The New York Apple Association is showcasing Appletizer ideas on its social media platforms — just in time for the holidays.

“Appletizers are the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season, whether you are hosting a party for friends or a Christmas dinner,” said Cynthia Haskins, president and CEO of the NYAA. “We are taking cross-merchandising to a new level this holiday season. We are encouraging retailers to build large displays of New York apples along with simple, easy-to-grab-and-go pairing ideas for the holiday season.”

Earlier this year Kroger Co. said it would grow sales and share by leading with fresh food and increase profitability by accelerating with digital. Those plans are paying off, according to the company's third quarter 2022 results.

Kroger said its go-to-market strategy is delivering value for customers with Our Brands identical sales up 10.4 percent, digital sales up 10 percent and its Fresh Produce Initiative accelerated with a total of 1,252 stores certified, driving higher identical sales — up 6.9 percent excluding fuel.

Produce professionals from throughout the industry headed to Manhattan for the New York Produce Show & Conference. The highly anticipated event offers attendees networking opportunities, a one-day trade show, educational micro-sessions and an inside look at the produce industry in the Northeast. Last night the Opening Cocktail Reception was held at the New York Hilton.

The holiday season is not only a time for giving thanks but also a time for giving back. For the second year in a row, Frank Donio Inc. has partnered with The WOW Center to do just that. On Nov. 22, Josh Minton and Annie Pape of Donio’s delivered fresh items that were included in packages distributed to families in need for their Thanksgiving meals.

The Organic Grower Summit presented by Western Growers and OPN returned to Monterey, CA, on Nov. 30 with a sold-out exhibition floor and jam-packed educational sessions where growers and educators provided firsthand information in a variety of areas ranging from agtech to food safety and sustainability.

Tops Friendly Markets promoted Carmen Torres to perishable warehouse supervisor.

In this role Torres will oversee the daily operations of warehouse employees, ensure compliance with all company policies, assist in the training of new hires, and ensure all safety, production, sanitation and quality standards are attained.

Torres, who was most recently a grocery warehouse shipping clerk for Tops, resides in Depew, NY, with her four children.

Tops is a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania and Vermont.