News Briefs

APRES ’55 will examine future factors facing the peanut industry and explore sustainable solutions.

To join APRES and learn more about the meeting, visit https://apresinc.com

USA Peanut Congress Plans Set

American Peanut Council and American Peanut Shellers Association members and company representatives are invited to attend the 27th annual USA Peanut Congress, June 12-15, at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Florida. A block of rooms is being held for conference guests at a special group rate.

Take advantage of early bird registration rates available to members until May 8. Register for the convention, book a room, view a tentative schedule and access sponsorship and exhibitor forms at www.peanut-shellers.org.

Ron And Linda Sholar Honored At The 2023 Oklahoma Peanut EXPO

Ron Sholar and his wife, Linda, were recognized by Oklahoma Peanut Commissioner Chairman Les Crall at the Oklahoma Peanut EXPO held in Weatherford, Oklahoma, March 23, 2023. Sholar retired as executive director of the Oklahoma Peanut Commission, March 31, 2023.

Sholar is a native of Tennessee, but he and Linda have proudly called Stillwater, Oklahoma, home for the past 50 years. He received a Bachelor of Science in agriculture sciences from the University of Tennessee in June 1971. He received his Master of Science and doctorate degrees at Oklahoma State University. He then severed as a professor of plant and soil science and Extension agronomist at OSU.

He also had a military career that spanned 39 years of active service with the Army Reserve. He was promoted to Major General in 2003 and over the following years had three different assignments as a division level Commander. His final assignment was Deputy Commanding General of the US Army Command. He retired from the Army in 2010.

Mars Wrigley Leading The Snack Industry

Anne-Marie DeLorenzo, Mars Wrigley senior strategic sourcing manager, says snacking is a deeply ingrained behavior with generational tailwinds. She says 70% of all consumers have a snack every day, many consumers have a snack an average of three times per day and 66% of consumers have an indulgent snack at least one time per week. DeLorenzo spoke at the American Peanut Shellers Association industry spring conference in March.

DeLorenzo says the philosophy of privately owned Mars Wrigley is that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today.

For the past decade he has served as executive director of several agricultural commissions including the Oklahoma Peanut Commission. Ron and Linda have served the commission by promoting peanuts and peanut products in Oklahoma.

Peanut acres have increased in Oklahoma in the past decade with 16,795 acres in 2022.

“The way to success is a strong financial performance, trusted partners, quality growth and a positive societal impact,” she says.

Brand building is successful for Mars Wrigley with five $1 billion-dollar brands, and soon to be six with KIND snacks.

Another goal DeLorenzo says that Mars Wrigley has put at the forefront, “We have put sustainability at the core of our business. Sustainability is an ‘entry ticket’ expectation for our business partners.” Their “Sustainable in a Generation Plan” features interconnected ambitions — informed by science — that will allow the company to address significant environmental and social changes facing the planet.