Last year, food inflation at retail and foodservice exceeded levels reached during the Great Recession. Even with inflation currently moderating, higher food prices will continue influencing consumers’ spending and eating behaviors this year, according to Circana, formerly IRI and The NPD Group.

Industry veteran Robert (Bob) Meek joined Masser Family of Cos. as executive vice president of sales as of March 20. Meek will lead the company’s sales strategy for its retail and foodservice businesses and report to Dave Masser, president and CEO.

Meek joins Masser with more than 30 years of experience in the fresh produce industry, where he achieved success through expertise in strategic planning, sales, marketing, organizational performance, process improvement and supply chain management.

Earlier this month more than 7,500 Publix associates across the company’s seven-state operating area volunteered at over 200 organizations, including Keep America Beautiful affiliates, parks, zoos, gardens and other nonprofits focused on environmental sustainability.

Schnucks will bring AI-powered smart salad bar to 22 locations, providing its customers with fresh, better-for-you food that is both accessible and affordable. The company behind the salad bars, Picadeli, is a leader in food tech dedicated to driving traffic into retail and grocery through its smart salad bar experience.

The perfect refresh is only three ingredients away: cucumbers, yogurt, and mint. You can combine these ingredients in many ways to create totally refreshing dishes for all occasions. From the Middle East to India, to Greece and beyond – so many different world cuisines embrace this powerful flavor trio.

Designed to increase the oversight and enforcement of the production, handling, and sales of organic products throughout the supply chain, the Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule is set to take effect in March 2024. The effects of this new rule will be felt by the entirety of the organic fresh produce supply chain.