Naturipe Snacks is shaking up the refrigerated produce section once again with the launch of its new SnackBites, a flavorful, high-protein bite that’s as delicious as it is functional. With real fruit at the center of every bite, SnackBites deliver a new kind of snack that prioritizes nutrition, convenience and wellness.

As retailers transition into the late-season citrus window, Melissa’s Produce begins shipping 2026 Ojai Pixie Tangerines in early March, positioning the program to extend category momentum into spring.

Pixie Tangerines delivered more than 25 percent sales growth in 2025 versus the prior year, outperforming the broader citrus category, which is up 17 percent year over year in Q1. The March through May availability window allows retailers to sustain citrus performance as early-season mandarins taper.

Lipman Family Farms welcomed José Manuel Madero Garza to its board of directors. With decades of leadership experience across the United States, Asia, Latin America and Europe, Madero will help strengthen Lipman’s operations as a fourth-generation, family-owned produce company. He will also support its focus on long-term growth and strategic investments.

Healthy Family Project welcomed more than 200 produce industry professionals on Feb. 27 for its annual Thank You Reception during the Southeast Produce Council’s 2026 Southern Exposure event. The event celebrated the collective impact made in 2025 through retail and digital cause marketing campaigns supporting families across the country.

Brookshire Grocery Co. Chairman and CEO Brad Brookshire has retired, concluding 49 years with the company, including 20 as chairman of the board and 10 as CEO.

Jerry LeClair will assume the role of interim CEO. LeClair joined the company as executive vice president – chief merchant officer in 2019 and has more than 40 years in the grocery business. LeClair was promoted to chief operating officer last year and has led retail operations, marketing, category management, merchandising, fuel, logistics and facility services.

The produce industry has lost one of its great characters and most trusted hands with the death of Gerry Gaston on Feb. 18 at the age of 83.

Born Feb. 11, 1943, in Kirkland Lake, a northern Ontario mining town that he famously referred to as “the center of the universe,” Mr. Gaston lived a life defined by integrity, loyalty and an unwavering belief that business is, above all else, about people.