To Sprouts Farmers Market Chief Supply Officer Joe Hurley the tremendous growth plans of the chain are what makes his job exciting. 

“That’s the fun part of store growth,” he said, likening it to a puzzle.

Amanda Solliday will join the American Floral Endowment as senior manager of Sustainabloom in January 2026.

A doctoral candidate at North Carolina State University, Solliday has supported AFE’s Sustainabloom program as a member of the research team working with Drs. Melinda Knuth and Brian Jackson. Through that collaboration, she has helped advance AFE’s goal of building a trusted sustainability education and resource program for the floriculture industry.

Stemilt Growers, owned and operated by the Mathison family, grows, packs and ships its “World Famous Fruit” across the globe. 

Apples are a core category for the company, having been a part of its history since 1914. Stemilt’s apple mix includes varieties to match every taste, from sweet to balanced to super tart. 

In the doldrums of winter, produce departments can be a bright spot of colorful entries in the Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest, sponsored each February-March by the Idaho Potato Commission.

Sprouts Farmers Market Chief Merchandising Officer Scott Neal succinctly defines the role of his team as creating the connections between the chain’s products and its customers. 

“We are an attribute driven retailer and we need to curate the selections and create the assortment that speaks to our customers,” he said.

Total Experience Produce, which specializes in pineapples and other tropical fruits from Mexico, is entering the new year with a new packing facility that will allow it to dramatically increase pineapple production. It also has plans to add other tropical items to its lineup.