The Kroger Co. is recalling its 16-ounce Kroger bagged kale product, produced by Baker Farms, due to possible listeria monocytogenes contamination. The products were distributed by Kroger grocery stores in the Columbus, Nashville and Atlanta Divisions, servicing Columbus and Toledo, OH; Knoxville, TN; eastern West Virginia; and the states of Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina.

Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. announced Jeff Pedersen, executive vice president and chief sales and support officer, is retiring after 45 years in the grocery business, effective December. Emile Breaux will succeed Pedersen in the role of senior vice president of sales and member support, effective Sept. 20.

Lipman Family Farms showcased the expansion of its compostable packaging line at this week's Southern Innovations conference and the Organic Produce Summit, furthering the company’s dedication to providing innovative, sustainable practices from farm to shelf. Designed for organic grape tomatoes, mini cucumbers, green beans and mini sweet peppers under Lipman’s Grown True organic line, the packaging meets the growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products and sourcing.

When it comes to mangos, the team at Panorama Produce Sales Inc. knows their stuff.

“We’ve been importing for close to 20 years,” said Eric Nagelberg, who shares his expertise in imports and sales for the company, headquartered in Mamaroneck, NY. “We have anywhere from three to six growers in every country — Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Guatemala, Mexico — and we also work with Nicaragua and Costa Rica as well.”

Since Zespri has put more commitment into the U.S. market, the kiwi category has seen phenomenal growth in the country, all driven by the company’s proprietary SunGold Kiwi, the largest and top-growing kiwifruit.

Food Lion Feeds will help provide five meals* to Feeding America member food banks located near a Food Lion store for every specially marked bag of gala apples purchased through Oct. 5. The annual gala apples bagged campaign aims to help provide 1 million meals to neighbors in need. Since 2014, customers have helped to provide more than 10 million meals** through the sale of the specially marked apples.