The GIANT Company — a company of Ahold Delhaize USA — family of brands includes GIANT, MARTIN’S, GIANT Heirloom Market, GIANT Direct and MARTIN’S Direct. The omni-channel retailer proudly serves millions of people across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. The produce department, led by Chris Keetch, director of floral and produce, has served its customers with aplomb and bravery during the pandemic.  

Sightings Salutes: The GIANT Company is sponsored by Dole.

As it approaches the summer with no rain in the forecast, California is experiencing its second dry year in a row, which has resulted in the declaration of a drought emergency and fears that next year will be worse. The fallowing of farmland this summer and next year appears to be an inevitability.

As the New York Apple Association ramps up its retail and foodservice promotional plans for this coming fall harvest, it's adding to its retail and foodservice team.

Corey Woodward, a fresh fruit and vegetable veteran, joined the association as account manager. Woodward has served in several capacities while employed with C. H. Robinson in his 21-year career, ranging from sales to account management. Woodward earned a degree in business in marketing from Clarkson University, focusing on branding, consumer behavior, targeted marketing, and brand equity.

With the recent decision of the board of directors and endorsement of the membership to combine with the Produce Marketing Association to form a new association in 2022, the current United Fresh board of directors, market segment boards and expert advisory councils will remain in place and continue to guide the association through 2021.

As the 2021 Northwest cherry season ramps up, Stemilt Growers is already harvesting cherries from its California orchards, and expects to continue the season through mid-June. “We will have an overlap between Washington and California harvest, and expect to manage that well because of pent up demand for cherries happening worldwide,” said Brianna Shales, marketing director for Stemilt Growers.

Most people are looking for 2021 to be an improvement on 2020, and Northwest cherry growers are no different. “Last year’s high quality was savored by consumers, but demand massively exceeded supply for most of the summer,” said James Michael vice president of marketing, North America for Northwest Cherry Growers.