Bakersfield, California-based Country Sweet Produce’s Bako Sweet line of sweet potatoes are now certified by the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check Food Certification Program just in time to celebrate American Heart Month and National Sweet Potato Month this February. As shoppers look for healthier but still tasty ways to incorporate fresh foods into their diets this year, […]
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.
AppHarvest Appoints Willis To Board Of Directors
Morehead, Kentucky-based AppHarvest Inc. has announced the appointment of J. Kevin Willis as a director of the company, as chair of the board’s audit committee and as a member of the nominating and corporate governance committee, effective Feb. 19. Willis currently serves as the SVP and CFO of Ashland, a global specialty materials company, and […]
Ocean Mist Farms Promotes Three New Directors
Castroville, California-based Ocean Mist Farms, a fourth-generation grower shipper, has promoted directors to new positions: Bobby Bellew to director of farming, Serafin Ruiz to director of harvesting and Glen Alameda to director of supply chain and compliance. In Bellew’s new role, he will oversee and guide Ocean Mist Farm’s Northern California farming operations and work to increase cost efficiencies, quality and […]
Giumarra Adds California-Grown Asparagus
The Los Angeles, California-based Giumarra Companies has added California asparagus to its 52-week asparagus program. The new volume is offered in partnership with Stockton, California-based grower and shipper Greg Paul Produce Sales, sole commercial marketer of California-grown asparagus. “We are pleased to round out our robust asparagus program with exceptional California product during a time […]
Avocados From Mexico Partners With Richter For Big Game
Irving, Texas-based Avocados From Mexico has released its official 30-second Big Game teaser featuring comedian and avocado-lover Andy Richter. The teaser features Richter dressed in an ensemble inspired by ancient Roman times, psyching himself up to play the role of a lifetime: Caesar. The full ad will be revealed during the first quarter. “When I found out Avocados […]
Grocers Confident In Future Growth Of Produce Aisle, Despite Inflation
by Greg Ferrara / president and CEO, NGA Consumers were making more healthful food choices in greater numbers before the COVID-19 pandemic, which further boosted interest in better nutrition. As the nation continues to grapple with new variants in a pandemic that’s lingering longer than most expectations, the idea of eating better to buttress one’s […]
Sun World Appoints Petersen As EVP And Chief Science Officer
Bakersfield, California-based Sun World International has appointed Jennifer Petersen as EVP and chief science officer. In this new leadership position, she will oversee all activities, staff and partnerships pertaining to breeding, variety development, genetics and related technologies. The company develops premium varieties of table grapes and stone fruits. Petersen will be instrumental in expanding Sun World’s […]
Kalera Joins NASDAQ Through Merger With Agrico Acquisition Corp.
Orlando, Florida-based Kalera, a leafy green vertical farming company, and Agrico Acquisition Corp., a special purpose acquisition company, have entered into a definitive merger agreement. As a result, Kalera will transition from its current Euronext Growth Oslo listing to a publicly listed company with its common shares traded on the NASDAQ stock market. “Kalera and […]
Fresh Produce & Floral Council Introduces 2022 Board Of Directors
The Fresh Produce & Floral Council has announced its 2022 board of directors and outgoing directors and recognized the 2021 Apprentice Class. Traditionally, the departing and incoming chairs would be announced and pass the gavel at the FPFC Dinner Dance. The dinner dance has now been rescheduled for May 21 at the Langham Pasadena Hotel. FPFC’s […]
Crispy Green Launches Piña Picante Snack Line
Fairfield, New Jersey-based Crispy Green has released a new flavor of its freeze-dried snacks – Piña Picante. Remaining true to the company’s core niche of providing produce-based, shelf-stable packaged snacks made with clean, simple ingredients, Piña Picante is a line of dried pineapple snacks with a twist. Piña Picante begins with pineapple imported from Costa Rica and […]
Walmart Partners With Plenty Unlimited For Fresh Produce
Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart has signed an agreement to invest in Plenty Unlimited Inc., an indoor vertical farming company, as part of their $400 million Series E funding round subject to a regulatory approval. Walmart’s equity investment is part of a broader strategic partnership to utilize Plenty’s indoor vertical farming technology platform to deliver fresh produce […]
Crystal Valley Foods Finalizes West Expansion
Crystal Valley Foods has finalized the acquisition of additional bays on the Los Angeles Wholesale Terminal Market, adjacent to its current location. This expansion has doubled the facility’s space, creating additional cold storage capacity and room for increased inventory and products. In order to truly be bicoastal and to help with its nationwide distribution, the […]
Dole Receives Social Responsibility In Action Award in Costa Rica
The American-Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce recognized Charlotte, North Carolina-based Dole through its daughter company, Standard Fruit Company de Costa Rica S.A., with the Social Responsibility in Action Award in the employees category for the project “De la Mano con Dole,” which loosely translates to “Hand-in-Hand with Dole.” This year marks the 25th anniversary of […]
Avocados From Mexico Launches Campaign And Digital Experience
Dallas, Texas-based Avocados From Mexico is headed back to the Big Game with a multifaceted campaign designed to engage consumers and make avocados shoppable at every touchpoint. AFM’s 2022 Big Game campaign will feature digital events like the “House of Goodness” digital experience and an in-store QR code that drive directly to the brand’s website through […]
Sprouts Partnering With Angel City Football Club For Grand Opening
Sprouts Farmers Market will host a grand opening Jan. 14 at its new Garden Grove, California, store at 9848 Chapman Ave. that recently opened its doors in December. Events will include exclusive giveaways for shoppers, special activities hosted by Los Angeles’ own Angel City Football Club, samples of unique and innovative products and a donation […]
Central Market’s Annual Citrus Fest Continues Through Jan. 25
Dallas, Texas-based Central Market’s annual Citrus Fest has returned and will be held through Jan. 25. Central Market’s buyers have been searching the globe for the brightest and freshest flavors to bring to Texas at the peak of season. Customers will find different citrus varieties and specialty foods including cookies, drinks and sauces. Central Market’s […]
Dole Packaged Foods Unveils ‘Hold My Fruit Bowl’ Campaign
Westlake Village, California-based Dole Packaged Foods LLC has released its latest campaign spotlighting its Fruit Bowls snacks titled “Hold My Fruit Bowl.” A kid-friendly riff on the viral “Hold My Beer” meme, the spots shine a light on kids doing spectacular things thanks to “superpowers” they’ve received from snacking on Dole’s Fruit Bowls. One ad spot […]
Duda Farm Fresh Foods Launches ‘Dip It 2 Win It’ Sweepstakes
Dandy Celery, grown by Oviedo, Florida-based Duda Farm Fresh Foods, announces its sixth annual promotion, “Dip It 2 Win It.” Running through Jan. 14, the sweepstakes aims to elevate healthier snacking and drive in-store as well as online sales during peak football season, while also offering fans a chance to win unique prizes ahead of […]
Co-CEOs Introduce International Fresh Produce Association Operations
by Eric Pereira / content creator The International Fresh Produce Association began operations on Jan. 1 with Co-CEOs Cathy Burns and Tom Stenzel welcoming members in a video. IFPA is a result of the merger of the Produce Marketing Association and the United Fresh Produce Association, announced in 2021. The association serves on the principles of […]
Fresh Del Monte Introduces Goodvocado Avocados
Florida-based Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc. has announced the arrival of Goodvocado avocados, its newest way for consumers to purchase various sizes of avocados all in one pack. Featuring avocados that naturally range from small to large, Goodvocado packs allow consumers to customize their use of avocados, ultimately helping them discover new ways to incorporate avocados into their everyday […]
