Although this year's PMA Fresh Summit may look a bit different, one thing remains the same — SUNSET/Mastronardi Produce will rock it! The Produce News recently caught up with Nancy Pickersgill, events manager for the fourth generation, family-owned greenhouse grower to discuss what the company has in store for the first-ever virtual Fresh Summit.

Southeastern Grocers, Inc., parent company and home of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, announces plans to introduce four new Winn-Dixie stores throughout Florida on Nov. 11 with the completed conversion of three former Earth Fare stores and one former Lucky’s Market.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has mostly kept to business as usual during this pandemic. 

“While there was an adjustment period which everyone experienced when the pandemic struck, we are largely working remotely, and our operations continue in force,” said NJ Secretary of Agriculture Doug Fisher. “Produce Safety inspections never ceased, assuring that consumers are getting top quality, safe food that has always been essential and expected.”

Overall, the produce business has been very robust in 2020 throughout the state.

Fast Facts: The Cast video series is back with Roger Pepperl, Stemilt’s marketing director, and Senior Marketing Manager Brianna Shales, who broke down the latest apple category data from Nielsen. The data set that reviews the last 12 weeks of retail data ending Sept. 26 shows apples continue to be a hot produce item, and Stemilt advises retailers to carry a versatile product mix to elevate the category during peak apple months.

Cucumbers have long been a mainstay in the product lineup at Pure Flavor®, but an innovative new offering will surely grab the attention of consumers who are looking to grab a quick, healthy and flavorful snack that also puts sustainability at the forefront.

The commitment to sustainability along with keeping the supply chain moving have been the main focus for Sev-Rend High-Performance Packaging for the past several years.

Jeff Watkin, the St. Louis-based company’s director of marketing, recently spoke with The Produce News on the increase in demand for packaging along with sustainable options.