Albertsons Cos. stores, including Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Vons and ACME, will use Afresh's fresh replenishment solution for everything from broccoli to cakes, flank steak and deli self-service bars.

Pears remain one of the most underrated fruits in the grocery store produce section. Despite being nutrient-dense and versatile, they often go unnoticed. Current pear buyers tend to be between the ages of 30 and 65, with a strong peak in the 40 to 55 age group. These shoppers are loyal, diverse and health-conscious, proving there is already a solid and engaged consumer base for pears.

EFI — along with sponsors Windset Farms, GoodFarms and Stemilt Growers — hosted an event to celebrate more than 30 supplier companies that reached gold-star status in the Ethical Charter Implementation Program online LAB platform. Representatives from Costco, Kroger, Sam's and Walmart were in attendance to applaud the leadership shown by these companies in the short time since new engagement criteria were introduced to the ECIP program in July. 

Alexandra Farms began as an experiment, an effort to grow cut flowers that combined the practicality of standard varieties, such as long vase life and durability for global transport, with the romance and character of traditional garden roses. What started as an unconventional idea in 2005 has since blossomed into a story of passion, perseverance, and beauty.

Judy Spires, one of the most accomplished and respected executives in the U.S. grocery and retail food industry, has been appointed chair of retail strategy and industry relations for Consalo Family Farms.