Stemilt Growers, owned and operated by the Mathison family, grows, packs and ships its “World Famous Fruit” across the globe. 

Apples are a core category for the company, having been a part of its history since 1914. Stemilt’s apple mix includes varieties to match every taste, from sweet to balanced to super tart. 

In the doldrums of winter, produce departments can be a bright spot of colorful entries in the Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest, sponsored each February-March by the Idaho Potato Commission.

Sprouts Farmers Market Chief Merchandising Officer Scott Neal succinctly defines the role of his team as creating the connections between the chain’s products and its customers. 

“We are an attribute driven retailer and we need to curate the selections and create the assortment that speaks to our customers,” he said.

Total Experience Produce, which specializes in pineapples and other tropical fruits from Mexico, is entering the new year with a new packing facility that will allow it to dramatically increase pineapple production. It also has plans to add other tropical items to its lineup.

Walmart has made executive leadership changes, including newly elected members of its Executive Council. Incoming President and CEO John Furner also shared four executive changes, including new presidents and CEOs of Walmart U.S., Walmart International and Sam’s Club U.S.

Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown has named Richie Keirouz as its vice president of sales.

Keirouz brings more than 25 years of sales leadership experience in the fresh produce and greenhouse-grown sector, with a strong track record of building strategic retail partnerships and driving commercial growth across North America. In his new role, he will lead Village Fresh’s sales strategy, oversee key account relationships and support the company’s continued expansion.