AWG Brands, the private brands portfolio of Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc., has launched its new Best Choice produce snack program. Designed to merchandise in grocers’ produce departments, the program offers a curated selection of 15 natural snacks. “We’re continuing to see growth in the category based on analytics from the AWG Partner Gateway […]
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, Association News, National
IFPA’s Burns Previews Foodservice Conference
As the signature event for produce in the culinary arts, the IFPA’s Foodservice Conference promises top-notch education sessions, networking opportunities and a premier expo with products and services targeted to the foodservice industry. Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), said the event brings the foodservice industry together around one of its […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Ocean Mist Farms Shares New Logo As Part Of Rebranding
Ocean Mist Farms – which is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2024 – has launched its new company logo as part of a comprehensive rebranding initiative. This fresh visual identity marks a significant milestone in the company’s evolution and highlights its commitment to innovation, growth and leading the company and brand into the next century. […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Produce News, West
GrubMarket Acquires Parsemony To Boost Supply Chain Software Offerings
GrubMarket, a provider of AI-powered technology solutions for the food supply chain, has acquired Parsemony, a California-based company offering comprehensive software services to fresh produce distributors and wholesalers. This acquisition strengthens GrubMarket’s software capabilities and expands the functionality of its current product portfolio, including WholesaleWare and GrubAssist. Parsemony’s solutions include: Cloud-based point-of-sale systems for managing […]
Posted inProduce News, Deli News, Southwest
Expert Explains Charting Path To FSMA 204 Compliance
Andy Kennedy’s session at IDDBA 2024 was designed to help his audience better understand the steps along the journey to FSMA 204 compliance. Kennedy has worked in traceability for the past 17 years, currently with New Era Partners and before that the FDA as well as technology and standards development companies. The compliance date for […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Giant Eagle Partners With Sun World International On AUTUMNCRISP Rollout
Sun World International has begun a new partnership with Giant Eagle Inc. and its Leap Media Group to support the national rollout of AUTUMNCRISP, its globally branded table grape. Through this partnership, AUTUMNCRISP’s crisp, juicy grapes will be available at all Giant Eagle and Market District locations throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana. […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
IFPA’s Washington Conference Looks To Influence Public Policy
IFPA’s 2024 Washington Conference, taking place from June 10-12, is a unique opportunity in a pivotal election year. It brings together inspiring leaders and significant events designed to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge to influence the policies and perceptions of produce and floral on Capitol Hill. From keynote speakers to celebrations showcasing the […]
Posted inProduce News, Southeast
Fresh Del Monte Introduces Red-Shelled Rubyglow Pineapples
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. has introduced a new, brightly-colored fruit – Rubyglow pineapples. The produce company has debuted Rubyglow pineapples to the U.S. market after an initial January launch in China that prompted a global waitlist. Featuring a deep red outer shell, bright yellow flesh and a sweet flavor, Rubyglow pineapples are a new variety of the […]
Posted inPublix Super Markets, Produce News, Southeast
Publix Reaches 100M-Pound Produce Donation Milestone
Publix has donated 100 million pounds of produce to Feeding America partner food banks, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to help feed neighbors facing food insecurity. The company began purchasing produce in 2020 at the height of the pandemic to help struggling farmers and provide additional fresh fruits and vegetables to […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, Packaging News, Southwest
TIPA, Viva Fresh Open Honor Texas Produce Icon Fox
During this year’s Viva Fresh, the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) celebrated the vibrant spirit of the fresh produce industry while also paying tribute in memoriam to Texas produce icon Craig Fox of Fox Packaging. The Viva Fresh Open golf tournament, presented by BEBO Distributing and H-E-B, posthumously honored Fox with a $25,000 scholarship in his name. Funds were raised through registrations from the annual golf tournament, which was held this year at the […]
Posted inProduce News, Albertsons, Meijer, National, The Kroger Co.
IFPA Names Retail Produce Manager Award Recipients
For their commitment to fresh produce, innovative merchandising, community service and customer satisfaction, 20 produce managers have been recognized by the 2024 Retail Produce Managers Award Program from the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). “On the front lines, produce managers work incredibly hard to keep the produce department stocked, creatively merchandized and inviting to customers,” said Joe Watson, IFPA’s VP of retail, […]
Posted inProduce News, Albertsons, Southwest
The United Family Donates 50K+ Pounds Of Apples
During April, The United Family donated more than 50,000 pounds of apples to food banks and pantries across Texas and New Mexico. The food banks receiving donations were: South Plains Food Bank, High Plains Food Bank, Food Bank of West Central Texas, Minnies Food Pantry, West Texas Food Bank, Wichita Falls Area Food Bank, Food […]
Posted inProduce News, Midwest
2024 Michigan Asparagus Season Begins
The Michigan Asparagus season has begun and the vegetable will be arriving in stores about a week earlier than normal due to a warmer winter. Currently, volume is on track with thick asparagus ready to take center stage on plates and in bowls nationwide. As shoppers prioritize living a healthier lifestyle, cooking at home has […]
Posted inProduce News, Association News, National
IFPA Washington Conference Shifting To June
Registration has opened for IFPA’s 2024 The Washington Conference, with produce and floral’s most influential public policy event moving to June to better align with the congressional calendar and influence policymakers ahead of the election. Set for June 10-12 in Washington, D.C., the annual event unites all segments of the fresh produce and floral industry […]
Posted inProduce News, National
IFPA Honoring Nine For Produce Excellence In Foodservice
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has named the winners of the 2024 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards. Sponsored by FreshEdge, the awards program honors chefs and foodservice operators across the country for their produce innovation, creativity and all-around excellence in using fresh produce in the culinary arts. Along with global exposure, the recipients also […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Sunsweet Growers Selects Schuler As Next CEO
As the company nears its 110th anniversary and seeks to widen the margin of its position as “the world’s premier dried fruit brand,” Sunsweet Growers Inc. has named Brad Schuler as CEO. “Brad becomes the fourth consecutive CEO to be hired from within based on demonstrated performance,” said Dane Lance, outgoing president and CEO who […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Registration Opens For IFPA Global Produce, Floral Show
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has opened registration for its annual Global Produce and Floral Show, which is set for Oct. 17-19 in Atlanta. “I’m always excited to see how this show evolves to meet the needs of our members and our industry,” said Nelia Alamo of Markon, co-chair of the show. “Just one […]
Posted inProduce News, National
Earlier Easter Helps Boost Fresh Produce Sales
March 2024 fresh produce sales reached $8.8 billion, according to a recent report by Circana and 210 Analytics. In a strong month, produce units increased by 3 percent, with gains for fruit and vegetables. The full year also experienced increases in dollars and units. While fresh produce unit sales rose 3 percent, volume in pounds […]
Posted inProduce News, West
FPFC Taps Lanter As New President
The Fresh Produce & Floral Council (FPFC) has appointed Bob Lanter as its new president. Lanter will assume the role May 5 and will be present at the upcoming FPFC Expo on May 1 to meet FPFC members. With an extensive background in the public sector and non-profit management, he brings more than 30 years of experience […]
Posted inProduce News, West
Ocean Mist Farms Names Wolfli CFO
Ocean Mist Farms, a grower and shipper of fresh artichokes in North America, has hired Tim Wolfli as CFO. With more than two decades of experience in fresh produce, including agriculture, aquaculture and foodservice, Wolfli brings with him a well-rounded set of skills and experience to help drive the century-old company into the future. “I’m […]