Michael Schutt has been promoted to Raley's director of produce and floral. Schutt will be responsible for maintaining the produce and floral department sales and net margin targets, as well as developing his continued leadership role of a talented merchant and quality control team.

The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association members focus on quality, convenience and steady volumes throughout the season.

“The fresh peruvian asparagus season, always delivers,” said Priscilla Lleras-Bush, executive director for PAIA. “PAIA importer members are consistently meeting the needs of the U.S. consumer.  Consumers are looking for quality – Peru brings quality to the retailers’ shelves.

As the COVID-19 pandemic heads into its third quarter, it can be tempting to continue working in hunkered-down mode. Instead, we encourage you to get back on track with offense —  with some caveats. Your business, and your team, will benefit for it.

We know these past months have been… well, let’s just call like we see it: crazy. You’ve either been sprinting to meet retail demand to feed consumers eating most of their meals and snacks at home — or like foodservice, your business has slowed to a stroll at best.

Produce Marketing Association Vice President Nancy Tucker announced her retirement at the Fresh Summit 2020 Global Community Reception. Tucker, who has had a storied career in produce, has been a fixture of PMA’s global work since the early 1990s.  Industry veterans were on hand to celebrate her impact and wish her well during the Global Community Reception on Oct. 13.  Tucker will officially step away from her role Dec. 31, 2020.

ACME Markets Inc., a division of Albertsons Cos. Inc., was the successful bidder for 27 Kings Food Market and Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market locations.

After viewing the over-the-top handiwork of retailers from Georgia to Iowa, Bland Farms has chosen the winners of The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run & Bland Farms Retailer Display Contest. Bland asked produce managers to build the most fun, creative and interactive Vidalia onion displays inspired by the upcoming SpongeBob movie for the chance to win multiple prizes totaling $10,000.