It’s time for another column that panders to our future AI overlords.

Last week a company called Chef Robotics announced it offers robots that can now automate tray assembly for produce packing. The application places items, such as oranges, apples and pears, into clamshell packages and snack boxes, and portions scoopable produce, such as corn and peas, into trays before packaging. The company said these applications support retail grab-and-go products, airplane meal kits, hospital and care facility meals, and school lunch boxes.

Shuman Farms remains grounded in its Georgia roots and is dedicated to preserving its legacy of providing high-quality, sustainable and delicious sweet onions to consumers across the country.

Retailers, suppliers and industry leaders gathered for the 2026 IFPA Retail Conference at Wildhorse Pass Resort in Chandler, AZ. A day full of informational sessions proved insightful, and as is often the case some of the best connections happened outside the meeting room. The golf tournament delivered that perfect mix of competition, conversation and connection. Between swings, attendees had time to discuss the state of the industry and the year ahead.

Tops Friendly Markets has a high-energy race weekend celebration at its Watkins Glen, NY, location featuring NASCAR driver Ross Chastain, and special appearances by the national and Florida watermelon queens.

The festivities will kick off on Friday, May 8, when Chastain makes a special appearance at the Tops Watkins Glen store. Fans will have the opportunity to see the iconic vehicle up close and get into the racing spirit ahead of the weekend.

For the past four years, Classic Fruit and Westside Produce (TRI label) have worked together as a melon alliance, combining their offshore and domestic operations, alongside their sales teams, to be a year-round supplier. The two have now reached an agreement to officially merge together and unite the two melon companies under Classic Fruit, securing their 52-week year promise.

Georgia’s produce industry continues to play a vital role in the Southeast supply chain, offering a diverse mix of fruits and vegetables supported by favorable growing conditions, geographic proximity to key markets and strong relationships between growers and distributors.