Moonlight Cos. recognized Ben Clay, a founding member of its sales team, as he marks 30 years with the company. During that time, the California stone fruit industry transformed from a market of over 200 shippers into a category dominated by a small number of scaled operators, with Moonlight emerging as a leading supplier.

Justin Parnagian of Fowler Packing Co. Inc. was elected to serve as the chairman of the California Table Grape Commission on April 30. Parnagian was preceded by Marko Zaninovich of Sunview Vineyards, who served as commission chairman since 2024. 

The International Fresh Produce Association announced that Sara Neagu-Reed, director of production and environmental policy, has been named one of “Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2026” by Washingtonian.

Washingtonian recognized Neagu-Reed as “a decisive force in shaping agricultural policy,” highlighting her leadership in elevating specialty crop producers and helping pioneer a national benchmark for regenerative farming.

Ahold Delhaize's supervisory board has nominated Thierry Garnier for appointment as a member of the management board and to serve as president and CEO. This appointment is subject to shareholder approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting and customary regulatory approval. Thierry is expected to succeed Frans Muller around the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders to be held in April 2027. Muller will retire from the company and step down as president and CEO after leading the company since July 2018

Larry Brown, an industry icon who dedicated most of his professional career to the fresh produce business, died surrounded by his family in Orlando, FL, on April 30.

Publix Super Markets announced Executive Chairman Todd Jones’ intent to retire, effective May 31, 2026. He will remain actively involved in the company as chairman of the Publix board of directors.