Kacy Fabie, Colour Republic’s head of digital marketing and eCommerce, has joined the International Fresh Produce Association’s Leadership Program — the first time a member of the floral industry has been invited! The 2022-2023 class was announced in Oct. 2022, during the annual Global Produce and Floral Show in Orlando, FL.  

Bobalu Berry Farms managing partners established an annual scholarship in 2022 to celebrate 60 years in business honoring their grandparents. In 2023 Bobby and RC Jones are expanding the program to support additional students.

At any given time of the year, there are usually a few buzzwords that seem to pop up and stick around for a short lifespan. You’ll find them in just about every LinkedIn post and in most conversations. You know the 2022 words I’m talking about — disruptor, omnichannel, snackable content, growth hacking, innovation and more. There’s nothing wrong with using the buzzwords of the moment, you wouldn’t be a savvy marketer or business professional in general if you didn’t.

Russ Davis Wholesale Inc. has acquired Kansas City, KS-based produce wholesaler Liberty Fruit Co. Inc..

Now part of Russ Davis’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Liberty will continue to operate independently and will be led by its existing leadership team. According to Liberty CEO John McClelland, the opportunity to become 100 percent employee-owned was the driving force behind the merger.

Produce professionals from throughout the industry gathered in Manhattan for the New York Produce Show & Conference. The event offered attendees networking opportunities and educational micro-sessions. Industry members packed the Javits Center Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the one-day trade show.

After 45 years of service at Publix Super Markets, Sam Pero, Lakeland division vice president, will retire at the end of this year. Marsha Singh has been promoted and will take over Pero's vacated position.