Side Delights shares data that suggests grocery stores should source what shoppers seek from companies they can count on. Data shows that global economic and supply chain concerns are causing consumers to shift from restaurants to retailers in search of foods to prepare at home that provides value and nutritional benefits.  

Church Brothers announces the appointment of Michael Manderson as vice president of warehousing, distribution and fulfillment.

Michael Manderson joined Church Brothers as the vice president of warehousing, distribution and fulfillment. Manderson has a strong background in fresh produce logistics over the past three decades.

Verdant Technologies announced approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of an expanded label of HarvestHold Fresh, including the addition of 18 crops. The latest addition of crops for use with HarvestHold Fresh includes asparagus, avocado, banana, bell pepper, blueberry, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cucumber, kiwi, lime, mango, mushrooms, okra, papaya, pineapple, spinach, strawberry and sweet corn.

As an anchor tenant at the Detroit Produce Terminal, Riggio Distribution Co. has long been one of the largest produce wholesalers servicing the Midwest.

“Southeast Michigan and Metro Detroit has been home to our family and our team for many years,” said the company’s Dominic Riggio. “Our family is third-generation produce wholesalers with relationships in the business going back decades. Detroit is a very strong produce town known for quality and competitive pricing.”

Currently, the weather is the biggest story. The hot, excess temperatures that spreads across the Southwest and Southeast is accelerating the fruit and vegetable growth. In some cases, the extreme heat could possibly stress and even harm some of the crops.

Some items will be a bit tight due to the big draw period as we head into the Independence Day holiday. However, there is always a suitable supply of product for everyone to sell, especially for those who planned orders and transportation early.

The Van Solkema family, the fifth-generation growers and shippers behind Van Solkema Produce, have been in the produce industry for more than 117 years. The company operates in the growing regions of Glennville, GA, Moultrie, GA and its home base of Byron Center, MI.