Mark Munger joins IPR Fresh as VP of marketing and business development
IPR Fresh has hired industry veteran Mark Munger as the company’s first vice president of marketing and business development. This strategic hire bolsters IPR Fresh’s commitment to accelerating growth, expanding retail and wholesale partnerships, and elevating its presence across the fresh produce industry.
Duda Farm Fresh Foods celebrates of century of fresh thinking
Duda Farm Fresh Foods is celebrating its centennial anniversary in 2026, marking a century of leadership in celery innovation, family farming, industry leadership and sustainable growth.
Bailey Nurseries grows sales team
Bailey Nurseries announced several additions and promotions within its sales organization, expanding its leadership team and regional coverage as the company continued to grow its reach and partnerships.AJ Lambert was appointed chief sales officer, strengthening the company’s executive leadership. Dan Heintz was promoted to sales manager for mass merchant accounts, and Bret Poi and Rhett Pasour joined the company as territory sales representatives serving the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, respectively.
Whole Foods expands smaller-format banner
Whole Foods Market recently opened the fifth location of its smaller-format store concept, Whole Foods Market Daily Shop, in Hoboken, NJ. The 4,851-square-foot store features more than 350 local items from the Northeast, each meeting Whole Foods Market’s rigorous quality standards.
IFPA showcases major wins for global produce and floral industry
The International Fresh Produce Association has released its 2025 Annual Impact Report, highlighting the association’s work with, and on behalf of, the global fresh produce and floral industry.
¡Yo Quiero! releases new line of dips
¡Yo Quiero! is launching its new line of authentic Mexican dips, bringing bold, craveable flavors to shoppers just in time for Cinco de Mayo and beyond. The new lineup includes Cantina Salsas — Roasted Hatch Verde (medium), Fire Roasted Salsa (medium) and Cantina Style Red Salsa available in mild and medium — as well as Mexico-Inspired Guac in mild and spicy varieties.
Stemilt unveils opportunities to increase consumer love for pears
Pears may be rooted in tradition, but Stemilt is positioning them firmly in today’s regular snack rotation. A bountiful pear crop across the industry is driving a strong season fueled by freshness and flavor, creating new opportunities to enjoy pears every day. Starting in January, Stemilt is launching its I Heart Pears campaign backed by a Numerator consumer survey.
Taylor Farms pioneers new shopping opportunity
Taylor Farms is one of the first brands to go live with new Instacart end-to-end retail media capabilities offered natively within TikTok. As a leading producer of ready-to-eat salads and healthy fresh foods, Taylor Farms is leveraging the new advertising solution, enabled by TikTok’s collaboration with Instacart, to redefine how consumers discover and shop fresh, healthy foods. This innovative campaign marks Taylor Farms’ breakthrough moment in social commerce and digital grocery innovation.
In the Trenches: The incredible Idaho potato
There’s great news coming out of the Idaho potato fields for retail directors, buyers and produce managers. The Idaho potato crop yield is outstanding, showing excellent quality and size thanks to ideal growing conditions.With produce gross profit challenges, this is good news for retailers needing to achieve those budgets — and Idaho potatoes are a perfect item to promote in the weekly ad flyers.
Texas company loses PACA license for repeated violations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture filed an administrative complaint against Produce & More Enterprise LLC of Houston, alleging the company failed to make full payment promptly for multiple lots of produce purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.USDA and Produce & More entered into a Consent Decision and Order finding that Produce and More committed repeated PACA violations by failing to pay $213,944.79 to seven produce sellers.