CASTROVILLE, CA - Ocean Mist Farms, North America's leading grower and shipper of fresh artichokes, is pleased to announce the addition of Jeff Fulton as Senior Director of Commodity Vegetable Sales.

With over 30 years of experience in sales, strategy, and team leadership, Fulton brings extensive product and market expertise to his new role. His deep industry knowledge and proven track record in business development and product management have him well-positioned to make an immediate impact at Ocean Mist Farms.

“Jeff’s skillset will be instrumental to the continued growth of our commodity sales program,” said Rick Bravo, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, in a recent press release. “His experience in team leadership, strategic planning, and negotiations makes him exceptionally well-suited for this new role.”

Fulton joins Ocean Mist Farms following a three-decade career at Dole Vegetable Company, where he began as a sales coordinator in 1995. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, holding key positions including District Sales Manager, Product Manager, Director of Sales, and most recently, Vice President of Fresh Pack Sales and Product Manager.

“I’ve worked for a competitor of Ocean Mist Farms since the start of my career,” said Fulton. “From the outside, I’ve always respected Ocean Mist as a brand synonymous with quality, service, and value. When the opportunity came to consider a change, I knew I wanted to stay in this industry that I’ve been passionate about for over 30 years, and I’m thrilled to join the Ocean Mist team.”

In his new role, Fulton will be responsible for driving profitability, executing sales and marketing strategies, managing budgets, and leading a high-performance sales team. “I thrive in a fast-paced environment,” he said. “The dynamic nature of this business keeps you nimble and on your toes – adaptability is key.”

Fulton and his wife, Kimberly, are excited to welcome their first grandchild this fall.

LEAMINGTON, ON - Pure Flavor® has once again proven why it’s a standout in the greenhouse produce world. The Leamington-based grower dazzled at this year’s Leamington Greenhouse Competition, taking home multiple top honors in a field of over 190 entries from leading North American producers.

Known for its premium, greenhouse-grown fruits and vegetables—including the award-winning Red Royals™ and Tiki™ tomatoes—Pure Flavor® wowed judges and consumers alike with its flavor-forward innovations.

The company claimed an impressive list of accolades:

• Best Mini Cucumber – Seedless Mini Cucumbers
• Best Bell Pepper – Red Bell Pepper
• Best Specialty Berry – Sweet Blooms Blackberries
• Chef’s Choice – Sweetgreen Grape Tomato
• Chef’s Choice – Sweet Blooms Strawberries
• People’s Choice: Best Overall Pepper – Orange Bell Pepper

“We’re incredibly proud to be recognized by our community and peers,” said Jamie Moracci, CEO of Pure Flavor®, in a recent press release. “At the heart of everything we do is a deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and our community. Receiving these awards keeps us inspired to continue to grow the very best for the people we serve.”

The Leamington Greenhouse Competition is a premier event celebrating the finest in greenhouse agriculture and innovation. For Pure Flavor®, these honors build on a growing legacy of excellence and reaffirm its role as a leader in flavor, quality, and sustainability.

As Pure Flavor® continues to expand its footprint across North America, these wins serve as powerful motivation to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in greenhouse-grown produce.

WENATCHEE, WA - The summer fruit season is heating up, and Stemilt is bringing the flavor to the West Coast Produce Expo in Palm Desert, California, from May 29–31, 2025. Retailers and industry professionals attending the show can expect a showcase of California cherries, Cosmic Crisp® apples, and the company’s premium Kyle’s Pick® packaging, all designed to drive performance in the produce department. Stemilt is proud to sponsor the Equitable Food Initiative’s and The Packer’s second annual Farmworker of the Year award, where the winner will be announced at this year’s expo.

Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, Stemilt will highlight fresh-picked California cherries from the sunny San Joaquin Valley, ready to elevate summer sales. As cherries move towards peak season, Stemilt will talk with attendees about how its early-to-late season cherry crop can support retailers’ seasonal promotions and drive interest in the category.

“Cherries are a showstopper at retail when merchandised right,” said Brianna Shales, Marketing Director at Stemilt, in a recent press release. “At the West Coast Produce Expo, we’re excited to share with retailers about in-store strategies, signage, and pack options that make Stemilt cherries stand out and drive incremental sales. This year is especially meaningful for us as proud sponsors of the Farmworker of the Year award ceremony. We’re thrilled that Rafael Teran from Stemilt’s sanitation team has been named a finalist, and were blown away by his commitment to his job, community, and hobbies like running marathons.”

Also featured at the booth will be Cosmic Crisp apples, a rising star in the category thanks to their crisp texture, sweet-tart balance, and visual appeal. Stemilt will share its insights into merchandising Cosmic Crisp for maximum retail impact, along with upcoming promotional opportunities that align with consumer demand.

Completing the lineup is Kyle’s Pick, Stemilt’s signature designation for fruit that delivers next-level eating experiences. With R&D backed science, Kyle’s Pick cherries promise to deliver on premium flavor and help retailers differentiate and elevate their top-shelf offerings.

“We’re thrilled to be part of the West Coast Produce Expo again this year,” said Brianna Shales, Marketing Director at Stemilt. “It’s the perfect place to showcase our World Famous Fruits and talk with partners about how we can help grow their apple and cherry categories this summer. From fresh cherries to innovative packaging and standout varieties like Cosmic Crisp, we’re here to deliver retail-ready solutions.”

The Stemilt team will be on-site throughout the expo to sample fruit, share merchandising tips, and collaborate with buyers on fresh ideas for seasonal success. Visit Stemilt at booth A702!