Duda names new national account manager
Duda Farm Fresh Foods announced that Amanda Brown-Estelle has joined the company as national account manager. In this key leadership role, Brown-Estelle will support Duda’s national retail accounts and help drive continued growth through strong customer partnerships.Brown-Estelle joins Duda with a powerhouse background in retail and supply chain. She most recently spent nine years with IFCO in business development, where she worked across multiple levels of the retail sector to drive new business growth, strengthen existing partnerships and identify new channel opportunities.
Titan Farms ready with strong supply of peaches
As the 2026 peach season gets under way, Titan Farms is well-positioned with strong volume availability and is actively engaging with retail partners to support summer programs and meet growing demand for consistent, high-quality supply.
Nickey Gregory Co. builds momentum on strong start to 2026
After a fast-paced first quarter, Nickey Gregory Co. is carrying strong momentum into the spring season, fueled by tight supplies, elevated pricing and its strategic position in the Southeast produce supply chain.
AFM celebrates record-breaking Cinco de Mayo
This Cinco de Mayo, it's time to put down the cocktail shakers and pick up the avocados from Mexico. With nearly half of all consumers now interested in the sober curious movement, the focus of what makes a great party is shifting. The proof? Just take a look at the numbers: In the four weeks leading up to Cinco de Mayo, the U.S. is expected to import more than 235 million pounds of Mexican avocados — a record high.
Trendspotting: AI making its mark in produce department back rooms
It’s time for another column that panders to our future AI overlords.Last week a company called Chef Robotics announced it offers robots that can now automate tray assembly for produce packing. The application places items, such as oranges, apples and pears, into clamshell packages and snack boxes, and portions scoopable produce, such as corn and peas, into trays before packaging. The company said these applications support retail grab-and-go products, airplane meal kits, hospital and care facility meals, and school lunch boxes.
Shuman Farms enjoying strong start to Vidalia onion season
Shuman Farms remains grounded in its Georgia roots and is dedicated to preserving its legacy of providing high-quality, sustainable and delicious sweet onions to consumers across the country.
Industry leaders gather at IFPA's Retail Conference
Retailers, suppliers and industry leaders gathered for the 2026 IFPA Retail Conference at Wildhorse Pass Resort in Chandler, AZ. A day full of informational sessions proved insightful, and as is often the case some of the best connections happened outside the meeting room. The golf tournament delivered that perfect mix of competition, conversation and connection. Between swings, attendees had time to discuss the state of the industry and the year ahead.
Tops Friendly Markets welcomes watermelon stars
Tops Friendly Markets has a high-energy race weekend celebration at its Watkins Glen, NY, location featuring NASCAR driver Ross Chastain, and special appearances by the national and Florida watermelon queens.The festivities will kick off on Friday, May 8, when Chastain makes a special appearance at the Tops Watkins Glen store. Fans will have the opportunity to see the iconic vehicle up close and get into the racing spirit ahead of the weekend.
Industry Viewpoint: Digital stats that actually matter and the ones you can ignore
It’s time for a reset in how we think about digital metrics.For years, companies leaned heavily on impressions and reach as the primary indicators of performance. While those numbers are easy to report, they rarely tell the full story, because visibility alone doesn’t drive behavior.Today’s consumer isn’t passively scrolling. They’re making decisions in real time, saving ideas for later, clicking through for solutions and ultimately choosing what makes it onto their grocery list.
Classic Fruit melon merger secures year-round supplies
For the past four years, Classic Fruit and Westside Produce (TRI label) have worked together as a melon alliance, combining their offshore and domestic operations, alongside their sales teams, to be a year-round supplier. The two have now reached an agreement to officially merge together and unite the two melon companies under Classic Fruit, securing their 52-week year promise.