The International Fresh Produce Association is gearing up for a fresh look at The Foodservice Conference – designed exclusively for produce in foodservice and the anchor of the foodservice year.   

Mission Produce Inc. named John Pawlowski as its new president and chief operating officer, effective April 1. Steve Barnard will continue to serve as Mission Produce’s CEO and a member of the board of directors.

The Southern Flavor Cocktail reception was held last night to help kick off the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure show. Taking place at the Six, located at the new JW Marriot in Tampa, FL, the guest speaker was National Football League Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks.

Lidl US appointed four industry powerhouses to the company’s leadership team: Tod Seiling, vice president of fresh; Miguel Paradela, executive vice president of purchasing and chief commercial officer; Frank Kerr, chief customer officer; and Michael Chao, head of marketing.  

The Vidalia Onion Committee announced the induction of Delbert Bland, founder of Bland Farms, into the prestigious Vidalia Onion Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place on Saturday, Feb. 10, honoring Bland's outstanding contributions to the Vidalia onion industry.

Fresh from the Start, a leading grower-shipper based in Westhampton, NY, is launching an event-themed onion campaign to bring attention to its onion program and to offer a way to celebrate specific holidays or events during the year.