Dallas, Texas-based DMA Solutions now is offering companies within the fresh food space a free communications consultation to position consumer messaging and communications during this unparalleled time. The spread of Covid-19 and frequent shutdowns have people talking about fresh produce and food more than ever. Each and every day, DMA Solutions is at the forefront […]
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.
Fresh Del Monte Produce Appoints Elana Gold As CMO
Coral Gables, Florida-based Fresh Del Monte Produce has named Elana Gold as VP and chief marketing officer (CMO). In this role, Gold will lead Fresh Del Monte’s global marketing functions, executing global, regional and local marketing strategies aimed at delivering long-term and sustainable business growth for the iconic brand. She will report to Fresh Del […]
Wish Farms Supplies Local Food Banks Amid Covid-19 Pandemic
International grower and year-round marketer of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, Wish Farms is aiding local food banks during the Covid-19 pandemic. “The need is urgent. We have seen double the amount of people we normally see since the crisis began. With stores having a hard time keeping shelves stocked, our organization’s usual supply chain […]
Fresh Produce Sales Up 33.9% Amid Increase In Covid-19 Cases
by Anne-Marie Roerink/210 Analytics LLC As coranavirus social distancing measures are tightening and the number of confirmed cases are growing, retail sales are surging. Shoppers are stocking up on staples and fresh foods. 210 Analytics analyzed the sales results, provided by IRI. Total store sales increased 62.5 percent over the week ending March 15, with […]
California Avocado Commission Unveils New Ad Campaign
The California Avocado Commission (CAC) has unveiled a new advertising campaign and marketing program to support this season’s California avocado crop. CAC’s new advertising campaign began in March with a combination of traditional and digital media in the West and a focus on California. “The commission’s new advertising campaign theme is ‘The best avocados have […]
SE Businesses Help Out, Perdue Farms Associate Positive For Covid-19
As President Donald Trump has extended stay at home guidelines until April 30 in an effort to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, many American small businesses will remain closed. Those businesses that are essential, including grocery stores and suppliers, are reaching out to help in any way they can. In the Southeast, Publix is giving […]
Businesses Find Ways To Help During Covid-19 Pandemic
As Covid-19 continues to spread across the globe, businesses and associations are working to find ways to contribute to the fight against the pandemic. As NGA and United Fresh Produce Association come together to help keep grocers stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, Bacardi is using its facilities around the world to help make desperately […]
Bolthouse Farms To Acquire Rousseau Farming Co.’s Carrot Operations
Building on its 100-plus years of carrot farming heritage, Bakersfield, California-based Bolthouse Farms has entered into an agreement to acquire Arizona-based Rousseau Farming Co.‘s carrot operations. This move, part of Bolthouse Farms long-term growth plans, further demonstrates its vision of “Plants Powering People” and its mission to feed and nourish people. “This acquisition will help us scale to serve […]
Gold Coast Launches After-School Program In Santa Maria Valley
Gold Coast Packing, a grower, shipper and processor of fresh produce, has launched its first after-school program, Fantastic Fridays, to bring fresh vegetables to children throughout the Santa Maria Valley in California. On Fantastic Fridays, Gold Coast personally delivers on average 200 to 250 pounds of fresh produce to schools in the Santa Maria Bonita […]
Produce Alliance Names Fyle New Chief Procurement Officer
Produce Alliance has named Stephanie Fyle as its chief procurement officer. She is stepping into the shoes of her father, Mike Williams, who recently retired after holding the position for 26 years. Fyle began preparing for this role early in life. After graduating from University of West Georgia with a degree in psychology, followed by […]
Ark Foods Expands Line Of Veggie Bowls With New Flavors
Ark Foods, a Brooklyn-headquartered modern-day farming brand known for creating fresh produce, is expanding its line of Veggie Bowls with four new flavors: Buffalo Cauli Mac, General Tso’s Cauli, Alfredo Veggie Spaghetti and Sesame Veggie Noodles. This launch will expand its best-selling category and put Ark Foods at the forefront of the plant-based movement, leading […]
Whole Foods Market Honors Frieda’s During International Women’s Month
In support of March being celebrated as International Women’s Month, Whole Foods Market is celebrating women with its Women Makers Raising the Bar campaign, a movement highlighting the accomplishments of notable women makers. This year, Frieda’s Specialty Produce is a focal point in the produce department as a Female First for being a female-led trailblazing […]
Gotham Greens Opens New Hydroponic Greenhouse Near Baltimore
Baltimore-based Gotham Greens announced the official opening of its new 100,000-s.f. hydroponic greenhouse outside of Baltimore. Reimagining a portion of the former Bethlehem Steel Mill located in Sparrows Point, this is Gotham Greens’ seventh greenhouse nationwide and its first that will provide a year-round supply of fresh produce to retail, restaurant and foodservice customers across 10 states […]
Pazazz Apples Prevail Over Honeycrisp In Blind Taste Test
Pazazz apples, the proprietary variety from Honeybear Brands, has been selected as the clear favorite in a blind consumer taste test. The taste test challenged consumers’ perceptions about their own apple flavor preferences, opting for the variety with an “intense flavor pop.” The January study, commissioned by Honeybear Brands and conducted by Leede Research and Churchill Group, […]
Happy Little Plants, Fresh Thyme Highlight Plant Protein In Stores
The Happy Little Plants brand and Fresh Thyme Farmers Market are helping to fuel the plant-based protein explosion by having a dedicated set in each of Fresh Thyme’s 74 locations. The two Midwestern companies are joining forces to help bring plant protein items to consumers across the region. “We know that people are looking to add […]
Whole Foods Market Opens New Store In Downtown Nashville
Whole Foods Market in Nashville opened its new location at 1202 Broadway at 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28. The new 44,500-s.f. store in downtown Nashville features a variety of items from local producers, prepared foods and grab-and-go meals, natural and organic items and a full-service coffee bar. The first 250 customers in line received […]
New Giant Store In Falls Church, Va., Creates 100 New Jobs
Giant held the grand opening of its new store at 6360 Seven Corners Center in Falls Church, Virginia, on Friday, March 6. The 69,000-s.f. store includes expanded departments, unique product offerings and services from a full pharmacy to a PNC Bank branch and Starbucks. This new location creates 100 new jobs for the local community. […]
Whole Foods Market To Open April 2 In Castle Rock, CO
Whole Foods Market will open its new 43,000-s.f. store in Castle Rock, located at 6384 Promenade Parkway, at 9 a.m. on Thursday, April 2. As part of the opening day celebrations, guests can enjoy complimentary coffee, snacks and music before the store opens. The first 300 customers in line will receive a custom Whole Foods […]
Solely Launches 5-Minute Spaghetti Squash Pasta
Solely Inc.—the company behind USDA-certified organic, cold-pressed fruit jerky and dried fruit—is entering a new category with its new spaghetti squash pasta. The shelf-stable boxed pasta, which is sliced, roasted and scooped by hand, cooks in five minutes. It alleviates the lengthy cooking process that often deters seekers of healthy alternatives from vegetable pastas. “These […]
Update: Sprouts Postpones Washington Store Openings Due To Covid-19
Due to the recent developments of Covid-19 in Washington state and the surrounding counties, Sprouts Farmers Market has postponed the opening of its Silverdale and Seattle stores. In a statement issued March 12, the company says, “The health and safety of our team members and shoppers is always our first priority, and we are actively […]
