Dates, a commodity long underappreciated and often misunderstood are enjoying continued steady growth — much to the benefit of date growers and shippers. The California Date Commission is doing its part to grow demand, according to Kristy Kneiding. “We’re pursuing new research projects in the coming year with a focus on the nutritional side of dates in order to connect their health benefits with possible promotional opportunities."

The Southeast Produce Council has officially appointed Tim Graas of Associated Wholesale Grocers as its new board of directors chairman for 2022-23. The induction of the council’s chairman was made Sept. 23 during the Chairman’s Dinner Dance held at SEPC’s recent Southern Innovations conference in Nashville, TN.

Three new appointments within Bashas’ Family of Stores are bolstering talent among the leadership teams at two of their brands, AJ’s Fine Foods and Food City.

After nearly three decades of service, Jayson Mead has been named vice president of AJ’s Fine Foods, while Gabe Flores brings 36 years of in-house knowledge to his new role as director of produce for AJ’s. At Food City, Jorge Alvarez will oversee the store’s made-from-scratch tortilla operations as director of Tortilleria.

If you’re looking for a fresh ingredient in the produce aisle that will bring a lot of excitement & flavor to every snack, lunch box, cheese board, and family dinner, you should try crunching on a new cuke!

FreshEdge LLC has been sold to Wind Point Partners LLC. Steve Grinstead, CEO, and Greg Corsaro, president, will continue to lead the business with the existing management team.

Shuman Farms has partnered with University of Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett.