UNITED STATES - There is nothing quite as universally grounding and unifying as gratitude. As an act, a perspective, and a catalyst for change, gratitude allows us the chance to pause in our present and build a bridge of connection and abundance with those we hold dear. Thanksgiving provides an invaluable time for practicing such appreciation and, with the opportunity upon us, we want to say thank you to our friends and peers across the fresh produce industry for driving fresh food forward and for allowing us to bring your beautiful stories to life.

With the theme of gratitude gracing get-togethers, tables, and meals this week, we reached out to some of our buy-side and supply-side friends who jumped at the chance to share their words of appreciation for all.

Robby Cruz, Vice President of Produce Sourcing and Procurement, Target

“I want to wish our industry a Happy Thanksgiving. The one thing we know about our industry is that there is constant change and we worked together through it all. I am thankful for my amazing teams who have worked so hard throughout this year and my amazing family who have supported me through all the changes.”

Julie Olivarria, Vice President, Produce, Sysco

“Wishing everyone blessings of health, happiness, and success this Thanksgiving. I believe there is always, always something to be thankful for, and I look for it every single day.”

John Corsaro, Chief Executive Officer, Giumarra Companies

“At Team Giumarra, we’re thankful to work in an industry where we get to share our growers’ bounty with families everywhere. Good food will always serve an important role in bringing people together. Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends in the fresh produce industry and beyond!”

William Goldfield, Director of Corporate Communications, Dole plc

“It seems all we see these days is uncertainty, tumult, and grief in our world, but there is also plenty of joy. I would ask that everyone take a moment to reflect and affirm on the hopeful, positive, and good deeds that are to be found in our industry and in our personal lives. Be thankful for the bounty we all provide and our many good fortunes. Assist those around you to find theirs. Happy Thanksgiving!”

Christina Ward, Senior Director of Global Marketing, Sunkist Growers

“Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! There is so much to be thankful for, from our citrus growers to those in this industry helping us deliver Peel Good Citrus^™ to consumers worldwide. The produce industry as a whole is doing great things. At Sunkist, we’re looking forward to the collaborations we have in the works, bringing different brands together to give shoppers even more reasons to eat healthy and be happy.”

Chris Keetch, Director, Produce and Floral, The GIANT Company

“I would like to wish our industry members a Happy Thanksgiving this week. At The GIANT Company, I am very thankful for our support, distribution, and store teams for taking care of our customers in what are still uncertain times. I am also thankful for the strong supplier partnerships we have forged. In the ongoing world of a pandemic, we wouldn’t have the in-stock position we do without our supplier community having our backs! And I am, of course, blessed and thankful to have a wonderful and loving family and a close circle of friends.”

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at AndNowUKnow, The Snack, and Deli Market News!