Tony Lanasa, who ran the company VF Lanasa Produce Inc. for 60 years, died Jan. 18. He was 82.

VF Lanasa Produce Inc. was one of the original produce businesses of Richmond, VA, when Vincent Frank Lanasa brought his father’s banana business to the city and expanded to tomatoes.

Tony Lanasa’s wife, Joyce, was by his side when he died, after struggling with cancer and other illnesses. The couple had three children—Michelle, Vince and Teresa.

Robinson Fresh, a division of global logistics company C.H. Robinson, based in Eden Prairie, MN, and a leader in providing and transporting fresh produce, is now offering fresh produce branded under its own name for the first time in the company’s 115-year history.

New year, same great Rushing Rivers d’Anjou pears from Stemilt and exactly what the retailer needs to take their pear category from good to World Famous. Brianna Shales, Stemilt marketing director, said the company’s early involvement in pear ripening is the differentiation point and the reason consumers are coming back for more.

G&R Farms, a leader in providing year-round sweet onions, has launched a new website.  Designed to be more consumer-friendly and interactive, the site showcases the company’s story and rich history as one of the original pioneers of the Vidalia onion brand.  

Calling out the need to expand research to answer produce-specific food-safety questions, the Center for Produce Safety has launched a new capital fundraising campaign to finance the center’s research program for the next five years. CPS volunteer leaders from across the supply chain are calling on their colleagues to invest generously in their collective future.

Schnucks is kicking off the new year by ramping up its prepared meals selection with what the St. Louis-based grocer is calling “Restaurant Selections by Schnucks.” Rollout of the new meal program begins in stores this month and will continue through March.