Everyone loves apples, says Gabriela D’Arrigo, vice president of communications and marketing for D’Arrigo New York. Therefore, it is vital that the Bronx-based wholesaler operation carries as many varieties from as many sources as possible.

The 2025 IFPA Foodservice Conference in Monterey, CA, kicked off in style with an the opening reception Thursday evening, July 31, at the scenic Custom House Plaza in Monterey State Historic Park. The event offered the perfect mix of coastal ambiance and networking energy as attendees from across the industry — from operators, chefs and distributors to grower‑shippers — mingled in the mild Monterey climate, forging new connections and reuniting with old ones.

The Fresh Market has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Retailers 2025, earning the top spot in the specialty/natural/ethnic grocers category. The ranking was published by Newsweek in partnership with Statista Inc.

Following last year’s short supply of Northwest pears, the industry expects a full crop this year, opening the door for pear promotions and more retail shelf space.

FiveStar Gourmet Foods, home of Simply Fresh, has hired Liz Atlee as general counsel and chief compliance officer. 

Atlee brings a distinguished background in legal affairs, ethics and compliance, most recently serving as senior vice president and chief ethics and compliance officer at CBRE, where she led a global program operating in over 100 countries. Her expertise encompasses enterprise risk management, including data and cyber protection, litigation strategy, regulatory policy and corporate governance.

San Diego’s less fortunate were buoyed by a generous — and nutritious — donation by Avocados from Peru as part of the third annual Guac-Off Challenge, held on July 31, National Avocado Day.