MONTEREY, CA - Strategic Sourcing International (SSI), the parent company of Your Way*Fresh, is proud to announce the appointment of Mark Garcia as Vice President and General Manager of Your Way*Fresh, a leading provider of fresh-cut fruits, vegetables, and grab-and-go solutions for the foodservice industry.

A seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience in the foodservice and fresh produce industry, Mark Garcia brings a unique blend of culinary expertise, brand-building success, and strategic sales leadership to the role. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and the University of New Mexico, Garcia is also currently pursuing his Executive MBA at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Mark’s impressive career includes leadership roles at powerhouse brands like Avocados from Mexico, B&W Quality Growers, and McCormick Kitchens.

As a press release noted, he has driven award-winning marketing campaigns, scaled national sales efforts, and consistently delivered significant growth across both foodservice and retail sectors.

“We’re excited to welcome Mark Garcia” said Chip Walker, President and CEO of PRO*ACT. “Mark’s deep understanding of culinary trends, operational excellence, and brand strategy aligns perfectly with the growth goals of Your Way*Fresh. Under his leadership, Your Way*Fresh is well positioned to expand its reach, enhance customer value, and elevate its national presence.”

As Vice President and General Manager, Garcia will lead the company’s strategic direction, operations, and growth initiatives, focusing on expanding Your Way*Fresh’s impact as a trusted fresh-cut solutions provider.

TAIWAN - T&G Global has announced it will open a Taiwan office in June 2025, marking an important milestone in the company's growth and expansion in Asia.

With a population of 23 million, strong trading relations between Taiwan and New Zealand and Taiwanese consumers purchasing about 2.8 million metric tonnes of fruit each year, Taiwan has become a key growth market for T&G’s premium ENVY™ apple brand.

Shane Kingston, T&G’s Chief Operating Officer Apples, said the establishment of a Taiwan office will enable the Company to further grow its highly sought after ENVY™ brand, benefiting consumers, customers and growers.

“Over the past eight years, T&G, with the support of our local importers, distributors and customers, has built a strong presence for our premium ENVY™ apple brand in Taiwan. This has seen volumes grow 25% year-on-year,” says Shane.

This growth has been driven by strategic marketing initiatives and strong partnerships with T&G’s retail partners, whose support and engagement have been crucial in promoting the ENVY™ apple brand and ensuring its 365-day availability to consumers.

“With the premium brand firmly established in the market, and in line with our global Apples growth strategy, the opening of an office is the next phase in our growth. It will enable us to further deepen our strong customer relationships, increase the availability and ranging of our premium apple brands, respond to market trends and insights, and maintain high-quality standards. We will be able to connect with more consumers and further grow demand for our premium ENVY™ branded apple, and in coming years for our new premium JOLI™ apple brand as well. The benefits of this will then return value back to our growers.”

Once open, Taiwan will be T&G’s sixth office in Asia, joining existing offices in China, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam and Japan. With the Company also having offices in the Americas, UK, Europe and Australasia.

“We are very intentional in the markets and territories we operate in, strategically analysing their growth potential before entering and establishing a presence,” says Shane.

The new office will be located in Taipei City and led by a newly appointed Market Manager, supported by a locally appointed team.

IDAHO FALLS, ID - Eagle Eye Produce is proud to announce the acquisition of one of the largest and most advanced onion packing facilities in the Pacific Northwest, previously operated by Baker & Murakami Produce Company in Ontario, Oregon. Known locally as the “super shed,” this state-of-the-art operation features extensive automation, AI powered grading and sorting systems, and a track record of delivering consistent quality in the heart of the Treasure Valley.

Baker & Murakami Produce Company traces its roots to Murakami Produce, founded in 1969 by Sig Murakami, and Baker Packing, which began in 1972 as part of DeBruyn Produce before becoming Baker Packing in 1997. The two companies merged in 2017, combining decades of experience. Throughout their history, they have been known for a strong commitment to quality, innovation, and grower relationships, establishing a reputation as a leader in the onion industry.

“Baker & Murakami has earned a reputation as one of the most respected onion packers in the industry,” said Newman Giles, CEO of Eagle Eye Produce, in a press release. “Bringing their team and operation into Eagle Eye Produce aligns with our commitment to strategic growth, expanding in the right regions, with the right people, and strengthening our year-round programs to better serve our growers and customers for years to come.”

The addition of Baker & Murakami complements Eagle Eye Produce’s existing operations in the Treasure Valley, including its facility in Nyssa, Oregon, and its partnership with Central Produce in Payette, Idaho, with both locations offering full-service packing and shipping.

Supported by a strong grower base, this network creates an unparalleled supply and distribution capability in the Idaho and Eastern Oregon onion growing region.

“After decades of commitment to our growers and customers, we are proud to pass the Baker & Murakami legacy to Eagle Eye Produce,” said Grant Kitamura, Jerry Baker, and Steve Baker, owners of Baker & Murakami Produce Company, in a joint statement. “We are confident that Eagle Eye will carry that legacy forward by building on the foundation we established and bringing a new level of innovation, sales expertise, and marketing strength to ensure continued success for everyone we’ve served.”

With onion crops planted, Eagle Eye Produce will begin shipping from the newly acquired Ontario, Oregon facility at the start of the new onion season this summer.

“I’ve known and respected Jerry & Steve Baker since early in my career and have grown to have tremendous respect for the entire Baker & Murakami organization. This acquisition puts Eagle Eye in a substantially stronger position to meet growing demand across both foodservice and retail,” said Joe Ange, Director of Onion Sales at Eagle Eye Produce. “By adding the facility and team in Ontario to our existing operations, we’re increasing capacity significantly, offering more packing flexibility, and ensuring a reliable, consistent supply for our customers.”

This acquisition strengthens Eagle Eye Produce’s commitment to delivering quality produce through its Roots to Routes approach, managing every step from growing to shipping and marketing. The company remains dedicated to supporting its customers and growers as it strengthens its position as a leader in the onion industry and broader produce industry.