Growing is the foundation of the produce industry, but growing the industry’s talent pool is currently a source of emphasis. Industry members who are growing older find themselves without a younger generation of leaders to succeed them, and the Produce Marketing Association’s Foundation for Industry Talent is working to fill the gap with a new generation of knowledgeable leaders.

Bozzuto's Inc., the Cheshire, CT-based wholesale grocer serving retailers in the New England and mid-Atlantic regions, held its seventh Retailer & Supplier Excellence Awards dinner March 27 at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Mashantucket, CT. More than 1,000 people attended the awards dinner, part of the company's 2012 Independent Retailer Conference, held March 27-29, where Giorgio Fresh Co. was named Produce Supplier of the Year. Doug Stewart (left), Giorgio's vice president of sales-Northeast region, is shown with Greg Veneziano, vice president of perishables at Bozzuto's.

Ken Stewart

The Imperial Valley of California provides L&M Cos.

Nick Sanchez manages Bland Distribution’s cross-dock facility in Donna, TX.

Bland Distribution Services in Donna, TX, is well positioned t