Wakefern seeking produce suppliers
Wakefern Food Corp., the retailer‑owned supermarket cooperative with member companies that own and operate supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, the Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, Morton Williams and Di Bruno Bros. banners, is seeking local growers to join its network of suppliers and participate in its Local Produce Supplier Summit on July 15. Applications opened March 9 via the RangeMe platform and will remain open for 30 days.
Tanimura & Antle celebrates ribbon cutting of employee housing community
Last week, Tanimura & Antle marked the official opening of La Mesa Ridge, a state‑of‑the‑art agricultural employee housing community, with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony held in Yuma, AZ. The event celebrated a major milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting its workforce through innovative, purpose‑built housing solutions.
Ocean Mist Farms showcases Roastables and Heartichokes at SEPC
Ocean Mist Farms returned from the 2026 SEPC Southern Exposure show energized by meaningful conversations with retailers and trade partners. According to Ocean Mist, events like SEPC provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with existing customers, engage face-to-face with new prospects, and build meaningful connections with potential partners across the industry. This year’s show was no exception.
The power of saying yes
In agriculture, experience is often measured in acres, years or harvests. But for Jenny Garley, experience has been measured in moments and opportunities—moments and opportunities full of resilience, risk, mentorship and discovery. As she graduates from the Western Growers Women (WGW) Program, her journey reveals how determination, curiosity and strong influences can shape a career in unexpected ways.
Healthy Family Project celebrates impact at Southern Exposure
Healthy Family Project welcomed more than 200 produce industry professionals on Feb. 27 for its annual Thank You Reception during the Southeast Produce Council’s 2026 Southern Exposure event. The event celebrated the collective impact made in 2025 through retail and digital cause marketing campaigns supporting families across the country.
Industry Viewpoint: How strategic branding is driving growth in fresh potatoes
For decades, fresh potatoes have operated largely as a commodity category. Labels rotate. Packaging changes. Differentiation often comes down to price alone.That model worked in a more predictable retail environment. Today, it constrains growth.Inflation fatigue and cautious consumer spending have reshaped grocery behavior. Shoppers are more intentional with every purchase. They are not simply chasing the lowest price — they are evaluating value. That value equation blends affordability, quality and confidence that the product will consistently meet expectations.
JOH names retail director of Pittsburgh/Cleveland region
JOH has hired Susan Marshall as retail director for the Pittsburgh/Cleveland region.Marshall joins JOH with more than 30 years of experience managing sales teams and driving growth. She began her career as a sales representative and later served as a sales supervisor at a leading regional food broker, where she developed a team of sales representatives. Most recently, as sales manager, Marshall led a multi-market team across Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Columbus, OH, successfully implementing comprehensive sales plans and executing new product launches.
Tops celebrates 50th store remodel
Tops Friendly Markets has completed a $2.3 million remodel of its store in Tonawanda, NY, marking the company’s 50th major store remodel in six years. The project is part of Tops’ Capital Improvement Project, which has included more than $100 million invested across its three state imprint.Tops celebrated the grand re-opening with a ceremonial ribbon cutting March 4, 2026.
FloraCraft introduces a new and improved Artesia WetFōM
FloraCraft, a manufacturer of floral and craft foam products, has begun producing its own proprietary floral wet foam, Artesia WetFōM, in a new facility on its Michigan campus.The company said the move, which follows more than four years of engineering and testing, allows customers to purchase all varieties of foam from one provider. FloraCraft is positioning itself as the "Home of FōM."
Bozzuto's hosts Big B Expo at Mohegan Sun
Bozzuto's hosted this year's Big B Expo March 3-4 in Uncasville, CT. This is the fifth year the two-day event was held at Mohegan Sun Casino Resort. Produce vendors from all over the country were on hand to display their latest products at the event, which provides a venue for those in the industry to connect and network, learn about the latest trends and take advantage of on-site show exclusive deals.