Jim Caltabiano is the new chief financial officer for Del Monte Foods, Inc.

Utilizing its technical services team, Coral Gables, Fla.-based Fresh Del Monte’s approach to banana merchandising has evolved at the ripening level, said Pablo Rivero, vice president of marketing.

What is the most important thing grocery produce departments must do to stay successful going forward? We asked four industry leaders.

Despite inflationary pressures on all foods, continuing high demand for convenience is driving big sales of value-added produce products, which typically yield higher margins for commissaries and retailers.