FreshXperts, a leading consulting group for the fresh industry, has added three new team members and appointed a new chairman. Jonathan Raduns has joined the organization as an owner, and Michael Gretz and David Pennington have joined as associates. Anthony Totta, a founding member of FreshXperts and former vice chairman, was named chairman of the board of directors, replacing Ron Pelger.

The National Mango Board is gearing up to launch its 2015 marketing campaign, which will reinforce mango nutritional and educational messages to U.S. consumers as well as the fruit’s year-round availability. The overall theme in 2015 is Always Summer, and the NMB will bring the spirit of summer to consumers through programs and events that incorporate soccer, snacks and salsa.

Bi-Lo Holdings, parent company of BI-LO, Harveys and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, announced that Ian McLeod has been appointed president and chief executive officer, effective March 2. McLeod succeeds Randall Onstead, who will remain in place through March 2 to ensure a smooth transition.

With the California winter in progress, many specialty citrus varieties, including pummelos, Cara Cara Navels and Minneolas, are in peak season.

With new additions to its sales staff, exceptionally high food-safety scores and increased optimism about the economy, things are only looking up for Detroit-based Rocky Produce.

“A lot of people weren’t so sure how things were going to shake out a few years back,” said Dominic Russo, buyer and sales associate for Rocky Produce, located on the Detroit Produce Terminal.

“But now that the city of Detroit is out of bankruptcy, its economy is really strong. It’s roaring as far as new developments go, and it looks very promising. It’s the hot spot in the country right now.”

R.A.M. Produce Distributors LLC, located on the Detroit Produce Terminal Market since 1987, is looking forward to another bright year ahead, especially now that the city of Detroit has officially emerged from bankruptcy, according to Michael Badalament, sales associate for the company.

“Right now, Detroit in its own way is going through a certain form of renaissance,” he told The Produce News on Jan. 12. “There’s a resurgence, a spirit and an optimism in this city that’s not been present for a long time.”