On the cusp of the important season getting under way, Vanguard Direct announced the hiring of new positions in key sales and operations roles at the California and Pennsylvania offices. In total three new employees joined the Vanguard Direct teams bringing a variety of skills and experience in the produce industry.

In an effort to give back during the holiday season, G&R Farms has partnered with Costco and Schnucks Supermarkets in a new annual promotion entitled “Season of Giving.” The organization has pledged to give a predetermined dollar amount based on the number of boxes shipped to the retailers during the timeframe of the promotion and each retailer was given the option of selecting their own local charity.  G&R Farms grows, packs and ships a year-round supply of sweet onions from Georgia and Peru.  

Great Place to Work and Fortune have ranked Wegmans No. 1 on the list of the 2020 Best Workplaces in Retail. Publix came in at No. 3 and Davis, CA-based Nugget Market Inc. is No. 5, while Target is eighth and Tyler, TX-based Brookshire Grocery Co. came in ranked 15th.

The rankings are based on anonymous surveys representing over 900,000 employees from Great Place to Work-Certified companies in the retail industry.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Wegmans has ranked No. 1 on this list.

CMI Orchards has entered into a partnership with Independent Warehouse Inc. to expand pear distribution to domestic and international retailers.

Dole Fresh Vegetables Inc. is recalling a limited number of cases of organic romaine hearts. The products being recalled are Dole Organic Romaine Hearts three-pack and Wild Harvest Organic Romaine Hearts.  The recall is being conducted due to a possible health risk from E. coli in the two products. 

As a food-safety precaution within the coronavirus pandemic, Coast Produce Co., Inc. earlier this year began offering to its retail customers served by the firm’s Los Angeles facility overwrapped trays of product.  Ryan Jacobsen, Coast’s sales manager in it’s modern Nogales facility, said the positive reception from customers has brought about additional growth and the Nogales division will soon be offering the tray-wrap program to customers loading directly in Nogales as well.