Fire and winds, smoke and ashes became part of the Southern California landscape for the past two weeks following a series of fires that first appeared on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 7, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in western Los Angeles County. Two weeks later, the two largest fires (Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire in the hills and mountains southeast of L.A.)  are still burning with close to 40,000 acres having been scorched.

The Fresh Direct Produce Group, a leader in the distribution of ethnic, organic and conventional produce, has come to an agreement to sell Mike & Mike’s, an organic fruits and vegetables distributor based in Vaughan, ON, to Mike Fronte, one of the company’s original founders.

This strategic move supports Fronte’s desire to return to the organic business he co-founded in 2004, while allowing the Fresh Direct Produce Group to focus on its broader growth plans.

Fresh Express expanded its product line at Tops Friendly Markets. With a total of 36 SKUs now available, including eight exciting new varieties, customers have more options than ever to make healthier choices that align with their New Year’s resolutions.

Officials at Fowler Farms have just one objective: Make sure that their apple crop meets the freshness and flavor standards of an increasingly-more demanding consumer.

And, that is taking more and more effort from the Wolcott, N.Y.-based operation, especially as consumers focus on several key varieties that offer the utmost flavor.

Amethyst Glow, the Floral Trend Color of the Year 2025, brings a sense of elegance, tranquility and emotional depth to floral design. According to Rio Roses, this soft lavender and mauve is perfect for creating timeless and memorable wedding floral designs.

Weis Markets Inc. has promoted Bob Gleeson to chief operating officer of the company.

As COO, Gleeson will oversee the company’s merchandising, marketing, advertising, store operations, information technology, asset protection and pharmacy departments. He will also have oversight of the supply chain departments, including distribution, transportation and manufacturing.

Gleeson joined the company in 2018 and was promoted to vice president of fresh merchandising in July 2019. He was promoted in March 2021 to senior vice president of merchandising and marketing.