Latest News From Produce Retail

When it comes to what retailers are looking for when they choose their apple suppliers, quality product is a given — but what helps them stand out?

This is the role of produce as the return of restaurants heats up the competition for grocery retailers.

The Packer tours Central Market, in Austin, Texas, in the latest installment of Market Crush, a series featuring retail produce purveyors who are crushing it when it comes to dynamic displays that drive shoppers to buy.

After 38 years with the Hy-Vee grocery store chain based in West Des Moines, Iowa, Greg Kimmel won national recognition for his creativity and extensive produce knowledge.

Fifteen produce and floral managers at area supermarkets participated in New England Produce Council's first Produce Manager Leadership Development Program at NEPC’s Produce, Floral & Foodservice Expo.

The vertical, controlled environment agriculture greens grower says it’s doubling its retail footprint by expanding to Whole Foods Market and Gelson’s Markets California stores.

The Kansas City, Mo.-based software solution provider works with independent grocers’ produce departments across North America.

Inspired by one of the 50,000 recipes on Food52.com? Now, with a Chicory partnership, shoppers can buy those ramps and rambutans with the click of a button — from their preferred local grocery retailer.

Just like home, something always needs to be maintained in the produce department. If not done in a timely manner, things only get worse — and shoppers will notice, says columnist Armand Lobato.

Chiquita and Brooks Running have announced the launch of the "Ready, Set, Peel!" promotion.

Albertsons Cos. has released its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance Report, highlighting the company’s ESG progress and reaffirming its commitment to embed sustainability practices across its operations.

The Michigan-based food solutions company is advancing its long-term strategic plan and repositioning its go-to-market strategy in the second half of 2023, encouraged by strong second-quarter earnings.

Welcome to a pictorial of Despar Italia supermarket in Venice, Italy, the second installment of Market Crush, a series featuring retail produce purveyors who are crushing it with dynamic displays that drive sales.

The online and social promotion, which highlights better-for-you versions of favorite game day recipes, invites consumers to enter a contest for the chance to win prizes.

The new functionality on the Sincerely Health platform offers nutrition insights on grocery food purchases based on USDA’s MyPlate guidance.

Members will have access to comprehensive retail sales reporting for organic and conventional produce.

The greenhouse grower and pasta producer have joined forces to promote a back-to-school campaign on the Instacart and Kroger grocery delivery platforms this fall.

Shoppers can sample and purchase hatch chilies products as part of the 15th annual Chile Roast event.

Aldi will add about 400 stores in the Southeast U.S. through the planned acquisition of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket, the company said Aug. 16.

Are Trader Joe’s employees really told to flirt with shoppers? How is it so fun to work there? Why have the two CEOs stayed so long? CEO Bryan Palbaum and company President and Vice CEO Jon Basalone answer.

How the fresh produce industry is embracing the circular economy and reducing waste across the supply chain.

The Cincinnati-based grocer has partnered with 80 Acres Farms to bring shoppers across the Midwest and Southeast vertically grown salad blends, herbs and tomatoes.

The Packer recently sat down with the Divert CEO to learn how his company is partnering with retailers including Ahold Delhaize, Albertsons Cos., and Kroger to convert billions of pounds of wasted food into energy.

Having a rambutan program brings diversity to a retailer’s shelves and entices shoppers to head to their stores for this unique item, says Gabe Bernal, vice president for Seasons Farm Fresh.

That final chance — the last 50 feet — to sell your produce is the topic of the inaugural New England Produce Council Produce Manager Leadership Development Program, presented at NEPC’s annual expo August 22.

For your inspiration, let’s shine a light on some winning and notable citrus displays entered in the winter 2023 contest of PMG’s Produce Artist Award Series.

Suppliers and grocery retailers are working together to provide convenient, healthy options for children and families in the produce aisle — perfect for school lunches and on-the-go snacks.

​​​​​​​July consumer prices were 3.2% higher than a year ago, according to the Commerce Department’s Consumer Price Index.

There’s something inherently “extra” about mushrooms. Sure, they slay as a flavorful and more affordable substitute for meat, but they also offer health benefits galore, play well in a variety of diets and cook quickly.

When the senior bus rolls up, some clerks scoff at or avoid helping these customers. That's unfortunate, because there should be more consideration for the needs of this growing segment, says columnist Armand Lobato.

Learn some fun facts about this highly regarded root.

Stephanie Bazan, senior vice president of commercial strategy and execution for Avocados From Mexico, said in late July that Mexican volume was leaning heavily toward small fruit.

On this episode of "Tip of the Iceberg Podcast," learn why Emily Massi's healthy living merchandising manager role was created, how she’s bridging the two worlds and how it benefits consumers and produce retailers.

The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2023 survey found that 24% of consumers reported raspberry purchases in the past year.

See what the produce department of an award-winning produce manager looks like.

U.S. retail sales of potatoes have grown 16.8% from July 2022 through June 2023, according to a recent Circana report.

"With signage throughout the store, we can provide helpful information to customers that want low-carbon footprint items within different food groups,” Mom’s founder and CEO Scott Nash said.

The medjool date brand is banking on shopper demand for sweet and spicy snacks to drive sales in new date snack offering.

The chain also noted a 3.2% gain in comparable store sales versus the same quarter a year ago.

Do you have "diamonds" that "eat like candy"? Let's hope your stock has "legs" but isn't "kicked." Columnist Armand Lobato explains some of the unofficial terms heard around the produce aisle.

The Organic Produce Performance report has tracked a 1.5% growth in sales and about 1% growth in volume in organic fresh produce for the second quarter of 2023, compared with the same period in 2022.

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. — Dana Barnett rolled his shopping cart by the blueberries at The Giant Co.’s produce department, pausing to lean toward Produce Manager Breanna “Bre” Norris.

In the race to promote the produce of the next holiday or season, The Fresh Market takes first prize for fall 2023. You can bet there'll be pumpkins at this party.

Lunchables is now offering fresh fruit elements, including pineapple, clementines, grapes and apples.

Allegiance Retail Services, an Iselin, N.J.-based retailer-owned grocery co-op, has added three Rhode Island Brigido’s Fresh Markets to its roster of independently owned supermarkets.

What is "Girl Dinner," why should produce companies care, and what is troubling about this summer's viral social media trend?

The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2023 survey found that 58% of respondents said they purchased tomatoes in the past year.

PepsiCo and Walmart say they aim to support regenerative agriculture across more than 2 million acres of farmland in the U.S. and Canada.

Zespri is taking its “Taste the Obsession” consumer campaign to a new level by offering consumers a chance to win a trip to New Zealand to visit its orchards and meet its passionate growers.

What brand loyalty? Constrained budgets increase deal-seeking behavior and the importance of a seamless omnichannel experience. There’s more, of course.