Produce Business Announces 40-Under-Forty Class of 2025
June 12, 2025 | 3 min to read
Produce Business magazine has unveiled its 40-under-Forty Class of 2025, honoring young leaders transforming the produce industry through talent and collaboration. Recognized for their achievements across various sectors, the winners will be celebrated at the Rising Star Reception during the New York Produce Show in December. Ken Whitacre, CEO of Phoenix Media Network, expresses pride in their dedication and innovation, anticipating their future contributions to fresh food. The show commemorates its 15th anniversary from December 2-4, 2025.
Produce Business magazine has released its 40-under-Forty Class of 2025, a list of rising young leaders who are reshaping the industry through their exceptional talent and effective networking and collaboration skills.
The 40 winners, who will be honored at the New York Produce Show and Conference’s Rising Star Reception in December, were selected based on their professional accomplishments and industry and community contributions. They represent a range of sectors – retail, wholesale, growing, foodservice, marketing, sales, procurement and operations.
The class is featured in the cover story of the June issue of Produce Business magazine, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in October.
“This year’s 40 honorees wonderfully represent the passion, dedication and determination it takes to be leaders in the produce industry,” says Ken Whitacre, CEO of Phoenix Media Network and Publisher of Produce Business. “We are so proud of their work and pleased to give them this platform to highlight their accomplishments. We can’t wait to see the ideas and innovations they will bring to fresh food in the future and look forward to hosting them in December.”
Receiving traditional plaques at this year’s Rising Star Reception will be extra special for this class – they will not only celebrating with their peers at the Dec. 2 showcase but also will be joined by previous 40-under-Forty winners who have become some of fresh produce’s most influential executives, managers and professionals.
The reception precedes one of fresh produce’s best networking parties – the annual Opening Cocktail Reception in the Sheraton New York Times Square’s Grand Ballroom.
The New York Produce Show is celebrating its 15th anniversary from Dec. 2-4, 2025, at the newly updated Sheraton and the Jacobs Javits Center, which will host the annual exhibitor trade show on Dec. 3. That same night, New York City is hosting the annual Rockefeller Center tree lighting.
Registration details for the Show will be announced soon. Exhibitor spaces are still available and can be booked by going to the New York Produce Show website. Sponsorships are also available at exhibit@nyproduceshow.com or by calling 212-426-2218.
Media Contact
Chris Burt, Director of Editorial and Content Strategy for Phoenix Media Network, at 561-994-1118 or cburt@phoenixmedianet.com.
About Phoenix Media Network
Headquartered in Boca Raton, Fla., Phoenix Media Network has provided industry-leading insight across the fresh food and perishables industry for nearly four decades. Founded in 1985, Phoenix Media has grown exponentially. It boasts the signature New York Produce Show and Conference as well as supporting publications, Produce Business, ProduceBusinessUK.com, Deli Business, Cheese Connoisseur and PerishableNews.com. Phoenix’s mission is to initiate industry improvement; to elevate and modernize the industry; and to help promote and foster discussions on marketing, merchandising, management and procurement.
About 40 Under Forty
The Produce Business 40 Under Forty awards honor a dynamic group of young leaders reshaping the fresh produce industry through effective networking and collaboration. These winners exemplify qualities like drive, vision, and determination, significantly contributing to the industry’s future.