The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC), based in Millen, Georgia, has selected 41 students to receive a scholarship for 2025, totaling $61,500. Scholarships are granted to students who meet specific criteria, including having a parent or grandparent who is a corporate member in good standing with the SEPC and has personally attended at least one SEPC […]
Category: Produce News
The Shelby Report covers the produce industry for grocery retailers nationwide, from fresh fruit and vegetable trends and supplier announcements to merchandising strategies and regional market news. Updated regularly across our five regional editions.
Find all our fresh coverage in Focus on Fresh.
Posted inProduce News, Executive News, News, West
Le Meur Tapped To Support Driscoll’s Fresh Berry Business
Watsonville, California-based Driscoll’s has appointed Gaëlle Le Meur as its new chief people officer. Reporting to CEO Soren Bjorn, Le Meur will be in charge of the company’s global people function, encompassing talent strategy, organizational effectiveness, leadership development and inclusion efforts. With more than 20 years of experience, Le Meur brings expertise in organizational design, […]
Posted inProduce News, News, Southeast
Fresh Del Monte’s Rubyglow Pineapple Wins Top Award
Fresh Del Monte Produce’s Rubyglow pineapple was named Best Food Innovation in the premium fruit category by the World Food Innovation Awards 2025. Selected by a panel of industry experts, the awards celebrate breakthrough achievements in food and beverage, recognizing products that exemplify innovation, sustainability and consumer appeal. A registered U.S. plant patent, the Rubyglow […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, News, Southwest
IFPA’s The Retail Conference: Shaping Tomorrow’s Business, Today
Hundreds of representatives from throughout the full retail supply chain convened April 30-May 1 for networking and consumer insights at IFPA’s The Retail Conference in Dallas. In its fourth year, the produce conference attracted key industry retailers, suppliers and solutions providers. The event’s limited registration continues to create networking opportunities that foster partnerships. This was […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Produce News, Publix Super Markets, Southeast
Publix Produce For Kids Campaign Kicks Off With Supplier Support
Fifteen produce companies are collaborating with Publix Super Markets for the Healthy Family Project’s 23rd biannual Publix Produce for Kids campaign, aiming to provide 800,000 meals to 35 Feeding America partner food banks within the grocer’s operating area by June 25. The companies include Coast Tropical, Ayco Farms, Driscoll’s, The Wonderful Company, Shuman Farms, Mucci […]
Posted inProduce News, News, West
Tree Top Unveils Brand Refresh, Including New Packaging
Tree Top, a farmer-grown, farmer-owned cooperative and producer of high-quality fruit-based products, has completed a brand refresh that includes updates to its logo and packaging. Known for its apple sauces and juices, the brand’s new look aims to appeal to consumers and stand out on retail shelves. As part of the initiative, Tree Top updated […]
Posted inProduce News, News, West
Altar Produce Expands Specialty Vegetable Offerings
Altar Produce, a Calexico, California-based leader in the production and marketing of premium vegetables, has begun an expansion of its specialty vegetable offerings, reinforcing its commitment to innovation, quality and customer-driven solutions. As part of this growth initiative, Altar Produce is beginning a growth on its year-round green onion program, designed to meet the rising […]
Expert Article
North Coast Organic Debuts Modern Packaging For Iconic Apple Line
North Coast, a trusted name in premium apple products for over a century, is proud to unveil a bold new look for its lineup of organic apple juices, applesauce, and apple cider vinegar. While the packaging is new, what’s inside remains the same: the fresh, clean, and pure taste of whole organic apples. With this […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
IFPA To Unveil Public Policy Agenda At Washington Conference
As policymakers and industry leaders prepare to gather June 9-11 for The Washington Conference in Washington D.C., the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is setting the stage for critical policy discussions impacting the fresh produce and floral industries. With a focus on labor, food safety, nutrition, trade and the Farm Bill, IFPA leads advocacy efforts to […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, News, Southeast
SEPC Seeks Nominations For The Unseen Hero Award
The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) is accepting nominations for The Unseen Hero Award, a special recognition honoring those who work behind the scenes to keep the produce industry moving forward. Whether in growing, shipping, packing, retail or foodservice, these unsung heroes make a lasting impact without seeking the spotlight. Award criteria Nominees should exemplify: Dedication […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National, News
