WASHINGTON, DC - International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced that Sarah Pau will join the association as the country manager of East Asia. Country managers serve as a point of connection with the produce and floral industry in regions across the globe; they provide regional support to members and volunteer leaders, facilitate networking and resource sharing within members both in region and between regions, and serve as market experts for all IFPA members.

Pau brings more than 10 years of experience in agricultural trade and will join Mabel Zhuang, the country manager for China, in providing membership value in the Asian-Pacific region. Based in Hong Kong, Pau will expand IFPA’s presence in Asia, representing emerging and established markets in Southeast Asia, Korea, and more.

“Asia markets are growing and evolving quickly, and we are at a pivotal time to grow consumption and opportunity for the entire global produce and floral supply chain,” said IFPA VP of Global Industry Relations, Jessica Keller, in a recent press release. “I’m thrilled to welcome Sarah to our team and excited to see how her expertise, her sharp insights, and her passion for innovation will create immediate value for our members and future members in Asia and across the globe.”

Pau’s most recent role as an agri-trade consultant, where she focused on improving purchasing processes, cutting costs and finding new market opportunities for industry members. Her deep understanding of the market dynamics coupled with her established networks will be invaluable to IFPA members who are based in and looking to expand into these fast-growing region.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the IFPA team and serve members in these exciting markets,” said Pau. “This is a transformational time for global markets and I’m proud to be able to help our members learn more about how they can accelerate their goals, connect with new partners and innovators, and increase consumption of produce and floral.”

In addition to experience that Pau brings from industry roles, she also has worked in the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) team for the Hong Kong and Macau region. She speaks 3 languages and brings with her valuable networks between Asian and Western markets. 

MIAMI, FL - Kapi Kapi Growers, a leading global grower-shipper of sustainably grown pineapples, bananas, and plantains, announces team expansion with the hiring of a new Director of Supply Chain focused on strategic growth initiatives to better support Kapi Kapi business partners. Marissa Geoffroy, a 17-year industry veteran, is now leading Kapi Kapi’s logistics team overseeing all inbound ocean freight as well as outbound transportation to retail, foodservice, and wholesale customers across the U.S.

Geoffroy brings nearly two decades of experience in produce distribution and international supply chain management, with deep expertise in importing from Central and South America. Most recently, as Director of Strategic Development at Central American Produce, Geoffroy led key initiatives in ocean freight logistics, FSMA compliance, ERP implementation, and strategic growth planning—all while managing critical relationships with agricultural partners and transportation carriers. Prior to that, she built Topco Associates’ internal transportation department from the ground up, including the implementation of a transportation load building and tracking system, and helping customers consolidate LTL shipments.

“Kapi Kapi’s tremendous growth over the last five years makes this a very appealing career opportunity,” said Geoffroy in a recent press release. “I look forward to bringing my skills and strategic approach to the supply chain side of the business as we work collectively to make the Kapi brand a household name. It’s exciting to think about where the company will be in five years!”

“Marissa’s track record of driving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and leading high-performing teams positions her as a strategic member of the Kapi team as our business continues to expand,” said Sofia Acon, president of Kapi Kapi Growers. “Her experience and background align nicely with the phase of growth Kapi is currently in, and she will no doubt be a key leader in our continued success.”

YAKIMA, WA - This year, FirstFruits Farms expanded the Opal Apples Youth Make a Difference initiative, celebrating youth leadership through community grants and a new partnership with The Junior Basketball League (JrTBL). Together, these efforts reflect Opal Apples’ commitment to empowering the next generation to create healthier, stronger communities.

