Latest Fresh Produce News & Insights

Matt Zapczynski joins the Idaho Potato Commission as the tail promotion director for the Northeast/Midwest. Zapczynski brings several years of experience as a produce buyer to the role.

Idaho Potato Commission adds Northeast/Midwest retail promotion director

Matt Zapczynski brings experience as a produce buyer for a wholesale grocery distributor... Read More

Christina Herrick

Apr 29, 2024
Potatoes

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s cruise ship-themed banquet featured areal acrobatic entertainment.

Seen and heard at CPMA 2024 — Part 3

Exhibitors at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Conference and Trade Show talked about upcoming seasons, renewed connections and new packaging during the event held April 23-25... Read More

Christina Herrick

Apr 29, 2024
Produce - General

Visitors to the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Conference and Trade Show could swing by the healthy break area to sample fresh produce such as tomatoes, kiwifruit, bananas, apples, carrots and more.

Seen and heard at CPMA 2024 — Part 2

Sustainability efforts, ample volumes of produce and season kickoffs were among the highlights of some of the exhibitor booths at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Conference and Trade Show. .. Read More

Christina Herrick

Apr 29, 2024
Produce - General

“At Tops Friendly Markets, we’re committed to serving the grocery needs of our communities,” said Tops Markets President Ron Ferri. “This commitment fuels our ongoing work to identify strategic opportunities to grow and expand, and it inspired our team’s excitement for this latest acquisition."

Tops Friendly Markets acquires 5 stores from franchisee

The Williamsville, N.Y.-based grocer has acquired five store locations that had been owned and operated by Supermarket Management Inc., one of the company’s longstanding franchise partners... Read More

Jennifer Strailey

Apr 29, 2024
Produce Retail

Shown from left are California Strawberry Commission President Rick Tomlinson; CSC board member Neil Nagata; Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee; CSC board member Peter Navarro; CSC Vice President of Public Policy Mark Martinez; and CSC board member Michael Cleugh.

California Strawberry Commission hosts legislative event celebrating National Strawberry Month

The California Strawberry Commission convened its annual legislative reception, fostering dialogue between growers and legislators... Read More

Aaron Gonzalez

Apr 29, 2024
Strawberries

5 points for bolstering your gross profit margin

Gross profit margin improvement is never easy or fast. Here are a few tips to set your plan up for success, from columnist Armand Lobato... Read More

Armand Lobato

Apr 29, 2024
PMG Industry Perspective , Produce Retail

Schnucks Markets Inc. has been recognized as one of "America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024" by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights

Schnucks Markets recognized for workplace diversity

Schnucks Markets named one of "America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024" by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights... Read More

Aaron Gonzalez

Apr 29, 2024
Produce Retail , Social Responsibility

Seen and heard at CPMA 2024 — Part 1

Flavor and innovation were inextricably linked at this year’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association Conference and Trade Show in Vancouver, British Columbia, April 23-25... Read More

Jennifer Strailey

Apr 27, 2024
Produce - General

H-E-B has purchased 500 acres in Hempstead, Texas, for a phased construction of a distribution campus to enhance supply chain operations.

H-E-B finalizes 500-acre deal for distribution campus

The Houston-area complex will be developed in multiple phases, with construction set to begin in late 2024, says the grocer... Read More

Aaron Gonzalez

Apr 26, 2024
Produce Retail

Circana's upcoming thought leadership activities cover diverse sectors, including retail and private labels, offering insights into consumer trends and industry strategies.

Circana thought leaders to present new research at upcoming events

Circana representatives will be speaking on driving fresh produce consumption at The Retail Conference, as well as webinars planned for May... Read More

Aaron Gonzalez

Apr 26, 2024
Produce Retail

Shown from left Canadian Produce Marketing Association President Ron Lemaire led a discussion on retailer trends, challenges and opportunities with David Dudley, senior sourcing manager for Sprouts Farmers Market; Daniel Bell, director of produce for Grocery Outlet; and John Haycox, produce department buyer for Costco Wholesale, during the CPMA conference and trade show.

Retailers discuss contending with changing consumers, supply chain issues

Representatives with three U.S.-based retailers addressed challenges and opportunities the produce industry faces during a panel at the recent Canadian Produce Marketing Association Conference and Trade Show... Read More

Christina Herrick

Apr 26, 2024
Produce - General , Produce Retail

Sunkist holding California Star Ruby grapefruit display contest

Sunkist’s National Display Contest for its California Star Ruby grapefruit will award prizes to the produce managers of the top three winning stores... Read More

The Packer Staff

Apr 25, 2024
Grapefruit , Produce Retail

The peak of Ciruli Bros.’ Mexican mango deal will be between May through July for both round varieties and the company’s Champagne-branded ataulfo mango, says Chief Operating Officer Chris Ciruli.

Ciruli Bros. anticipates good mango supply for promotions

Mexican mango supplies for Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Ciruli Bros. will continue to increase through April, peaking for the Cinco de Mayo holiday, says Chris Ciruli, chief operating officer... Read More

Tom Karst

Apr 25, 2024
Mangoes , Mexico

ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market to hold walk-up job fairs on April 27.

