HALTON HILLS, ONTARIO, CANADA - Fresh Taste Produce recently reported the passing of its Chief Executive Officer Sal Sarraino. A visionary leader, Sarraino was also a beloved mentor, confidante, and colleague to all who knew him.

Fresh Taste Produce benefited from his indomitable leadership. His commitment to excellence and dedication to the company’s overarching mission left an indelible mark on both the company and the industry at large.

As a release shared, Sarraino’s strength was found in the leadership team he built and its knowledge of the complex international infrastructure that he constructed. Spearheaded by his two sons, Julian and Christian, the team is highly motivated to honor the legacy that their father put in place.

The Sarraino family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have reached out to celebrate the life of Sal Sarraino. He will be missed.

AndNowUKnow offers our condolences to all who have been affected by this loss.

OXNARD, CA - If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that this industry loves to play golf. Mission Produce™ recently hosted its 12^th annual golf tournament to raise funds for The Mission Foundation. The event took place in Moorpark, California, and gathered 160 participants from around the globe to raise more than $100,000.

“The continued success of our annual tournament is a testament to the shared commitment of our vendors, customers, and partners to make a meaningful impact on our surrounding communities,” said Steve Barnard, Chief Executive Officer. “Their generous support of The Mission Foundation enables us to drive positive change, and we’re grateful to celebrate their unwavering dedication and partnership.”

Mission Produce congratulated this year’s winners of the 3-course, 27-hole tournament, the RWB Trucking team: Jon Weston, James Rehak, Ryan Walsh, and Landon Stone.

The Mission Foundation is Mission Produce’s charitable organization dedicated to supporting the communities of Ventura County and the farming industry, a press release stated. In 2024, The Mission Foundation supported Casa Pacifica, the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley, and the Ventura County Farm Bureau, among others.

We tip our caps to Mission Produce for hosting this impactful event!

YAKIMA, WA - After capturing the hearts of millions of consumers, Cosmic Crisp® continues to inspire. The brand recently launched its third Culinary Challenge, partnering with renowned baker and author Erin McDowell as the Master Judge.

“October is National Apple Month and the start of fall baking season, making it the perfect time for the Cosmic Crisp Culinary Challenge. And it’s a special treat to partner with Erin, whose passion and creativity is the epitome of what this promotion is all about,” remarked Kathryn Grandy, Chief Marketing Officer for Proprietary Variety Management, the company that leads Cosmic Crisp marketing efforts.

As a press release explained, home chefs will be able to submit recipes featuring Cosmic Crisp as the star ingredient through the brand’s website.

Additionally, those who enter have the chance to win in one of three categories, and each grand prize includes a selection of premium kitchen essentials hand-picked by Erin McDowell, author and chef.

“As a longtime fan of baking with the Cosmic Crisp, this is a natural partnership,” added McDowell. “I can't wait to see how everyone incorporates their love for these apples into the challenge!”

For more information on how McDowell herself utilizes the apple variety, click here.

AndNowUKnow will continue keeping you up to speed on all things fresh, so keep clicking on that apple logo.