Interviews

Hernán Garcés Echeverría — President, Garces Fruit
As president of Garces Fruit — the world’s largest cherry exporter — Hernán Garcés Echeverría reflects on the end of Chile’s extraordinary cherry boom and why quality, branding, and new alliances will now shape the industry’s next phase.

by Danilo Phillipi

Robert Verloop — Executive Director and CEO of the California Walnut Board and Commission
The industry veteran is drawing on decades across produce to help California walnuts respond to global oversupply, reposition consumer perceptions and expand multichannel marketing.

By Edward Vernon

Shanan Cox, Senior Director, Produce Merchandising — Sam's Club
From farm-country roots to a leader in produce at Sam’s Club, this merchant is doubling down on execution, resilience, and supplier accountability to protect member trust in a high-volume environment.

By Edward Vernon

Julie Krivanek — Executive Development and Succession Consultant
The veteran leadership coach discusses the biggest risks facing produce executives, and what succession, taste, and technology reveal about the industry’s future.

by Edward Vernon

Anthony Serafino — President of Exp Group:
As a second-generation leader dedicated to the company’s legacy, Anthony Serafino is committed to expanding its reach and growing its reputation.

By Edward Vernon

Ian LeMay — President& CEO of the California Table Grape Commission
The new leader of the California Table Grape Commission builds on a strong legacy while adapting to new pressures in trade, technology, and sustainability.

by Edward Vernon

Sonya Constable — VP of Produce at Sprouts
After a career in general merchandising, the retail veteran brings a fresh lens to produce at Sprouts — prioritizing freshness, innovation, and long-term supplier alignment.

By Edward Vernon

The leader shares how the industry can drive growth by reshaping consumer perceptions, leaning into blueberries’ potential as a healthy snack staple, and increasing repeat purchases through stronger category positioning and targeted marketing that makes the fruit something consumers crave.

by Edward Vernon Portrait | Photography by Ann Keen

Company founder Lori Taylor keeps the message simple but loud and clear.

by Ellen Uribe

Target VP Produce Robby Cruz
The industry veteran discusses the key trends he anticipates will shape the produce sector in the coming years, how he expects supplier-grocer relationships to evolve, and the advice he would offer to fruit and vegetable growers and distributors looking to partner with Target.

by Edward Vernon | Portrait photography by Krizia Gaile

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