Kroger is expanding its presence in one of the largest metropolitan regions in the United States. Over the next 24 months, Kroger will invest $150 million in north Texas to build five new Marketplace stores and to expand three locations, along with opening multiple fuel centers and remodeling existing properties.

The growth initiative will create more than 1,700 full- and part-time career opportunities that offer competitive pay, healthcare plans, retirement options, product discounts and other incentives.

During Prima Notte, the gala event preceding the this year's San Gennaro Feast of Los Angeles, members of the Hronis family and staff were invited onto the Jimmy Kimmel Live stage in recognition for Delano-based Hronis Inc.’s support of the 11th annual event, Sept. 27-29, and the company's generous donation to The San Gennaro Foundation, which benefits underprivileged and homeless children in Southern California.

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas kicked off its 45th annual convention with an opening reception Nov. 7 at the Tubac Golf Resort in Tubac, AZ. The reception drew a capacity crowd, which feasted on southwestern food and drinks while reconnecting in a festive atmosphere. The convention also features a golf tournament Nov. 8 followed by a closing gala, where the FPAA Pillars of the Industry will be announced.

Mission Produce Inc., based in Oxnard CA, has hired Jose Maldonado as its new director of global logistics.

“As an industry, we have been fortunate to develop a year-round consumption trend with consumers” for California-grown almonds and walnuts, said Matt Mariani, who oversees sales and marketing activities for Mariani Nut Co. in Winters, CA.

“But we are still fortunate to have that key holiday selling season for the nuts” due to their “many traditional uses and applications” during that period. “We get a nice pump during the holiday time,” really starting with “back-to-school” in September and continuing “all the way through the end of the year.”

The main business of D. DeFranco & Sons in Los Angeles is doing value added packaging of fresh produce items, specifically washed and trimmed green beans and washed and trimmed ready-to-cook super sweet corn, for retail. But for many years, the company has also had a sizeable holiday-oriented in-shell nut business.