OVIEDO, FL - Duda Farm Fresh Foods, a leading grower and processor of fresh vegetables and citrus, is proud to welcome Samantha Duda as East Regional Manager. Alongside recent leadership changes, this addition reflects Duda’s continued momentum and enduring commitment to growth, partnership, and excellence as the company approaches its centennial in 2026.

Samantha is a fifth-generation member of the Duda family who grew up in the Salinas Valley of California, immersed in the produce business. She is a graduate of the University of Florida and brings a deep and diverse background to her new role. Most recently, she served as Produce Senior Strategy Manager at HelloFresh, where she led a team of strategy managers and oversaw procurement. Prior to that, she gained valuable experience at Charlie’s Produce in Seattle, working in both sales and purchasing roles.

“Samantha brings a strong combination of strategic insight, hands-on industry experience, and a deep understanding of the fresh produce supply chain,” said Alan Ediger, Vice President of Sales at Duda Farm Fresh Foods, in the recent release. “Her leadership in procurement and sales, along with her ability to build strong customer relationships, will be a tremendous asset as she leads our fresh cut sales efforts across the Eastern US and Eastern Canada.”

“I’m thrilled to begin this new chapter with Duda Farm Fresh Foods,” said Samantha Duda. “It’s an incredible opportunity to put my experience and passion for produce to work in a company that’s been part of my life since the beginning.”

This expansion of the sales team comes during a pivotal time for Duda Farm Fresh Foods, reinforcing the company’s dedication to talent, innovation, and customer success as it builds toward its next 100 years.

For more information and to stay up-to-date on additional news and product launches, please visit trade.dudafresh.com or follow Dandy Fresh Produce's social media platforms for daily inspiration at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Food solutions company SpartanNash® announced the appointment of two new IT leaders, Ed Rybicki as SVP and Chief Information Officer (CIO), and Brett Hoffman as VP and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The IT department is reporting to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Jason Monaco as part of the Company's newly combined Finance/IT/Strategy organization.

Rybicki will oversee SpartanNash's technology team, focusing on innovation, operational efficiency, and SpartanNash's growth strategy. Hoffman will serve on Rybicki's leadership team, leading the Company's cybersecurity strategy across retail, supply chain, and corporate environments.

"As a customer-focused, innovative food solutions company, our technology must simplify work for our Associates, create a seamless experience for our wholesale customers, and support a rich, omnichannel journey for our shoppers," Monaco said in the recent release. "Our investments in technology are inextricably aligned with our Company's broader long-term strategy. These two IT leaders have a long track record of success that will help us continue driving growth and productivity while enabling transformational change and supporting our People First, high-performance culture."

Rybicki brings 20 years of experience to his role as CIO, most recently serving as Chief Information and Technology Officer at Mastronardi Produce®, an agricultural producer and supplier.

He also served in senior IT positions at Vyaire® Medical, Merieux Nutrisciences®, and Delphi®. Rybicki earned his bachelor's degree in organizational behavior from the University of Michigan and his master's degree in computer information systems from the University of Detroit Mercy.

Hoffman joins SpartanNash from Inspire® Security Solutions, where he served as Vice President, Enterprise Security Solutions and CISO. He also served as Global CISO at MillerKnoll® and held cybersecurity leadership roles at HealthEquity®, Amway®, and Corewell Health®. He earned his bachelor's degree in business and professional administration from Roosevelt University.

GRAND JUNCTION, MI - It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Brad Moorer on August 7, 2025. Brad was CEO of MBG Marketing, a domestic blueberry and blackberry cooperative that sells its fruit under the Naturipe Farms label.

Brad proudly served MBG Marketing and its growers for nearly fifteen years. He started his career as CFO and VP of Value Added Business before being promoted in 2022 to the position of CEO. Under Brad’s leadership, MBG Marketing strengthened and expanded its Berry Blue genetics program and its focus on the development of new and improved blueberry varieties.

Brad placed enormous value on the quality of berries sold by MBG Marketing and worked tirelessly to improve practices and to deliver the best fruit possible. His goal was always to “delight the consumer.” But Brad was also a fierce advocate for the domestic berry grower, often serving in industry leadership roles and engaging politically, all with the singular goal of making life better for American farmers.

