Industry professionals and retailers can stop by Zespri’s booth No. 3293 during the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, California, to meet with regional and international staff and to taste Zespri SunGold Kiwi samples and Kiwitinis. “Our booth is always buzzing, bringing to life the boldness and fun of our remarkable kiwifruit,” said Jeanne Wilson, […]
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, West
Driscoll’s Names Bjorn As CEO
Driscoll’s board of directors has elected Soren Bjorn, currently president of Driscoll’s of the Americas, as the company’s new CEO. Miles Reiter, the current chairman and CEO, has announced his plan to retire at the end of the year and become executive chairman of the family-owned company. Reiter has been involved in the berry business […]
Posted inHarps Food Stores, Produce News, Southwest
Harps Food Stores To Carry Wild About Sprouts Products
Rä Foods’ Wild About Sprouts brand is continuing its national expansion through a distribution agreement with Harps Food Stores. Wild About Sprouts products come in six varieties – alfalfa, broccoli, clover, clover and alfalfa, clover and broccoli and alfalfa, broccoli and kale. The company’s patented COLD-GROWN process and “out-of-the-box” packaging provide flavor, freshness and safety. […]
Posted inPackaging News, Produce News, West
Superfresh Growers Introduces Recycled Apple, Pear Bags
Superfresh Growers has introduced the apple and pear industry’s first fruit bag made from post-consumer recycled plastic. Post-consumer recycled plastic is made from things people recycle daily – plastic bottles, milk jugs and other bags – all sourced from USA recycling centers and can be continuously recycled. Superfresh Growers PCR bag is SGS Global Services […]
Posted inProduce News, Southwest
Fox Packaging Names Doxey As Director Of Sales
Fox Packaging has named Jen Doxey as director of sales, bringing more than 20 years of experience in the produce industry. Doxey will have an emphasis on developing and executing strategic sales plans, building long-term customer relationships and leading high-performing teams. She will be responsible for overseeing the sales operations of Fox Packaging and Fox Solutions and […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
NAPAR Rebrands As Produce Distributors Association
Originally founded in 1989, NAPAR (National Association of Perishable Agricultural Receivers) has been rebranded into the Produce Distributors Association. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., it is the first organization of its kind that solely advocates for fresh produce distributors. Initially an east coast-based organization made up of terminal market members, a key goal of the organization is […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Produce Sales Rise In August As Prices Dip
Retailers invested in fruit prices in August as the average price per pound for fruit decreased by 2.1 percent over year-ago levels, according to the monthly report produced by Circana, 210 Analytics and the International Fresh Produce Association. August produce sales The five August weeks generated $74.3 billion total food and beverage sales, up 1.7 […]
Posted inProduce News, Executive News, Merchandising News, Midwest
SpartanNash Elevates Smith In Floral Merchandising
SpartanNash has promoted Andy Smith to senior director of merchandising in produce/floral. In his new role, Smith will oversee all aspects of SpartanNash’s produce and floral merchandising to include retail, category management, distribution and procurement. “I’m pleased to promote Andy from within to fill this critical role on the merchandising team,” said Bennett Morgan, EVP […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Does Your Produce Department Meet The Gold Standard?
Sponsored content Few things are more important to a successful produce department than having beautiful, high quality fruit on display. That’s especially true when it comes to bananas. Studies have shown that having low quality bananas on display is one of the main reasons consumers change retailers. And since bananas are one of the most […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Feature, Meijer, National
Health, Tech Highlight 2023 Global Produce And Floral Show
The greatest challenge for the fresh produce and floral industry continues to be getting people to consume more of its products, according to Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association. “If you look at the data, consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables remains well below both the U.S. Dietary Guidelines and the World […]
Posted inProduce News, West
California Avocado Commission’s President Oberman Steps Down
The California Avocado Commission has announced that Jeff Oberman, who has served as president and CEO since October 2022, has left the organization to pursue other interests. Oberman was brought in as the first external hire to be president and CEO for the Irvine, California-based commission in more than three decades, bringing many years of […]
Posted inProduce News, Executive News, West
DiMare California Names Dolan As DMB Packing President
DiMare California has named Jeff Dolan as president of Newman, California-based DMB Packing. Dolan will have an expanded leadership role in the family business. Previously, he held the position of field operations manager. In the new role, he will oversee all operations regarding the growing, packing and shipping of fresh market tomatoes in California. “This announcement […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Report: Retailers Sell More Avocados In Second Quarter
Spring and summer holidays generated higher avocado unit sales compared to 2022, according to the holiday retail recap report from the Misson Viejo, California-based Hass Avocado Board. Easter, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day and Father’s Day contributed a combined 27.5 million incremental avocado units versus the prior year. Avocado volume during Cinco De Mayo grew […]
Posted inProduce News, Midwest
Heartland Produce Co. Picks Repositrak For Compliance
Heartland Produce Co., a family-owned and -operated wholesale produce distribution company, has adopted an automated solution from Repositrak to collect and maintain compliance documentation. “All of us at Heartland Produce take pride in making food safety the top priority in everything we do – from how we handle and store product, to how we deliver […]
Posted inProduce News, Northeast
Hannaford To Build Healthy Habits Through Snack Pals Plates
Hannaford Supermarkets is helping children build lifelong healthy eating habits through its new Snack Pals Plates program. Through Oct. 31, customers can purchase a Snack Pals Plate located in displays beside the produce section at all Hannaford stores. The Snack Pals Plates are two for $5 and each purchase results in a donation to a […]
Posted inProduce News, National
IFPA Shares Speaker Lineup For Upcoming Show
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has released the list of speakers for The Global Produce & Floral Show, which is set for Oct. 19-21 in Anaheim, California. “Our commitment to helping members respond to the consumer marketplace, adopt new technology and innovation and put people first is reflected in the global show’s CEO Panel,” […]
Posted inProduce News, Organic Natural, Southwest
Whole Foods Marks 20 Years As Organic Grocer
It has been 20 years since Whole Foods Market, which offers more than 37,000 organic products across its stores, first attained its organic retail certification. In fact, Whole Foods has promoted organic since before there was a National Organic Program. The company also requires certification for organic label claims on all products it sells. CEO […]
Posted inThe Kroger Co., Midwest, Private Label Brands, Produce News
Kroger Brings Back Private Selection ‘Harvest Apple’ Line For Fall
Cincinnati-based The Kroger Co. has brought back its Private Selection Harvest Apple line, a limited edition private label of autumn-inspired products. Available for a limited time, products can be shopped in-store only. “Private Selection’s Harvest Apple quickly became a customer favorite in its debut year and we are thrilled to return this classic flavor with even more products […]
Posted inProduce News, Southeast
SEPC Shares ‘What’s New’ Research At Southern Innovations
The Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) released its annual “What’s New? 2023″ consumer research in a sold-out educational session at Southern Innovations, held Sept. 14-16 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Pioneering organizations will provide additional innovation-focused presentations in the “What’s New?” theater on the exhibit floor. “Only one-third of consumers tend to consume fresh […]
Posted inProduce News, Southeast
Lipman Family Farms Shares New Products At SEPC Show
Immokalee, Florida-based Lipman Family Farms plans to showcase two new products Sept. 14-16 at the SEPC’s Southern Innovations Show in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lipman Family Farms has increasingly invested in new technology and innovation, but most importantly in their talent. “I’m committed to tapping into the potential of the people of Lipman and fostering an […]