John Groh

2 weeks ago | theproducenews.com | John Groh |Adam Campbell

HOUSTON — With a completely sold-out show floor that drew 2,760 attendees, including 438 buyers, the 10th annual Viva Fresh Expo was a rousing success and a testament to a decade of progress and purpose. Attendees were met with high-energy networking, vendor showcases, product tastings and the many acknowledgments of the growers, retailers and industry leaders whose vision and dedication have built the foundation of Viva Fresh over the past decade.

2 weeks ago | theproducenews.com | John Groh |Adam Campbell

By John Groh and Adam Campbell April 9, 2025 MONTREAL – The Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s monumental 100th annual convention kicked off in style on April 8 with an opening reception at the Oasis Immersion art museum, here, giving attendees the opportunity to relax and reconnect ahead of the two jam-packed days of activity to follow.

1 month ago | theproducenews.com | John Groh

American Produce and Repack, a family-owned enterprise based in Dallas, has long-standing generational roots in the produce industry. That generational legacy began over 100 years ago with the foundation of the original American Produce Company in Dallas in 1917. Started by Italian immigrant James “Mr. Jimmy” LaBarba, the company served as one of the primary produce merchants in the area.

1 month ago | theproducenews.com | John Groh

BOSTON – The New England Produce Council was off to the races March 22 at its annual Dinner Dance Gala, here, which this year embraced a Kentucky Derby theme. Many of the 285 attendees dressed for the occasion, making this an especially festive event and truly a night to remember. “What an incredible evening we had at the NEPC Dinner Dance Gala — Kentucky Derby edition,” said NEPC Executive Director Laura Sullivan.

1 month ago | theproducenews.com | John Groh

While growth is the goal for virtually any business owner, Buddy Leger put more emphasis on lifting the watermelon and pecan industries as a whole during his long career as a grower and marketer of both items in his beloved home state of Georgia. “He never wanted to be the biggest watermelon or pecan shipper — just the best,” said Greg Leger, president of the Cordele, GA-based Leger & Son Inc. and the son of company founder Buddy Leger, an icon in the watermelon and pecan industries, who died Feb.