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 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.

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. 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.

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.

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.