As consumers prepare for Fourth of July celebrations, Melon 1 is helping retailers showcase one of summer's most iconic fruits through an expanded U.S.-themed merchandising program designed to drive excitement in the produce department and celebrate the American family farmer.

Balchem Plant Nutrition has launched Metalosate T.E.A.M., a new digital plant tissue analysis platform designed to help crop advisors and agronomists make more precise nutrient management decisions for specialty crops.

The free platform, available to pest control advisors and agronomists throughout the United States, analyzes plant tissue results and converts them into crop-specific nutrient recommendations intended to improve yield potential, fruit quality and return on investment while reducing unnecessary fertilizer applications.

Over its 40-year history, TK Fresh has built supplier relationships based on trust, transparency, consistency and mutual growth.

The company views its suppliers as long-term partners rather than vendors, said Lorenzo Scala, co-founder of the Toronto-based fresh produce distributor.

“Our goal is not only to purchase produce but also to help suppliers establish and expand their presence in the Canadian market through our sales expertise, retail relationships and distribution network,” Scala said.

The Kroger Co. announced the expansion of Vanderpump Blooms x Bloom Haus, a floral collection curated by businesswoman, TV personality, author and philanthropist Lisa Vanderpump, to include Vanderpump Home featuring several new products available in stores now with more to be released throughout the year.

Midwest retailer Meijer is dropping prices on Meijer brand grocery essentials through the July 4th holiday weekend, as well as adding new ways to earn more mPerks, helping customers celebrate America's 250th birthday for less.

Through July 7, more than 100 Meijer brand items are discounted up to 50 percent, including Meijer brand food, drinks and picnic supply favorites for the summer months. 

Ocean Spray Cranberries Inc., the agricultural cooperative owned by roughly 700 family farmers, announced Abigail Buckwalter as its president and CEO. Buckwalter brings 20 years of global leadership experience across consumer-packaged goods and healthcare. She comes to Ocean Spray from Nestlé Health Science U.S., where she led the organization of more than 6,000 people for the past three years as CEO. During that time, she managed a complex and diverse multi-billion-dollar portfolio of global consumer and healthcare brands.