Following an extensive call for nominations, the Hass Avocado Board named the recipients of its 20th Anniversary Recognition awards at the September board meeting and commemorated their service with a presentation and award recognition ceremony. The accolades acknowledge individuals for their outstanding commitment and achievements in “Making it Happen” for HAB by establishing and building the organization over the past two decades.

As the only grower-owned cooperative in the Red River Valley, with 17 farmers working in Minnesota and North Dakota, Associated Potato Growers, Inc., takes pride in producing high-quality products that are both healthy and delicious.

The current potato harvest is in process and as of Sept. 19, it looks like there will be a nice quality of potatoes this upcoming season. That’s a relief to many in the Red River Valley, as last year was not the strongest season.

Monterey Mushrooms has revealed the recent expansion of its executive team. As the company continues to grow, it has appointed Mike Stephan to senior director of business development, a role that spans the entire US sales team from California to Florida. 

American Mushroom Institute is rebranding to American Mushroom, the trade association announced.

“Similar to our members, our name is our brand. American Mushroom better describes who we are and who we represent: our work is straightforward—we track, influence and monitor everything and anything that impacts or presents opportunities for mushroom businesses,” explained AMI President Rachel Roberts.

Jared Bray, recently hired as a sales professional is looking to lead the company into the organic avocado space.

As a veteran in the produce industry, Bray brings with him expertise in the organic avocado market. Bray brings strong customer service skills with promotional planning, food service, and forecasting experience. Jared comes to Awe Sum as an “avo expert,” knowledgeable of the avocado supply chain from seed to store.

Topashaw Farms, based in Vardaman, MS, grows sweet potatoes on 29,000 acres, packing and shipping MS Beauregard variety sweet potatoes year-round.

“Our main objective is to provide the industry with the highest quality sweet potato possible,” said Joe Edmondson, owner of the company. “Because our farm is family owned and operated, it is of the utmost importance to ensure that when a consumer purchases a Topashaw Farms sweet potato, their satisfaction is guaranteed.”