Packer Insight — Tomato wars, water crisis, acquisitions

In this episode of Packer Insight, editor-in-chief Tom Karst, Northeast editor Amy Sowder and retail editor Ashley Nickle discuss the California water crisis, the tomato wars and recent acquisition activity.

You can read more on all those topics at the links below.

Growers speak out on water crisis — California’s water crisis is bad and getting worse. Bringing into focus some of the California crop losses caused by the 2021 drought, Western Growers has released a series of videos called “No Water = No Crops.” 

What to expect at PMA Foodservice Show — at a critical time — This will be the 40th anniversary of PMA’s foodservice show.

Another battle in the tomato war — On one side, it’s the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, representing more than 120 U.S. companies that distribute, sell and transport fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Mexico. On the other side, it’s the Florida Tomato Exchange, representing companies that produce about 50% of the fresh-market tomatoes grown in the U.S. 

Coborn’s signs on with AWG as wholesaler launches Upper Midwest division — Kansas City, Kan.-based Associated Wholesale Grocers plans to expand next year with a new full-line wholesale division in the Upper Midwest, its ninth overall.

C&S to acquire Piggly Wiggly Midwest — Piggly Wiggly Midwest has three distribution centers and serves 11 corporate stores, 84 franchise locations in Wisconsin and 14 Butera Market stores in the Chicagoland area.