Colombia is set to deliver 130 million pounds of avocados during the 2025 spring-summer traviesa season. Maturing orchards, strategic investments in region-specific rootstock and a growing shift toward East Coast ports are driving Colombia’s role as a year-round supply partner for the expanding U.S. market. Year-round harvest Main season (September-February): Recently concluded with a 50 […]
Category: National
USDA Accepts Pasturebird’s Petition To Update Pasture-Raised Definition
Pasturebird has successfully petitioned the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to update its definition of “pasture-raised” meat and poultry. After years of advocating for a clear and common-sense definition, Pasturebird and Perdue Farms helped shoppers distinguish “free range” from “pasture-raised” chicken. The new animal-raising labeling guidelines require that “pasture-raised” animals must be on pasture […]
FDA Extends Date For FSMA 204 Compliance
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has shared its intention to extend the compliance date for the Food Traceability Rule (FSMA 204) by 30 months. The FDA will extend the compliance date using appropriate procedures at a later time, including publishing a proposed rule in the Federal Register. The FDA stated that it is […]
Dunnhumby Introduces AI-Powered Retail Media Solution
Dunnhumby has introduced an offering within its retail media ecosystem, partnering with Osmos, a specialist in advanced ad-serving technology, on the dunnhumby Retail Media Platform. The integration comes at a time when retailers are seeking to maximize the value of retail media networks. By incorporating Osmos’ capabilities into its retail media offering, dunnhumby offers retailers […]
Beyond Organic: CEO On Redefining Health, Industry Honesty
Karen Howard has served as CEO and executive director of Organic & Natural Health Association in Washington, D.C., since its inception in 2014. She has championed causes such as defining the term “natural,” promoting quality manufacturing, ensuring traceable sourcing, advancing regenerative farming, advocating for sustainable practices, addressing nutrient deficiencies and propelling vitamin D research and […]
FMI Committees Doing Important Work On Private Brands, AI, Asset Protection
Doug Baker, VP of industry relations for FMI – The Food Industry Association, spoke to The Shelby Report during the association’s recent Midwinter Executive Conference on Marco Island, Florida. Baker touched on three topics that are of interest to FMI’s membership and the food industry as a whole – private brands, technology advancements and asset […]
Instacart Adds AI-Powered Smart Shop Technology
Among the new features Instacart has recently introduced to its platform is Smart Shop, which leverages generative AI and machine learning to create a more personalized grocery shopping experience. With Smart Shop, Instacart analyzes customer habits and dietary preferences to find the most relevant products faster. In addition, Instacart unveiled new AI-powered Health Tags, which […]
NGA Introduces Fair Markets, Fresh Choices Advocacy Campaign
During The NGA Show in Las Vegas, the National Grocers Association (NGA) introduced Fair Markets, Fresh Choices, an advocacy campaign that spotlights and demands a level playing field in the food retail industry for independent grocers. Independent community supermarkets – many of them family or employee owned – are the backbone of neighborhoods across America, […]
