The International Fresh Produce Association has spent much of the first quarter of the year bringing industry insights to international audiences.

United Natural Foods Inc. is taking actions to significantly improve its supply chain capabilities and overall customer experience as part of its four-part transformation agenda to provide increasing value to its customers and suppliers, effectiveness and efficiency in its operations, and enhanced value for its shareholders.

The California Fresh Fruit Association recently held its 87th Annual Meeting at the Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, CA. The event, which included industry and committee updates, featured the election of the board of directors and chairman. The board of directors is made up of 32 individuals from operations located across California.

For the past six years, the National Watermelon Association has recognized promising members of the next generation in the watermelon industry at its annual convention through its Future Watermelon Farm Leaders award program.

This year, Bailey Leger of Leger & Son was among the recipients named to Class VII of the program.

“Bailey excels in everything she does because she is dedicated and diligent,” said Jordan Carter, director of marketing at Cordele, GA-based Leger & Son.

Windset Farms has introduced its Sonata Tropical Mini Peppers, which it described as a tropical adventure bursting with flavor.

In an ongoing effort to make fresh food more accessible, Meijer expanded its Flashfood program, making it the first retailer nationwide to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits through the app that allows customers to purchase surplus close-dated food at a deep discount.

In partnership with Flashfood, Meijer is now accepting the payment capability at all its Midwest supercenters and Meijer Grocery stores, which allows customers with SNAP benefits to pay for their Flashfood orders using an Electronic Benefits Transfer card in the Flashfood app.