Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for citrus from Chile. The Chilean citrus industry is forecasting export volume of 347,000 tons across all categories, which represents a 4 percent increase over 2019. Growth will be driven mainly by mandarins and clementines, with navel volume slightly lower than last year and lemon volume about the same. North America continues to lead as Chile’s primary export market for citrus.

Stop & Shop and King Kullen have terminated their merger agreement through which Stop & Shop was to acquire King Kullen. A joint decision was made not to proceed with the acquisition because of significant, unforeseen changes in the marketplace that have emerged since the agreement was signed in December 2018, largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Braga Fresh is introducing items at the United Fresh Live virtual trade show June 15-19.

First, the Josie’s Organics purple baby broccoli is a familiar vegetable with a vibrant new hue.  The addition of this variety to the growing organic baby broccoli category will support incremental sales as scan data shows shoppers are favoring smaller, tender vegetables.  

Dole is extending its salad kit offerings with one new Chopped! and two new Premium salad kits that provide retailers, produce managers and their salad-loving customers with innovative new salad ingredients and flavor combinations.

Dole started shipping the three new SKUs to retail nationwide on June 3. Each kit serves three to four people for a suggested retail price of $3.99.

Big Y Foods Inc. hired Stephen M. Creed to the new position of senior director of distribution and logistics. Creed is responsible for leading Big Y’s distribution teams as they transition into their newly expanded 430,000-square-foot space. He reports to Michael P. D’Amour, executive vice president and chief operations officer.

Bonnie Lundblad was recently elected chair of the 70-year-old New Jersey Peach Promotion Council, replacing Santo John Maccherone long-time chair who stepped back and was elected vice chairmen.

“I am excited to see Ms. Lundblad elevated to chair,” said Maccherone.  “She has been active director with many good ideas to increase the orderly marketing of New Jersey peaches, our major goal.”