IFPA Encourages Science-Based Standards To National Organic Standards Board
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has submitted comments to the National Organic Standards Board highlighting priority issues for the organic fresh produce sector. The comments were in response to a feedback request from NOSB’s Spring 2025 Work Agenda. Developed in consultation with the association’s organics committee, the comments emphasize the need for practical, science-based […]
Posted inProduce News, News, Stater Bros. Markets, West
Stater Bros. Markets Expands Partnership With IFCO
Stater Bros. Markets, the largest privately-owned supermarket chain in Southern California, has expanded its long-term partnership with IFCO, a global leader in reusable packaging solutions for fresh food. As part of the multi-year agreement, Stater Bros. will broaden its use of IFCO reusable packaging containers (RPCs) across a wider range of fresh fruits and vegetables. […]
Posted inProduce News, Market Profile, News, Southeast
Florida’s Watermelon Heartland Prepping For Start Of Sweet Season
Florida, particularly Central Florida, is a major watermelon-producing region, providing the sweet summer fruit to grocers across the Southeast and beyond. The Shelby Report of the Southeast recently visited with Lee Wroten, VP of Lakeland, Florida-based Global Produce Sales, to learn more about what makes this growing region special and how this year’s crop is […]
Posted inProduce News, Packaging News, Southeast
Fresh Express Introduces Refreshed Brand Identity, Redesigned Packaging
Orlando, Florida-based Fresh Express is introducing a refreshed brand identity with a modernized logo, redesigned packaging and a focus on fresh quality, taste and health. The updated visual identity will begin appearing on shelves nationwide starting May 9, with additional activations to follow as part of the broader “Express Yourself” campaign, which launched in April. […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Superfresh Growers Highlights Orchard Buddies During Earth Month
In late 2024, Superfresh Growers launched a new organic packaging line to attract families, find homes for smaller apples and share its passion for sustainable farming. As Earth Day approaches, the company is taking the time to highlight its new product. “We had a mission to make organic apples more appealing to children. We realized […]
Expert Article
Spring Into Summer As Preparations Begin For Biggest Veggie Season
As we move into the second quarter of the year, the longer days and warmer weather signal the arrival of peak production season. With daylight savings and tax season behind us, it’s time to refresh, reorganize and prepare for the busiest quarter of the year. At Crazy Fresh, we know that success in Q2 sets […]
Posted inProduce News, Market Profile, News, Southeast
Grocers Can Position Florida’s Peak-Season Produce As Part Of Assortment Strategy
Positioning Central Florida’s peak-season produce as a fundamental part of their assortment strategy offers grocers an opportunity to enhance revenue and attract customers seeking locally sourced, high-quality options. Susie McKinley, director of the division of marketing and development at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, underscored the importance of aligning procurement with periods […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, News, Southwest
Viva Fresh Concludes Sold-Out Anniversary Expo With Record Attendance
The 2025 Viva Fresh Expo marked its 10th anniversary April 11-13 with a sold-out show floor and 2,760 attendees, including 438 buyers, at the Marriott Marquis in downtown Houston. The show opened with a keynote speech from José Hernández, a former migrant farm worker who became a NASA astronaut. More than 100 people waited in […]
Posted inProduce News, Associated Wholesale Grocers, News, Southeast
Healthy Family Project Celebrates 9-Year Partnership With AWG
Healthy Family Project has begun its 2025 Produce for Kids campaign in Associated Wholesale Grocers’ (AWG) Springfield and Gulf Coast divisions, marking a nine-year partnership dedicated to promoting healthier families and supporting communities in need. Through this year’s campaign, participating produce partners are collectively donating 170,000 meals to local Feeding America food banks. Shoppers will […]
Posted inProduce News, Corporate Store News, News, West
Save Mart Is Official Partner Of San Joaquin Asparagus Festival
Save Mart will serve as an official partner of the 39th annual San Joaquin Asparagus Festival, taking place April 11-13 at the fairgrounds in San Joaquin County, California. The community event draws large crowds each year in celebration of spring, with local fresh produce, vendors, live music, carnival rides, a petting zoo and family fun. […]