Building on the accreditation status it received in July from the United Nations Environment Programme, the International Fresh Produce Association advocated on behalf of its membership and the global produce and floral community at the recent UN global plastics pollution treaty in Geneva, Switzerland, with IFPA Chief Science Officer Max Teplitski representing the organization. 

The Allen Lund Co. promoted Paul Ellis to assistant general manager of the Memphis office.

Ellis graduated from the University of Memphis in 2008. He began his career in the supply chain industry by working with other transportation brokers before joining the Allen Lund Co. in 2017 as a broker in training. Since then, he has advanced through the ranks to broker, senior transportation broker and operations manager.

Potandon Produce LLC has appointed seasoned produce executive Mike Behrendt as its regional director of product procurement, based in Pendleton, IN.

Save A Lot announced that Bill Mayo, current chief operating officer, has been promoted to the role of CEO as current CEO Fred Boehler steps back from management of day-to-day operations. Boehler will remain active in an advisory role to both Mayo and the board of directors over the coming months.

Supermarkets are the leading source for the majority of fresh tomato sales in the U.S. Over 70 percent of tomatoes are imported into the country, primarily from Mexico and Canada.

California is a major producer of fresh tomatoes with Florida as the second-largest supplier in the U.S.

Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake said the kiwifruit forecast for the 2025-26 season reflects the strong start, with average per hectare returns forecast to reach record levels for all categories other than SunGold and organic green kiwi. 

“Our latest forecast is positive news for growers in a season with even more fruit to sell, with sales tracking well across our key markets including through the traditionally more competitive summer fruit season," he said.