ECIP launches LAB for farm labor contractors
The Ethical Charter Implementation Program, overseen by a multistakeholder industry group to build alignment with the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices and facilitated by Equitable Food Initiative, launched a new platform for farm labor contractors.
Blooms appoints agribusiness veteran Miguel Hernandez Storey as COO
Blooms Trade Inc., a financial technology company engineering a borderless future for produce, announced the appointment of Miguel Hernandez Storey as chief operating officer.
Harps Food Stores to deploy AI shopping assistant
Harps Food Stores will deploy SmartMeals, AWG's AI-powered shopping assistant powered by Breez AI, across its network of more than 150 stores.Harps is one of the largest operators in the AWG network, and this decision to deploy SmartMeals at scale sends a clear message to independent grocers everywhere: AI is already shaping where customers shop. The question is whether our stores are part of that conversation.
Windset Farms honors farmworker awareness
In honor of Farmworker Awareness Week, Windset Farms is celebrating its farmworkers and its over 10-year partnership with the Equitable Food Initiative.For over a decade, Windset Farms has worked alongside EFI to build a more transparent, responsible and people-first approach to greenhouse agriculture. This milestone reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to continuous improvement in worker well-being, food safety and communication across all levels of the organization.
IFPA to spotlight Gen Z, Gen Alpha consumer trends in State of Retail session
The International Fresh Produce Association will present The Pulse of Retail: IFPA’s 2026 State of Retail at The Retail Conference & Golf Tournament, April 27–29, 2026 in Phoenix, AZ, delivering a forward-looking analysis of the trade shifts and consumer trends shaping the future of fresh. Registration for the event is now open.
Vista Vineyards names Shawn Caldwell director of sales
Vista Vineyards has named Shawn Caldwell director of sales, bringing more than 30 years of table grape industry experience to the company's newly launched leadership-owned supply platform.
Sustainabloom launches new sustainability template for wholesale florists
Sustainabloom by the American Floral Endowment has introduced a new sustainability planning template to support wholesale florists in assessing their operations, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing a clear framework for measurable progress toward their sustainability goals.Sustainabloom Senior Manager Amanda Solliday and AFE Executive Director Debi Chedester shared the template at the WFFSA Floral Distribution Conference luncheon.
Continental Floral Greens expands sales team with two new hires and a promotion
Continental Floral Greens, a family-owned grower of premium American-grown foliage and specialty cut floral, has added two experienced sales professionals to its sales team and promoted Lucia Narciso to wholesale sales manager.The announcements reflect the company’s continued investment in building an exceptional, experienced team to support its customers and drive growth across all channels.
Ahold's JJ Fleeman to take CEO role at Dollar General
Dollar General Corp. has appointed Jerry W. (JJ) Fleeman Jr. to succeed Todd Vasos as CEO of Dollar General effective Jan. 1, 2027. The board intends to appoint Fleeman to serve as a director upon the effective date of the transition.To assist in the transition, Vasos will continue to serve as CEO until the effective date of the transition, at which time he will serve as senior advisor through April 2, 2027. Following the transition, Vasos is expected to remain a member of the board.
Taylor Farms acquires Equinox Growers
Taylor Farms has acquired Equinox Growers, a state-of-the-art leafy greens greenhouse in Louisa, VA, from Generate Capital. As the leading global producer of salads and healthy fresh foods, this strategic move complements Taylor Farms’ commitment to delivering an assured supply of the freshest, highest quality produce to consumers.