Church Brothers Farms announced that Amelia Firme has joined the company as vice president of packaging procurement. Firme has had an impressive 42-year career in purchasing, including 26 years as the director of purchasing at Organic Girl LLC.

Dollar General Corp. announced Steve Sunderland’s intent to leave the company as its executive vice president, store operations effective Jan. 19. Steve Deckard, the company’s current executive vice president, growth and emerging markets, will transition to an expanded role leading store operations across Dollar General retail locations, Mi Súper Dollar General in Mexico, pOpshelf stores and the corporate store operations teams.

As connoisseurs of all things colorful, healthy and delicious, Frieda's was delighted to see the purple sweet potato chosen as Vegetable of the Year 2024, handpicked by an expert panel in celebration of Veganuary — a movement that encourages people worldwide to try a vegan lifestyle during the month of January.

After several years of high quality and limited quantity, the Idaho potato crop came in strong with plenty of top-notch tubers for everyone.

“We had really ideal conditions for all Idaho potatoes this year, without the cold spring we had last year or the extreme hot temperatures of the year before,” said Travis Blacker, vice president of industry relations and research for Idaho Potato Commission. “We got our crop into the ground a week to 10 days late because of snow, but after that we had a phenomenal growing season.

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses announced the 23 floats awarded official honors in the 135th Rose Parade presented by Honda. These awards recognize excellence in a variety of categories and specifications.

Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. President and CEO David Smith retired as of December 2023. His successor, Dan Funk, has now assumed the role of president and CEO.