The Ethical Charter Implementation Program, administered by Equitable Food Initiative with generous support from the Walmart Foundation, announces the launch of Engagement 3.0. This Engagement Cycle supports and recognizes alignment with the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices and introduces new pathways that reward verified action, document continuous improvement, and strengthen collaboration across the fresh produce and floral supply chain.

Albertsons Cos. Inc. announced a new regional operating model and the next step in its Merch United merchandising model, two connected changes designed to simplify how the company operates and position teams to respond more quickly to customer needs.

Summer weather is keeping the Salinas Valley on watch this week. Warm days, higher humidity and long daylight hours are pushing crops along quickly, which is good for supply but harder on quality. Lettuce and leaf markets are sitting near seasonal lows, and with heat across much of the country this is still a great time to keep fresh salads moving.

Wakefern Food Corp. refreshed the look for its Wholesome Pantry Organic and Wholesome Pantry Free-From products, making it easier for customers to shop the brand and quickly spot the quality, ingredients and value they expect. Available at ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market and Morton Williams, the updated packaging features a modernized logo, color cues that distinguish organic and free-from items, and clear design elements that help key product attributes stand out on shelf.

JOH has acquired Fresh Approach Sales & Marketing, a respected Wisconsin-based broker with more than two decades of experience serving clients and customers throughout the upper Midwest. This strategic acquisition further strengthens JOH's north central organization and reinforces the company's continued investment in expanding its presence across key Midwest markets. 

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council has a big agenda shaping up at its Produce & Floral Holiday Showcase. The two-day event includes summits, keynotes, educational breakouts and an exhibit hall that’s focused on holidays that drive sales for floral and produce. The Holiday Showcase is scheduled for Aug. 26-27 event at Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. It’s an intimate event with limited space, so attendees should register before Aug. 19.