Vertically integrated fruit importer, exporter and distributor since 1937, William H. Kopke Jr. Inc. has expanded its footprint during this year's International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show, in Anaheim, CA.

The Produce Distributors Association — originally founded in 1989 as NAPAR (National Association of Perishable Agricultural Receivers) and headquartered in Washington, DC — solely advocates for fresh produce distributors. Initially an East Coast-based organization made up of terminal market members, a key goal of the reborn organization is to build national membership with broad representation by the next generation in the evolution of produce distribution.

Superfresh Growers has introduced one of the apple and pear industry’s first fruit bags made from post-consumer recycled plastic.

Post-consumer recycled plastic is made from things people recycle daily, like plastic bottles, milk jugs and other bags — all sourced from U.S. recycling centers, and it can be continuously recycled.

The new Schnucks Fresh store located in Oak Grove Village, MO, will open Oct. 25. The 23,000-square-foot store will include a heavy focus on fresh departments such as produce, meat, seafood, deli and bakery. This will mark the company’s second store to operate under the “Schnucks Fresh” banner.

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council board of directors announced the departure of Don Gann as president. After years of dedicated service, Gann leaves a lasting legacy of progress and growth within the association.

Fort Boise Produce, now overseen by the fourth generation of the homesteading Farmer family, kicked off the 2023-24 season with a new sales manager and continuation of its longstanding commitment to quality and service.

Jacob Gaschler, whose official start date with Fort Boise was Jan. 1, stepped into the position with solid roots in produce and familiarity with the region. Gaschler grew up in Ontario, OR, and attended Portland State University where he earned a B.S. in Public Health.