Brad Moorer’s premature departure is a huge loss that will be felt not only by his colleagues at MBG Marketing and Naturipe Farms, as well his partners from Naturipe Berry Growers, Hortifrut, and Munger Farms, who make up the combined ownership group of Naturipe Farms. Brad is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife and two children, who brought him immense pride and joy.

LONG BEACH, CA - We are a reflection of those who lifted us up, mentored, and helped make us. This and a focus on the future made up the atmosphere of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council's (FPFC) debut Harvest Forum & Fair. 

Spanning two and a half days on the Pacific Coast in Long Beach, California, the schedule offered a plethora of opportunities for connection, networking, and learning. With a one-to-five ratio in attendance, 20 percent was made up of buyers from over 40 different retailers and foodservice operations. 

Bryan Presley, Chairman of FPFC and Replenishment Manager at Albertsons, summed it up after listening to teammate Shawn Peery speak on produce consumption: “What’s great about the FPFC is we get together like this. I know so many of you out there [in the audience], and part of what the FPFC is doing is trying to bring everybody together to sell more produce—and we're doing a great job!"

Bob Lanter, President of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council, shared a few words upon the event's closing.

“What we are trying to accomplish is adding quality educational components to increase the value for all attendees—suppliers and retailers alike. We are also working to stand out in an industry where events happen every month. The focus on harvest helps vendors showcase their innovations for the coming season," he said.

Shawn, National Vice President of Produce for Albertsons, helped to kick off the gathering with a clear intention on digging into the work, delivering data, and creating opportunities to turn obstacles into opportunities in boosting produce consumption.

“You go down the center of the store, they're trying to make things look healthier when they're all made in a factory, and they all control what they're going to taste like. So, how do we take what God gave us in nature, continue to push that, and educate our consumers? That's our challenge,” Shawn summed up. He also emphasized what will help the industry to meet that challenge. “I want to thank the growers and the suppliers in this room. It is hard work what you do to grow produce and flowers for our stores. It is very, very hard. So thank you for that. And I want to thank the Fresh Produce & Floral Council for having this meeting. I'm looking forward to the new things, the opportunities that have been outlined, and I know there's more. Let’s work together on solutions.”

The group broke off into several optional workshops before reuniting for Women In Produce, with Megan Rial, Category Manager for Produce, Stater Bros.; Paige Venable, Floral Director, Vallarta Supermarkets; Tristan Simpson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Tristan Michele Marketing; Paula Shimizu, Director of Produce, Bulk Foods and Floral, El Super/Fiesta/Smart & Final, and moderated by Alex Jackson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Frieda's Branded Produce.

Alex introduced the powerhouse panel, highlighting how such conversations bring to life the mission of the FPFC.

“They shine a light on the diverse leadership, shaping our industry's future. We're highlighting these voices because they not only celebrate their accomplishments, but they're here to inspire all of you, as well as the next generation of leaders in our industry, to lead with confidence and authenticity,” Alex stated. “The journeys of these remarkable leaders, which are marked by resilience, originality, and purpose, offer valuable lessons for everyone in this room, regardless of your role, gender, or background. Their stories remind us that leadership takes many forms and that progress is driven by those who are willing to push boundaries and build bridges.”

A mellow reception allowed attendees to unwind from either events or travel before the next day of sessions, speakers, and workshops, incentivizing everyone to wake up early with an insightful retail panel on produce perspectives, moderated by Bob himself.

Jacob Cadwallader, Director of Produce, Stater Bros; Bryan Presley, Replenish Manager, Southern California, Albertsons-Vons-Pavilions; and Colin Ager, Business Development Manager, H-E-B shared the stage and their thoughts on everything from how buying decisions are made and supply-side partnerships to tariff and immigration impacts.

Another banner session spotlighted lessons from community-driven grocers, this time with Robert Veilleux, Vice President of Produce and Floral, Vallarta Markets; Alice Grazziani, Floral Director, Gelson's Supermarket; Carmen Chevez, Senior Category Manager, Housewares & Floral, Lazy Acres & New Leaf Community Markets; and Jon Holder, Vice President of Produce and Floral.