The 2025 Youth Make a Difference program awarded grants to nine outstanding youth-led projects driving change in food security, nutrition, agriculture, and education:

• BrainPower in a Backpack | Burnsville, MN
• Global Leaders | Fort Collins, CO
• Parker Learning Gardens | Eugene, OR
• The Garden Club Project | Blacklick, OH
• Earth Mountain Education Farm | Western, CO
• Growing Hope | Ypsilanti, MI
• LEAF Project Inc. | Landisburg, PA
• Roots Rising | Pittsfield, MA

"This year marks the 15th year of Youth Make a Difference, and with Opal being known as the apple that gives back, we wanted to make this year extra special by expanding Opal’s support of young leaders across the country. We are proud that Opal is not only fueling healthier lifestyles but igniting a movement toward stronger, more resilient, and thriving communities across the country," said Emily Cox, Marketing Manager at FirstFruits Farms, in a recent press release.

Increasing the initiative’s reach, Opal partnered with JrTBL to inspire more than 11,000 youth athletes across the country through basketball clinics hosted by 35 professional teams. At key events, including TBL Draft Weekend and All-Star Weekend, Opal Apples energized young players with healthy snacks and reinforced the values of leadership, teamwork, and wellness.

"At JrTBL, we are committed to nurturing leaders, problem solvers, and innovators who believe in doing what is right and knowing they are enough," said Evelyn Magley, CEO of The Basketball League. “Our partnership with Opal Apples beautifully reflects these values, encouraging our young athletes to make healthy choices, live with integrity, and build a foundation for success both on and off the court. Together, we are growing more than athletes; we are shaping future leaders."

Together, through the Youth Make a Difference initiative and the JrTBL partnership, Opal and FirstFruits Farms are investing in a healthier, stronger generation.

OCEANSIDE, CA - Retailers and consumers alike have come to expect consistent quality, robust flavor, and clean-slicing deliciousness from Oceanside Pole tomatoes. Unexpectedly, however, a surprise new item will grow and travel alongside the iconic Romas and rounds this summer.

Following a successful 2024 trial, Oceanside Pole began commercial production of red sweet bell peppers. The team projects approximately 150,000 cases, available October through December — a strategic window when supply tends to be limited due to the seasonal transitions between Canadian and Mexican production.

“Timing can be everything in fresh produce,” said James Galindo, senior sales representative and category manager for Oppy, which exclusively markets West Coast Tomato Growers’ products. “By shipping at a point when red bell availability traditionally dips, we can provide much-needed consistency to our partners. It’s a smart expansion that complements the tomato program well.”

Meanwhile, Galindo shares that the tomato crop is also shaping up well. “We’re planning for 2.2 million cases of rounds and 750,000 cases of Romas this year. The rounds harvest will begin in late June or early July, followed by Romas about three weeks later. The quality is shaping up beautifully, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.”

The Oceanside Pole program is unique in the market as the last remaining commercial scale vine-ripened pole-grown tomato operation west of the Mississippi River, offering customers a rich flavor and exceptional slicing quality. The Singh family, which has been farming in Oceanside since 1939, remains committed to sustainable, premium tomato production on California’s coast.

“These are tomatoes that really deliver on flavor and performance,” Galindo added in a recent press release. “They’ve become a go-to in produce departments and shoppers who care about quality.”

REDWOOD SHORES, CA - What meat lovers’ pizza is to meat lovers, the Wild Mushroom pizza is to mushroom lovers. The Mushroom Council is celebrating the latest limited-time offering (LTO) from Toppers Pizza that puts fresh mushrooms front and center.

Now through July 6, Toppers Pizza is serving up its new Wild Mushroom pizza, featuring garlic sauce base, 100% Wisconsin mozzarella and a roasted blend of portabella, shiitake and white button mushrooms, topped with a sprinkle of Italian herbs.

Known for its bold recipes and high-quality ingredients, Toppers Pizza is embracing the growing appetite for specialty mushroom pizzas. According to the 2024 Slice of the Union report, mushrooms are the second most popular pizza topping in the U.S., behind only pepperoni.

To promote the new all mushroom pie, Toppers – with support from the Mushroom Council – is encouraging guests to order a Wild Mushroom pizza to celebrate Mushroom Monday, or any day of the week. The pizza is available at participating Toppers Pizza locations nationwide, starting at just $11.99.

