The helpful smiles Hy-Vee Produce Manager Darin Schleicher and Floral Department Manager Shannon Groepper are now featured on the side of Hy-Vee semi-trailers to recognize the exemplary level of service they provide to customers.

Schleicher’s and Groepper’s pictures were unveiled earlier this week during a celebration's outside their respective Hy-Vee stores. Schleicher has worked for the company since 1991, and Groepper has been with Hy-Vee since 2013.

JOH has hired Pat McErlean as customer manager, produce, North Central.

McErlean brings more than 12 years of industry experience to JOH. He began his career in retail and event marketing before transitioning into beverage sales, where he gained strong experience managing retail programming and supporting national and regional grocery accounts across the Midwest.

The Kroger Co. announced that Tim Massa, executive vice president and chief associate experience officer, will retire Sept. 18. Earlier this week the company said Valerie Jabbar, senior vice president of retail divisions, retired in May after 38 years of service.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on Riba Foods Inc. The company, operating from Texas, failed to make prompt payment to seven produce sellers in the amount of $948,577 for produce that it purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from October 2022 to May 2023, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. 

While many California-grown citrus varieties are nearing the end of their season, the Bee Sweet Citrus team reports that Rosy Red Valencia oranges will be available through June, and Star Ruby grapefruit and will be available through August.

After navigating a stretch of unusually cold weather earlier this spring, D’Ottavio Farms is entering the New Jersey growing season with optimism, supported by expanding acreage, new technology investments and strong demand across multiple produce categories.