growers, we are also committed to radical transparency, human rights due diligence, sustainability, and community investment. Our robust logistics network means that our fruit lands at exactly the right moment in the right place.”

He continued, “At Fruit Attraction we aim to forge multi-year partnerships with retailers so that together we see benefits right across the supply chain for workers, communities, consumers and the planet.”

Factors negatively impacting banana supply this season include significant climate events in Latin America leading to productivity decline, increased demand for Latin American fruit from Asia due to decline in regional production, strikes in Panama, trade restrictions in Algeria as well as regional conflict and increased security controls in Latin America.

At Fruit Attraction 2025, Fyffes will share its bold category vision under the tagline Let the Good Grow along with brand strategies and latest innovations, including:

• A showcase of Trudi’s latest consumer communications.
• A fresh consumer campaign for the world’s first fruit brand, Fyffes Blue Label
• Premium Fyffes Special Reserve Pineapples: recently introduced by Rewe in Germany and Carrefour in Spain, these pineapples, grown by experts and picked at perfection, boast a richer golden hue, a sweeter taste, and a juicier texture.

Other exciting developments include:

• Customer briefings on new sustainable packaging innovations
• Maersk partnership on new shipping routes designed to mitigate against climate and optimise on time delivery
• Launch of Fyffes latest Sustainability Report showing it has met and exceeded many sustainability targets

Fyffes will also host a dedicated supplier summit at Fruit Attraction for a second year. It is expected that well over forty suppliers and growers will attend to hear the latest updates on sustainability, human rights, compliance, responsible supply chain as well as supplier perspectives.

With more than 130 years of experience, Fyffes remains committed to operational excellence, category leadership, and providing consumers worldwide with produce of the highest quality.