Allegiance Retail Services announced that Jason Ferreira, a co-op member and vice chairman of the board of directors, has been named acting chairman of the board and CEO, effective immediately.

Ferreira has served on Allegiance’s board of directors since 2021 and has been a co-op member since 2013.

The change is part of the board’s succession development plan. Ferreira will serve as acting chairman until the board and chairman appointments are finalized at the Allegiance Annual Member Meeting scheduled for May 20.

Happy Dirt has launched a retail-ready four-pack tray of organic bicolor sweet corn. The new format will be available starting the week of June 8 alongside the company’s bulk organic sweet corn offering. Harvest begins June 5 in eastern North Carolina.

The four-pack tray holds four ears of USDA Organic bicolor sweet corn in an overwrapped retail tray. This new item allows retailers to continue to drive organic sales in their stores and have the peace of mind that they are getting rung up correctly at the register. 

For the ninth consecutive year, Schnuck Markets Inc. will support the Folds of Honor Foundation through a Round Up at the Register campaign taking place at Schnucks stores throughout the Midwest. Folds of Honor is a nonprofit organization that honors the sacrifices of fallen and disabled military veterans and first responders by providing educational scholarships to their spouses and children. Last year’s efforts raised $150,000 which funded 30 scholarships.

The International Fresh Produce Association is collecting nominations for the 2026 Retail Produce Manager Awards, recognizing retail produce managers across the globe who exemplify excellence, innovation and commitment to bringing fresh produce to life for consumers every day. 

“I want to say one word to you. Just one word…Plastics. There’s a great future in plastics. Think about it.” 

This is a slightly truncated quote from the 1967 film, “The Graduate,” starring a very young Dustin Hoffman. In this scene, his character, Benjamin, is offered unsolicited career advice by Mr. McGuire, a friend of his family. That scene has often popped into my head these last several years, as much to my chagrin as to Benjamin’s, but for different reasons.

Fresh Direct Produce Ltd., which is part of the FDP Group, has been named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies over the past decade. This prestigious national award is sponsored by Deloitte, CIBC, Norton Rose Fulbright, Export Development Canada, TMX Group and The Globe and Mail.

“We are proud to receive our 15th consecutive Best Managed Companies Award, and it couldn’t have been accomplished without the strong dedication and efforts from our teams, customers, vendors and business partners” said CEO Adri de Wet.