Michigan asparagus wraps successful season with strong volumes, consumer demand
The Michigan asparagus season wrapped up on a high note, delivering exceptional quality, strong volumes and increased consumer awareness across key markets. To support growers and drive demand throughout the season, the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board executed an integrated marketing campaign combining retail promotions, influencer partnerships, recipe development, digital advertising, video content and earned media.
Courchesne Larose acquires Star Group
Courchesne Larose Group has completed its acquisition of The Star Group. Star Group is a respected Western Canadian fresh produce distributor with more than 35 years of history and a strong national reputation. This transaction brings together two highly complementary organizations with shared values, deep industry experience and a long-term commitment to the Canadian produce sector.
Trendspotting: Retailers prioritizing affordability, health and well-being options for consumers
Despite macroeconomic challenges, the food industry is leading in new technology implementation, offering more consumer-friendly in-store experiences and providing more options to help Americans reach their health goals, according to The Food Retailing Industry Speaks 2026 report released by FMI – The Food Industry Association.
SanLucar acquires strategic stake in Twin River Berries
SanLucar has acquired a controlling ownership stake in Twin River Berries. The partnership brings together two leaders in fruit and vegetables with a shared ambition: to become the definitive source of premium fruit for customers across North America and Asia. For SanLucar, this marks a major opportunity to expand after a successful start in the U.S. three years ago in one of the world’s most competitive and high‑value fresh produce landscapes.
Humanitarian athlete and concert pianist join IFPA CEO in Global Show Keynotes
The International Fresh Produce Association announced the dynamic keynote speaker lineup for the Global Produce & Floral Show, bringing together influential voices who will inspire attendees with insights on leadership, purpose and impact.Taking place Oct. 14-16 in Orlando, FL, the Global Produce & Floral Show will feature three unique keynote sessions designed to inform, motivate, and empower produce and floral professionals from around the world.
Church Bros. launches organic retail brand
Church Bros. Farms introduced Church Brothers Farms Organic, a new retail brand that redefines how organic produce is merchandised at retail. Built around the concept of functional wellness, the brand combines easy-to-understand nutritional benefits, thoughtfully designed packaging and right-sized portions to create a differentiated offering for today's health-conscious consumers.
UNFI names new president, CFO and chief commercial officer
United Natural Foods Inc. has named Matteo Tarditi its new president and chief operating officer. Additionally, the company has named Louis Martin its new chief commercial officer and Alfredo Luchini its chief financial officer.These updates, effective Aug. 3, 2026, are designed to align UNFI’s leadership structure more closely with its strategy, helping the company accelerate capability building, sharpen operational execution and continue strengthening its financial performance.
Utah produce manager earns Idaho Potato Lovers Month grand prize
A creative Idaho potato display and a passion for innovative produce merchandising earned Garrett Fowden, produce manager at Kamas Food Town in Kamas, UT, the Western Region Grand Prize in the Idaho Potato Commission’s 2026 Idaho Potato Lovers Month Retail Display Contest.Fowden’s display met all contest requirements, earning him a place in the grand prize drawing, where his entry was randomly selected from thousands of qualifying displays submitted by retailers across North America.
PRO*ACT Crop Update: Rough transition from desert to the San Joaquin Valley
Melons remain in focus as the industry works through a rough handoff from the desert to the San Joaquin Valley. The Arizona-California desert season has wrapped up after insect pressure, worsened by a warm winter, reduced yields and forced an early finish. San Joaquin Valley production is under way, but the crop is not building fast enough yet to fully cover demand. Cooler weather this week may slow growth and stretch the supply gap a little longer, keeping markets elevated until new fields gain momentum.
Field Fresh Farms expands its lineup
Field Fresh Farms has expanded its lineup to include chopped Romaine, as well as one- and two-pound clamshells of conventional and organic Spinach, Spring Mix, Arugula and Kale.With its chopped Romaine, the vertically integrated grower-shipper offers the triple-washed, ready-to-serve pre-cut lettuce directly to the foodservice market. Already a favorite ingredient in salads, wraps, bowls and more, chopped Romaine provides a significant cost-savings to busy customers who need a flavorful no-waste ingredient that won’t slow them down with a lot of prep time.