Albertsons Cos. completed a rollout of the Afresh predictive ordering and inventory management platform. The system was implemented in more than 2,200 Albertsons Cos. banner stores, including Safeway, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Vons and ACME. The new platform allows store teams to better order and plan fresh produce inventory, reducing food waste and achieving superior freshness in their stores.

It was four years ago when Glenmont, NY-based New York Apple Sales launched Yes! Apples, a consumer-friendly apple brand rooted in quality.

“Yes! Apples maintains a steady supply of apples throughout the year, and winter apples are a big part of that mix,” said Tenley Fitzgerald, vice president of marketing for the company. “While apples are traditionally associated with the fall season, now consumers have access to a variety of apples all year round.”

FirstFruits Farms is applying data-science to the apple category, investing heavily with its newly-formed Data Science Center of Excellence. “The center allows us to merge two important parts of our company into one cohesive and collaborative team,” said Melissa Hunter, data analyst at FirstFruits Farms. The newly formed department is a intentional move to not only embrace, but equip FirstFruits Farms’ sales and marketing teams with live analysis from their in-house data team.

Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be as sweet without making Pink Lady apples a top promotional item for the loveliest day of the year.

“Bulk is the major opportunity for Pink Lady this year, and Valentine’s Day is a key timeframe to promote the variety,” said Brianna Shales, Stemilt’s marketing director. “This is one variety we’ve seen promotable volumes of compared to last year and makes a pretty-pink addition to the theme of the holiday.”

Health and wellness have become increasingly important in the consideration of the snacking styles of Americans. Reading the labels has become more than a pastime, but an imperative part of the daily choices on how to eat what you love and love what you eat.

Mike Manderson is taking on an expanded role at Church Bros., effective immediately.

Manderson joined Church Bros. in June of 2022 as vice president of warehousing, distribution and fulfillment. In his time at the company, Manderson has made significant strides at improving processes and streamlining operations and will now take on leadership of the appointment loading and logistics departments.