Produce

Don Harris’ career boasts experience in buying, wholesaling, retailing, marketing and merchandising, strategic planning, grower/shipper supply and marketing. Additionally, Harris served two terms with the Produce Marketing Association’s (PMA) Board of Directors and played integral rolls with companies such as Coastline Family Farms, Naturipe, Safeway, Whole Foods Market, Wild Oats and Whole Foods Market. The 40-year veteran of the produce industry, and regular columnist for PRODUCE BUSINESS magazine, will now lend his expertise to Chicago-based Feeding America as director of produce. …

Next Level Fresh, LLC is innovating and differentiating how growers and farmers go to market with their crops. The Belle Glade, FL, headquartered company announces it is open for business with category growth strategies that result in fun, new, upscale meal and snack solutions that are delicious, easy and attractive to the massive 40-and-under shopper demographic. …

Tree Top CEO Keith Gomes knew the company was shortlisted for the Seattle Business magazine Manufacturing Awards when he went to Seattle recently. But it wasn’t until the evening festivities that he learned Tree Top won the 2015 Food Processor of the Year award. Tree Top was selected from a field of more than 100 manufacturers for the honor. According to the magazine editor, Leslie Helm, winning companies had novel products and demonstrated increased competitiveness by improving manufacturing processes and implementing effective marketing strategies. …

An early spring in Washington State will equate to the earliest start on record for Stemilt Growers and its premium organic apricot program. Stemilt, Washington’s leading apricot grower and shipper, will begin apricot harvest on June 10th, which is nearly two weeks earlier than normal. …

A sure sign that summer is right around the corner is set to hit retail with first shipments of sweet Northwest cherries from Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers. …