Following two consecutive years of short crops due to frost, Stemilt’s Artisan Organics apricots will have more volume this year so retailers should ensure they have cots included in their summer produce plan. Brianna Shales, Stemilt marketing director, said this year’s 100 percent certified organic crop is full of flavor, high-quality, attractive apricots that will provide retailers the opportunity to set up key promotional windows in late June and early July to delight consumers across the country.

United Natural Foods Inc. announced the promotion of Matt Whitney to chief strategy and innovation officer. In this new role, Whitney will be responsible for leading the company’s Professional Services and eCommerce business units while also developing new business models, pursuing innovation opportunities, and implementing several ongoing strategic initiatives to complement UNFI’s base wholesale business.

Square Roots, the technology leader in urban indoor farming, is expanding its herb range by introducing three premium fresh offerings — Cilantro, Dill, and Parsley — to complement its widely successful signature Basil.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” and a 20 million-box season begins with box one. Crossing of Early Sweets, Perlettes and other early green varieties has begun at Nogales and are immediately being absorbed into the market. Flames and a dozen other varieties of all colors will follow shortly.

Retailer and general registration for Organic Produce Summit 2021 is now open for the live and in-person event being held Sept. 15-16 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Monterey, CA.

Whole Foods Market has nearly 40 new stores in the pipeline and saw online sales triple between March and December 2020 as compared to the same timeframe in 2019. In 2020 the company created more than 10,000 new jobs, and it is actively hiring, with about 10,000 open positions currently posted companywide. But at this time of growth the company is also consolidating in some areas.