“The Wild Mushroom pizza highlights what makes fresh mushrooms so special - rich flavor, hearty texture, and a variety of unique types,” said Amy Wood, President and CEO of the Mushroom Council, in a recent press release. “Toppers Pizza is showing how craveable mushrooms can be when they’re the star of the show. We appreciate their ongoing support of North American mushroom growers and their creativity in bringing this limited-time offering to life.”

To build excitement and drive trial, the Mushroom Council is supporting the promotion with social media influencer partnerships and targeted digital advertising in three key markets: Minneapolis, Madison and Milwaukee. Influencers are sharing video visits to their local Toppers Pizza, showcasing the Wild Mushroom pizza and spotlighting the mushrooms featured in every slice.

“We are always looking for bold ways to delight our customers,” said Brian Brindza, Director of Culinary & Menu Innovation, Toppers Pizza. “With the Wild Mushroom pizza, we saw an opportunity to give pizza lovers something truly special - an indulgent, savory pie that shows off the craveable flavor of mushrooms in every bite.”

The Wild Mushroom pizza is available now for a limited time, while supplies last. Find your nearest Toppers Pizza location at www.toppers.com/locations.

TEXAS - The retail map is expanding once more for Trader Joe’s, as the grocer sets its sights on the Lone Star State. A new store is officially on the way to Bee Cave, Texas, just outside of Austin.

The upcoming location will be at 12812 Shops Parkway, with an opening slated for 2025.

“We've consulted our maps and compass and have found a terrific location for a store in Austin, TX,” the company shared. “We are proud to be joining the neighborhood, and to continue our commitment to providing nourishment to the surrounding communities through our Neighborhood Shares program.”

The Bee Cave addition follows recent store launches in Alabama, California, and Tennessee, continuing Trader Joe’s mission of bringing fresh offerings and friendly service to communities nationwide.

Stick with ANUK as we track the retailer’s latest moves across the U.S. map.

ELGIN, MN - Honeybear Brands, a leading grower and marketer of premium conventional and organic apples, pears, and cherries, announces Starr Ranch Growers, also known as Oneonta Starr Ranch, has joined the Honeybear team as a packing partner, effective immediately. Owned and operated by the Thomas family, Starr Ranch Growers have been a cornerstone of the Washington apple industry for decades.

“As a third-generation, family-run business with deep industry roots, Starr Ranch has built a legacy of leadership, quality, and excellence in the Washington tree fruit industry,” said Don Roper, President of Honeybear Brands, in a recent press release. “We’re honored to welcome their team and heritage into the Honeybear family. This partnership strengthens our shared commitment to quality, innovation, and long-term success in the Northwest fruit industry. It also aligns with our strategic vision to scale premium grower partnerships across Washington State—reinforcing the foundation of our global apple supply model and positioning us for continued growth and market leadership.”

“We are excited about this new partnership with Honeybear Brands,” said Jim Thomas, Owner and President of Starr Ranch Growers. “We see strong synergy and alignment in our shared commitment to product quality, innovation, and building a sustainable business model that benefits all stakeholders - customers, growers and our employees. We’ve always been impressed by the Honeybear team—their attention to detail and people-first approach align perfectly with how we run our business today.”

The Starr Ranch Growers partnership allows Honeybear Brands to integrate the company’s premium apple supply and leverage their state-of-the-art packing facilities to meet rising customer demand. The companies are aligned in their vision to make the key investments necessary to exceed customers’ expectations.

Combining the strength of Starr Ranch Growers with the earlier addition of Valicoff Orchards, Honeybear Brands becomes one of the largest family-owned and operated organizations in the apple, pear, and cherry industry.

MILLEN, GA - Education is one of the key foundations of the SEPC’s mission. Recipients of the SEPC Member Scholarship will each receive one $1,500 scholarship towards their educational goals for the upcoming school year. The SEPC awarded 39 scholarships in 2024, and we are proud to announce the 41 recipients of the scholarships this year.

For more information, please visit our website. For questions, please contact the SEPC office at [email protected] or (877)720-SEPC.