Industry Viewpoint: School nutrition is a produce industry opportunity
Schools across America serve over 30 million lunches daily, providing up to 50 percent of students’ daily calories — a substantial nutritional touchpoint in an era where childhood obesity affects approximately 20 percent of children aged 6-19.
Raley’s funding Food For Families infrastructure grant program
Raley’s has awarded $340,241 in grant funding via its new Food for Families infrastructure grant program. The retailer made the grant funding available through its 12 existing Food for Families food bank partners, as well as their partner agencies that represent more than 2,400 partner agencies in total.
Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference looks to a prosperous future
The International Fresh Produce Association recently concluded another inspiring Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference, having sold out for the third year in a row. Industry leaders, including 137 first-time attendees, gathered to foster professional growth, leadership development and meaningful connections. The event brought together dynamic speakers, scholarship participants and women from across the fresh produce and floral supply chain to engage in thought-provoking discussions on self-awareness, work-life balance and career advancement.
Watermelons complement Wada Farms’ sweet potato program
Supplies of domestic watermelons were light coming into May, but as Florida production starts picking up in the middle of the month, Wada Farms Marketing will be busy shipping through September, as the season progresses from the Southeast to Mid-Atlantic states.
Norman Brown, Wada Farms’ director of sweet potato sales, also manages the Idaho company’s watermelon program in the east from its Raleigh, NC, sales office and distribution center. As Florida supplies pick up, heading into June, Brown is optimistic.
Leger & Son looking for stability in upcoming watermelon season
Leger & Son, based in Cordele, GA, began harvesting watermelons in northern Florida and Georgia the last week of April with hopes for a stable market this season.
Sunny Valley International anticipates strong peach season ahead
Sunny Valley International, a shipper and full-service marketing company, specializes in imported and domestic fruit, with particular expertise in stone fruit from South Carolina and New Jersey and East Coast blueberries.
The company’s prominent South Carolina peach program is a cornerstone of its operations, with peaches directly supplied to retailers serving customers throughout the East Coast and into the Midwest.
Todd Greiner hires new national sales manager
Todd Greiner Farms Packing LLC has hired Blake Hansen as national sales manager. He brings nearly two decades of retail and customer relationship experience to the team.
Instacart CEO stepping away from company
Instacart CEO and Chair Fidji Simo is leaving the company in the coming months to become CEO of OpenAI Applications, reporting to founder and CEO Sam Altman. Instacart expects to announce which current senior executive will succeed Simo as CEO in the near future.
Foundation for Fresh Produce, IFPA connect ag with innovation
The Foundation for Fresh Produce and the International Fresh Produce Association announced the newest cohort of companies selected to participate in the 2025 Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator, a flagship program designed to connect promising technology innovators with leaders from the fresh produce and floral industries.