For the first time in 18 months, the Fresh Produce & Floral Council held one of its signature membership luncheon meetings when more than 200 guests convened at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course dining room Aug. 18 in Anaheim, CA. COVID-19 put a halt to these in-person meetings throughout most of 2020 and 2021. Kevin Coupe of The Morning Beat was the keynote speaker as he talked about the changing dynamic facing retailers.

Walmart announced the creation of a new line of business — Walmart GoLocal — which extends its expertise in delivering goods to customers to businesses of all sizes.

As Marolda Farms was in the midst of the summer season in New Jersey, Rich Marolda Jr. was already looking to repeat his successful spring organic lettuce program this fall.

“I did an organic lettuce program in the spring,” Marolda told The Produce News the first week in August. “I kind of jumped in with two feet, and it turned out pretty good.” As such, he will be planting organic lettuce this fall.

As we get ready for back-to-school season, parents are sending their kids to class with a fresh snack they love to eat by the handful: Uno Bites Nano Cucumbers from Pure Flavor.

Investing in the food safety of fresh produce comes down to pride, potential, partnership and priorities, say the latest major contributors to Center for Produce Safety’s research program.

Contributing $250,000 each to CPS’s latest research capital campaign are the fresh produce division of the global food-distribution giant Sysco, conventional and organic grower Tanimura & Antle, and grower groups California Fresh Fruit Association and Washington State Tree Fruit Association. All four organizations are repeat supporters of CPS.

Last week Publix GreenWise Market opened its newest location in the redeveloped Water Street neighborhood of Tampa, FL. It is the second of the company’s new-concept specialty, natural and organic stores to be located in a high-rise, multiuse building. Above the store are two towers of apartment living and a parking garage.