Albertsons Cos. Inc. unveiled the latest digital enhancements to its shoppable Meal Plans and Recipes tool available within the retailer’s grocery apps and websites. Designed to provide customers with culinary inspiration throughout the week while saving time and money, the meal plan feature includes a budget tracker, an expanded library of more than 8,000 exclusive recipes, shoppable ingredient lists and hands-free cooking mode with step-by-step timer.

West Pack Inc., a family-owned bulk bag manufacturer based in Kellogg, ID, in the state’s Silver Valley, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in business this year and has its sights set on growth. One market it is looking to capture is the potato industry in its home state.

Lipman Family Farms is looking to inspire attendees at the Southeast Produce Council's Southern Innovations Show in Charlotte, NC. With the introduction of two new products, Lipman will be showcasing its dedicated emphasis on innovation and technological progress at this year’s event.

From the rich soil to the close proximity to Lake Ontario, Niagara Fresh Fruit Co. said its climate makes for some of the best grown apples in New York state. The most popular varieties it grows are Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, McIntosh, Cortland, Golden Delicious and Red Delicious as well as its managed varieties Snap Dragon, Ruby Frost and Evercrisp.

Even with some late-season frost that affected some blocks, the company still expects a great crop.

Sage Fruit Growers, based in Yakima, WA, farm several thousand acres of orchards throughout central and eastern Washington. While specializing in pears and cherries, the bulk of Sage’s manifest is Washington apples. “By using the most efficient growing methods available, we are able to deliver high quality products to our customers year-round,” said Kaci Komstadius, vice president of marketing at Sage Fruit.

SunFed, a Rio Rico, AZ-based shipper-distributor of Mexican produce items, announced that Allie Coombs has joined its sales team, effective Sept. 1.

Coombs graduated from Oregon State University in 2010, earning her bachelor’s degree in new media communications with a minor in political science. Upon graduation from OSU, she joined EuroFresh Farms as a sales coordinator. She remained there for two years, including for a short time following that company’s acquisition by NatureSweet in 2013, before working a brief stint with Fresh Alliance.