Have you ever unexpectedly been summoned to a special meeting while you were out in the field? Did the unknown reason for the hastily called meeting irk you?

One day, our entire staff was suddenly notified to be present at an urgent meeting. Some of us were out visiting stores and were instructed to promptly double back into the office. It sounded like a serious issue.

C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc., an industry leader in supply chain solutions and wholesale grocery supply in the United States, has entered into a definitive agreement with Piggly Wiggly Midwest with the intent to purchase the Wisconsin-based wholesaler. Piggly Wiggly Midwest operates corporate stores and services independent franchisees under a chain-style program. Since 1911, Sheboygan, WI, has been the home to Piggly Wiggly Midwest’s headquarters where it has its corporate offices and two of its distribution centers. A third distribution center is located in Milwaukee.

Peak availability of California avocados continues in July, and the California Avocado Commission’s summer advertising and trade program is running at full steam. Support includes “The best avocados have California in them” advertising campaign, which increases brand linkage and awareness that the fruit is in season. Consumer public relations activities and customized trade promotions work hand-in-hand with the advertising messaging.

Michigan blueberry grower Shelly Hartmann has been named chair of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. Hartmann, who co-owns True Blue Farms with her husband Dennis, succeeds Chris Barnhill of North Carolina. 

Total organic fresh produce sales for the second quarter of 2021 saw a continuation of year-over-year growth, increasing by 4 percent from the same period last year and nearing $2.3 billion for the quarter, according to the Q2 2021 Organic Produce Performance Report released exclusively by Organic Produce Network and Category Partners. 

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture highlighted July as National Blueberry Month with a visit to Mento Farms in Atlantic County. NJDA Secretary Douglas Fisher along with state and local officials toured the farm’s packing facility and the fields where Jersey Fresh blueberries are grown to emphasize that local produce and farm products are readily available at farmers markets and stores around the state.