Last spring the long-forecasted switch to online grocery happened overnight. The pandemic has reshaped the habits of even the most fiercely loyal-to-the-store shoppers as social distancing became a key line of defense against infection. Shoppers of all ages and backgrounds increased the number of groceries they were buying online. According to FMI, online grocery sales have tripled. Now a year into the pandemic and a year of record grocery sales, it is unclear how consumers will respond as their schools, offices and favorite restaurants open back up.

The Produce Marketing Association has announced that the association will be bringing the industry back together — in person — in Monterey, CA, for the Foodservice Conference July 21-22. The yearly event is the time and place where foodservice and produce intersect, where important connections and partnerships are made.

Winter Storm Uri, which blasted through the entire state of Texas in mid-February, caused at least $600 million in agricultural losses, according to preliminary data from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agricultural economists.

Kaliroy Fresh LLC is launching a new Top Seal resealable snacking tomato line in March of 2021.  The line-up includes Red Grape Tomatoes, Mixed Medley Tomatoes, Orange Grape Tomatoes, Yellow Grape Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, and Organic Grape Tomatoes.  Kaliroy has made significant investments in the growth of their year-round snacking tomato program in 202

The United Fresh Produce Association gathered its exhibiting community for the first time since announcing its return to live events this June 24-26 in Los Angeles to kick off a four-event education webinar series that will guide exhibitors through the benefits of this year’s online and in-person experience.

Jim Leimkuhler, CEO of Progressive Produce LLC, announced his retirement, effective March 31, after 35 years in the produce industry. The last 25 years have been spent with Progressive Produce in Los Angeles where he was instrumental in building it into a well-respected produce company that serves national and regional grocery chains, and foodservice companies throughout the United States.