Latest News From Produce Retail

Circana representatives will be speaking on driving fresh produce consumption at The Retail Conference, as well as webinars planned for May.

Representatives with three U.S.-based retailers addressed challenges and opportunities the produce industry faces during a panel at the recent Canadian Produce Marketing Association Conference and Trade Show.

Sunkist’s National Display Contest for its California Star Ruby grapefruit will award prizes to the produce managers of the top three winning stores.

Wakefern Food Corp.'s supermarket banners, including ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market, are hosting hiring fairs on April 27 across several states.

After months of restoration, the Delano, Calif., store is set for a grand reopening May 1, featuring festivities to go along with a fresh look and enhanced shopping experience.

The development will offer grocery delivery from ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace and more, with exclusive discounts and DashPass benefits.

The awards highlight exceptional sales, leadership and community service. FMI also will hold a People's Pick competition, opening April 29, and an award ceremony May 9.

The International Fresh Produce Association says The Floral Conference in Miami will offer an interactive experience into the future of floral and how participants can leverage research to drive change and prosperity.

Kroger and Albertsons have modified a divestiture agreement with C&S Wholesale Grocers to address antitrust concerns.

The organization, which supports the South African stone fruit industry, is offering product info, consumer insights and expansion plans into nectarine market, aiming to elevate demand in the U.S. during winter months.

Albertsons Cos. revealed fiscal year 2023 results showcasing sales growth, increased digital sales and a rise in net income, with its CEO emphasizing the company's focus on its omnichannel strategy.

The company says the move is reducing errors, saving time and boosting productivity.

The move will expand the Grubhub Marketplace to include over 950 independent grocery stores nationwide.

Vivid displays, discounts and recipe inspiration are part of the marketing effort to include avocados in the lead-up to Cinco de Mayo.

Want to send a message to customers that your store is the place to shop for fresh produce? Columnist Armand Lobato offers some "neat" advice.

Misfits Market's latest expansion brings fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy, meat, seafood, poultry, bread and more to customers in as fast as 15 minutes on Gopuff.

Pest Management Regulatory Agency registration allows for the application of the shelf-life-extension solution on fruits and vegetables, including broccoli, tomatoes, peaches and more, Verdant Technologies says.

The California-based marketer expects about 5 million pounds of Gem avocados this season, with the peak hitting in May.

Hy-Vee says the acquisition will add 22 stores to its more than 550 retail business units.

The Kingsville, Ontario-based fourth-generation, family-owned greenhouse business said it plans to introduce a Dreamberry strawberry pack for Mother’s Day — with a twist on its WOW brand wordmark.

The Fresh Market's Mother's Day offerings include pre-ordered meals online, featuring gourmet spreads, prime rib, brunch, roses, curated gifts and more.

Simbe expands leadership with the hiring of several key executives.

The regional supermarket chain with 111 stores located along the East Coast has been named to the list for 27 consecutive years.

Most produce departments’ busiest period will begin around Memorial Day, and every business is looking for help amid a labor shortage. And if you have the people, there's more still to do, says columnist Armand Lobato.

The four-week Latin flavors event invites customers to explore a range of Latin food and products in-store and online.

The retailer has partnered with four other grocers to invest $125 million in start-ups and scale-ups over five years with the aim to transform grocery retail and address sustainability challenges.

FMI exec Andy Harig highlights the March Consumer Price Index, showing no increase in food-at-home prices. Yet, challenges like volatile energy costs persist, affecting grocery prices, he says.

The Foundation for Fresh Produce announces the guest list for its Consumer Connection Conference in Phoenix, featuring retail dietitians, foodservice experts and influencers.

As Cinco de Mayo approaches, produce companies and retailers are preparing promotions to boost sales of fresh fixings for guacamole, tacos, burritos and other Mexican food favorites. 

The program offers enhanced benefits, including double points earning, automatic cash off and personalized deals for Albertsons Cos.' 38 million loyalty members across its stores.

Holding the No. 99 position, the full-line grocery store in Northern California's latest recognition marked its 18th year on the list.

Verdant Technologies is partnering with Sobeys Inc. on an innovation to eliminate ice from the Canadian grocer's broccoli supply chain.

Citing “significant and lasting challenges in the retail environment,” 99 Cents Only Stores LLC will close all 371 of its stores in Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas.

Axiom Cloud recently closed on funding intended to accelerate the deployment of its artificial intelligence-powered module that detects refrigerant leaks without requiring any new onsite hardware or sensors. 

When a store's produce operations turn into disaster, "savior" managers are needed to right the ship — but their methods and personalities aren't what some expect from a department leader, says columnist Armand Lobato.

To learn top tips for merchandising and displays that drive Cinco de Mayo avocado sales, The Packer turned to the experts at the California Avocado Commission.

How does the fresh produce industry earn the business and sustain the trust of today’s conscious consumers committed to responsible purchasing? In-store displays and signage can help make meaningful connections.

The omnichannel grocer says it is focussing on fresh, affordable food this World Health Day, highlighting its Guiding Stars program; buy one, give-back campaigns; and local sourcing for healthier choices.

In April, participants in the four states in which the company operates can earn $5 in Schnucks Rewards points each week by reaching the steps challenge goal of 50,000 steps per week.

This Earth Month, FreshDirect spotlights upcycling, repurposing food waste to innovate sustainability.

The remodels feature renovated and expanded deli and floral departments, alongside revitalized produce, bakery, seafood and meat sections.

As mandatory compliance with the Produce Traceability Initiative and the Food Safety Modernization Act 204 Final Rule looms, retailers are readying for the 2026 implementation deadline. But they can’t do it alone.

Survey results released by Simbe and Coresight Research show many retailers are investing, or planning to invest, in new in-store technology solutions to improve performance across inventory management and operations.

With all the work to do in a produce department, it can be tempting to skip breaks — but ensuring workers and managers keep to their scheduled stoppages is vital to any operation, says columnist Armand Lobato.

Glennville, Ga.-based Bland Farms is expecting a strong crop of Vidalia onions this year to go along with its Gold Rush promotional campaign.

Los Angeles-based Giumarra was stressing the value of the Lemonade apple as a 52-week-per-year option for retailers at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase.

With more than 1,500 options among its offerings, World Variety Produce had plenty of options to highlight at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

With about 20 produce exhibitors alone and dozens of other food exhibitors besides, the March 25-26 Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase and Annual Meeting was bigger than ever.

EmpowerFresh executives featured its cloud-based software for managing fresh produce department operations at the March 25-26 Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase.

Sweetpotato retail per capita availability rose from 3.78 pounds in 2000 to 6.02 pounds in 2020, USDA statistics show. The momentum continued in 2023, according to retail scan data.