METRO Inc. President and CEO Eric La Flèche will retire at the end of the 2026 fiscal year after more than 18 years at the helm of the company. Marc Giroux, currently chief operating officer, to succeed him, effective Sept. 27. In order to support a smooth and orderly transition, the board will appoint La Flèche as chairman of the board of directors, and Pierre Boivin, current chairman, will be appointed vice chairman and lead director, also effective Sept. 27.

Naturipe Farms has named Jennifer Pulcipher as vice president of compliance, adding an experienced leader to support the company’s ongoing focus on food safety and responsibly grown produce.

Pulcipher brings more than 13 years of executive leadership experience in food safety, sustainability and global supply chain compliance within the fresh produce industry. Her expertise spans regulatory compliance, third-party certification programs, crisis management and global supplier standards.

Holidays are important time for businesses in fresh produce and floral. The Fresh Produce & Floral Council is celebrating them all at the 2026 Produce & Floral Holiday Showcase. The event is happening on Aug. 26 and 27 at the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA. Registration is open now at fpfc.org/events.

Roses are a sight to behold in their apricot, pink, yellow or ivory glory and a delight to breathe in, depending on the variety’s fragrance. Without fragrance, the world would be emptier than might first be thought.

Scents are processed in the same part of the brain as memories. Scents are emotional and can transport a person back to a moment in time. Scents can soothe and make the stresses of a day feel suddenly insignificant.

Whole Foods Market opened applications for its 2026 Local and Emerging Accelerator Program (LEAP), reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting innovative local and emerging brands. Launched in 2022, the program provides mentorship opportunities to a select group of brands not yet on the shelves of Whole Foods Market.