Sun-Maid Growers of California has promoted Steve Loftus to president and CEO. Additionally, Harry Overly will focus on his role as president and CEO of Flagstone Foods as he steps down from his position as executive chairman of Sun-Maid’s board of directors on Sept. 1, having successfully overseen a smooth leadership transition.

Frank Gilardi, co-founder of fresh-cut processor Freshway Foods, died unexpectedly on July 8. He was 66.

Born and raised in Sidney, OH, Mr. Gilardi was a successful entrepreneur who, along with his brother Phil Gilardi, co-founded Freshway Foods in Sidney in 1988 after purchasing the assets of their father’s wholesale company. Both men had worked in the multi-generational business previously and wanted to refocus the strategy to provide pre-cut and shredded lettuce to the foodservice industry.

Continental Floral Greens announced a major development in its journey to provide top-quality floral products. The company has officially partnered with and leased the renowned Sun Valley Floral Farms in Willow Creek, CA. It is now managing and cultivating esteemed crops such as "Spirit Series" Ilex, Rosehips, Cotinus, Snowberries, Flowering Cotinus and Snowball Viburnum, in addition to Sun Valley's Butterfly Ranunculus and Iris at its Watsonville, CA, farm.

This year's California fresh fig season is earlier so retailers should start placing their orders now.

With a new hire handling its sustainability effort, including food safety and ethical certifications at the grower level, GLC Cerritos Inc. is poised for solid growth as it moves into its third season as the U.S. based sales firm for Grupo Aguacatero Los Cerritos.

Resulting from a chance mutation, Green Dianthus was discovered by plant breeders about 15 years ago, and a plant oddity that would normally have been discarded was recognized as the versatile gem it is.