ShopRite and supermarkets to hold walk-up job fairs

Wakefern Food Corp.'s supermarket banners, including ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market, are hosting hiring fairs on April 27 across several states... Read More

Aaron Gonzalez

Apr 25, 2024
Produce Retail

New table grape varieties, such as Cotton Candy, Candy Hearts and Candy Snaps, are gaining popularity among consumers and retailers, says David Watson, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Fresh Farms, Rio Rico, Ariz.

Consumers, retailers drive growth of new grape varieties

The world of table grapes has expanded exponentially from traditional red and green varieties to today’s plethora of cultivars with appearance, flavor and size characteristics... Read More

Tom Burfield

Apr 25, 2024
Grapes

Harris Teeter and Consalo Family Farms donated 48,000 pounds of mandarins to Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in North Carolina through the "Mandarins Making a Difference" campaign.

Harris Teeter and Consalo Family Farms donate 48,000 pounds of mandarins

More than 16,000 bags of Little Smoochies mandarins were donated through the "Mandarins Making a Difference" campaign, aiding local hunger relief efforts... Read More

Aaron Gonzalez

Apr 25, 2024
Social Responsibility

The Mushroom Council says it applauds recent enhancements to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, also known as WIC, providing 7 million participants access to more fruits and vegetables, including mushrooms.

Mushroom Council applauds WIC enhancements, offers recipe tips

The Mushroom Council is highlighting multiple ways families can incorporate fresh mushrooms and other WIC foods into daily meal plans... Read More

Aaron Gonzalez

Apr 25, 2024
Mushrooms , Social Responsibility

Vallarta Supermarkets invites the community to attend a grand reopening Wednesday, May 1, from 7 a.m. to noon.

Vallarta Supermarkets to reopen renovated California store

After months of restoration, the Delano, Calif., store is set for a grand reopening May 1, featuring festivities to go along with a fresh look and enhanced shopping experience... Read More

Aaron Gonzalez

Apr 24, 2024
Produce Retail

Shuman Farms initiates Vidalia onion season, partnering with Food Lion and Royal Food Service for nationwide distribution, while celebrating with events including a Georgia Southern University kickoff.

Shuman Farms partners with Food Lion and Royal Food Service to kickoff Vidalia onion shipping

Shuman Farms inaugurates the Vidalia onion season with the first shipment from Cobbtown, Ga., partnering with Food Lion and Royal Food Service for widespread distribution across the U.S. and Canada... Read More

Aaron Gonzalez

Apr 24, 2024
Onions

All ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Fairway Market, Gourmet Garage and Dearborn Market locations are now on DoorDash Marketplace.

Wakefern Food Corp. partners with DoorDash

The development will offer grocery delivery from ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace and more, with exclusive discounts and DashPass benefits... Read More

Aaron Gonzalez

Apr 23, 2024
Produce Retail

FMI reveals 2024 Store Manager Award finalists

The awards highlight exceptional sales, leadership and community service. FMI also will hold a People's Pick competition, opening April 29, and an award ceremony May 9... Read More

Aaron Gonzalez

Apr 23, 2024
Awards , Produce Retail

DelFrescoPure's Original Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine

DelFrescoPure tomatoes to make CPMA debut

DelFrescoPure says its Original Cherry Tomatoes on the Vine will make their Canadian entrance, celebrating both flavor and sustainability... Read More

Aaron Gonzalez

Apr 23, 2024
Tomatoes

The Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Program pays special tribute to chefs and foodservice operations for their produce innovation, creativity and all-around excellence in their use and promotion of fresh fruit and vegetables in the culinary arts. Photo courtesy of The International Fresh Produce Association

IFPA recognizes the best in foodservice

The International Fresh Produce Association's Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards honor chefs and foodservice operations for their innovation and excellence in using fresh produce... Read More

Aaron Gonzalez

Apr 23, 2024
Awards

The International Fresh Produce Association says The Floral Conference in Miami, June 18, is set to offer an interactive experience into the future of floral and how participants can leverage research to drive change and prosperity.

Conference to explore 6 key shifts shaping floral's future

The International Fresh Produce Association says The Floral Conference in Miami will offer an interactive experience into the future of floral and how participants can leverage research to drive change and prosperity... Read More

Wayne Hardy

Apr 23, 2024
Floral , International Fresh Produce Association , Produce Retail

Albertsons Cos. revealed its fiscal year 2023 results, highlighting sales growth, boosted digital sales and a rise in net income, while its CEO underscored the company's emphasis on an omnichannel strategy amid industry challenges.

Albertsons reports strong fiscal 2023 results amid industry challenges

Albertsons Cos. revealed fiscal year 2023 results showcasing sales growth, increased digital sales and a rise in net income, with its CEO emphasizing the company's focus on its omnichannel strategy... Read More

Aaron Gonzalez