John G. Giumarra Jr., whose legal expertise helped guide not only the family business, but aided in greater grape exports for the overall California grape industry, has died.

Pacific Organic Produce, San Francisco, which markets under the Purity Organic brand, has hired Mike Rubidoux as sales manager.

Del Rey Avocado, Fallbrook, Calif., has hired Brent Portell as operations manager as the company opens a new facility in Vista, Calif.

David Nelley has joined Apeel Sciences as vice president of domestic buyer relations.

The Reusable Packaging Association, Tampa, Fla., has a new board of directors chairman, Michael Wasson, chief operating officer of Tosca.

UPDATED: Naturipe Farms has hired Glenn Daniels as director of business development for value-added fresh.

A new Fresno, Calif., company is focusing on agribusiness advisory services for family-owned and middle-market agriculture businesses.

Renaissance Food Group (RFG), Rancho Cordova, Calif., has hired Nancy Johnston as vice president of produce procurement.

The Texas International Produce Association has raised $30,000 for the first year of its scholarship program, with funds from the Viva Fresh Open Golf Tournament.

Joyce Brown, who established Brownie Brokerage with her husband, Lavern “Brownie” Brown in 1967 In Nogales, Ariz., died recently.