Buyer Business Meetings, an Apprentice Alumni Mixer for FPFC’s own leadership program, and other networking opportunities continued to create and foster connections all the way up to Saturday’s four-hour expo.

Attendees began the final day with a speaker who had an impact on just about everyone in the room—Richard Montanez, the man behind Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. The insights and energy were more than inspiring; rest assured there will be a followup report and that I will be watching his biopic, Flamin' Hot.

The final bow was the expo of 70 exhibitors, which opened its doors exclusively to buy-side, followed by the rest of the 500 registered attendees.

While there was certainly an emphasis on gaining business, there was also a profound undercurrent of connection, reflected in a statement Shawn made on that first day.

“I know there's a lot. But you know what? We love to get together like family. We are family. Families have disagreements, believe me. But we have to work together as a family does,” he observed.

This sentiment was profoundly felt when honoring three standout members of the council for the following honors:

• Norman H. (Buzz) Bolstad Legacy Award: Andrew Bivens, Westlake Produce
• First-ever Jan DeLyser Trailblazer of the Year Award: Kristen Reid, MIXTEC
• FPFC Floral Member of the Year: Paige Venable, Vallarta Markets

All reflected on deep roots in the community surrounding them in FPFC, highlighting a convergence between the long legacy of the council and the new beginnings galvanized by the debut of the Harvest Forum & Fair. 

There is much still in store for this newest industry event! 

REEDLEY, CA - A highly anticipated time of year has arrived, bringing an abundance of high-quality California table grapes into the eager hands of consumers. With peak season officially underway, Creekside Organics is ensuring strong category momentum with two beloved California varieties.

“The grape category is looking strong this season, with excellent quality and flavor across the board,” shares Bianca Kaprielian, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Creekside Organics and Founder of Fruit World. “We’re super pleased with how the grapes are coloring up—about 10 days earlier than last season. We’ve been shipping organic Thomcords for almost two weeks now, with strong harvest projections and their signature ‘grapiest grape’ flavor that makes them a seasonal favorite. We also just started harvesting our Kyoho grapes—a prized seeded variety that is big on flavor.”

Both of these enticing table grape varieties are grown in California’s Central Valley. The season promises plentiful volumes of organic Thomcords, followed by conventional Kyohos and a limited amount of organic red and green varieties.

“Right now is a perfect time to spotlight the table grape category—it's peak season, and grapes check all the boxes for summer shoppers: they're refreshing, easy to snack on, and kid-friendly. Perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, and camping trips—grapes are the kind of grab-and-go fruit that fits seamlessly into any summer routine,” Bianca adds.

So, how can retailers maximize demand and impact this season? The supplier advises retailers to optimize seasonal standalone displays and signage highlighting these unique varieties, especially through nostalgia-themed messaging or “taste of summer” campaigns. Sampling is another key sales driver, Bianca explains.

“If sampling is possible, it can be a game changer—once people try a Thomcord, they get it!” she says. “We hear it all season long from our customers; we include a card in every pack of our organic Thomcord grapes inviting people to text us their stories, memories, or reactions. The messages we get are thoughtful, funny, and heartfelt, and we share highlights throughout the season to celebrate the love people have for these grapes.”

This connection between flavor, nostalgia, and real people, Bianca tells me, is what makes this program so special. Another key differentiating factor is the grower’s commitment to flavor and sustainability.

“We lead with taste—selecting unique varieties like organic Thomcords and Kyoho grapes that deliver a super memorable eating experience,” Bianca notes. “To reduce our use of plastic and reflect our sustainability values, we offer a compostable and recyclable paper tote pack. We also offer a recyclable clamshell to customers who need the structure of that pack, but the paper totes have gained a lot of traction since we started packing in them five years ago.”

Bianca continues, “What most sets us apart is that behind every pack is a deep-rooted commitment to keeping family farms thriving and a team that’s responsive, thoughtful, and dedicated to building long-term relationships.”

As always, keep a tab on the latest opportunities in the produce department with insights from AndNowUKnow.