Fresh Del Monte acquires assets from Del Monte Foods
Del Monte Foods Corp. has selected three successful bidders in its court-supervised auction process. The company has negotiated asset purchase agreements for substantially all of its assets and business operations as going-concern businesses. The sale transactions are:
Oriental and LA lilies: Perfect flowers for any décor mood
Whether your décor style leans traditional or embraces the unconventional, Oriental and LA lilies add texture and striking color to any arrangement. From crisp whites and soft pastel pinks to rich, deep reds, there is a lily to suit every mood. With a typical vase life of about 10 days, these blooms pair beautifully with long-lived winter greens.Care and handling tipsPurchasingSelect stems with lower blooms showing full color and just beginning to open.Rehydration and storage (store level)
Mission Produce to acquire Calavo Growers
Mission Produce Inc. and Calavo Growers Inc. have entered into a definitive agreement under which Mission will acquire Calavo in a cash-and-stock transaction. The transaction, which values Calavo at a total enterprise value of approximately $430 million, is expected to close by the end of August 2026.
Walmart, Google turn AI discovery into effortless shopping
Walmart Inc. and Google plan to launch a new experience that pairs the intelligence of Google’s Gemini with Walmart and Sam’s Club’s assortment, value and convenience, to make shopping more intuitive, reliable and perfectly aligned with the rhythms of everyday life. The new experience — built by Walmart and accessible directly within Gemini using the Universal Commerce Protocol — addresses several key customer needs:
NCC Automated Systems celebrates 40 years
NCC Automated Systems, a leading provider of industrial conveying solutions, will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026. Since its founding in 1986, NCC has specialized in designing and manufacturing reliable, high-performance conveyors for a wide range of industries, including optical manufacturing, assembly, packaging and material handling.
Detroit produce scene continues to grow
Detroit’s produce scene is deeply rooted in the city’s longtime identity as a hardworking, food-forward hub that connects Michigan’s rich agricultural output with urban consumers. As the Motor City continues its resurgence, fresh produce has become an increasingly visible part of its broader revitalization story, from bustling wholesale operations to thriving neighborhood markets and food-access initiatives.
EFI names new executive director
Equitable Food Initiative has selected Gonzalo Martinez de Vedia as the organization’s next executive director, following a rigorous, five-round recruitment process that attracted more than 200 applicants. Martinez de Vedia assumes the role this month, succeeding Peter O’Driscoll, who is concluding over 14 years of influential EFI leadership.
Peak of the Market wins Regional Supplier Partner Award
Peak of the Market has won the 2025 Regional Supplier Partner Award from Gordon Food Service. The award, given annually to one company across North America, recognizes supplier partners who demonstrate excellence in quality, reliability and collaboration. It was presented to Peak of the Market during the GFS Vendor Involvement Process Awards Show.
NWA looking to carry momentum into 2026
As the National Watermelon Association prepares to host its 111th annual convention, Executive Director George Szczepanski reflected on some of the challenges and successes the watermelon industry experienced in 2025.“This past season was marked by uncertainty and market bottlenecks that affected many segments of the industry,” said Szczepanski. “Those challenges reinforced the importance of strong advocacy and adaptable business practices.”
Rich Dachman joins Giumarra as board chair
The Giumarra Cos. appointed produce industry veteran and nonprofit executive Rich Dachman as its independent chairman of the board of directors.