Tom Burfield

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A proposed merger between Cincinnati-based The Kroger Co. and Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons Cos. Inc. could have a significant effect on the Southern California retail scene, a consultant says.
The summer season should be a productive one for Los Angeles-area produce distributors despite delayed harvests for most California-grown commodities.
This summer, Georgia Grown will launch a program with Chicago-based IGA Inc. that will place Georgia Grown signage in 160 supermarkets in the Southeast region.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Arkansas Grown program has a lot on its plate this summer, with plans for an advertising campaign and farmers market week, while preparing for its annual expo.
Traditional plastic mesh bags still account for most of the firm’s output, but as customer requests for sustainable packaging grow, the company has come up with other options.
Arkansas grower-shippers already are harvesting many of their spring/summer crops, like berries, broccoli, cucumbers and lettuce, and movement will pick up as the season progresses.
Arkansas is known for its tasty field-grown tomatoes, and grower-shippers say this year’s crop should put a smile on the faces of produce buyers and consumers alike.
Weather challenges had an effect on some of the early spring/summer produce coming out of Georgia, but growers remain optimistic for a good season.
The onion category has not escaped the perils of inflation that have challenged the produce industry as prices of inputs and other necessities have skyrocketed over the past couple of years.
Bulk onions account for the vast majority of onion sales in the U.S., but consumer packs continue to gain popularity.