Publix named on Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies
Publix has been recognized on Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies list. The company has been named on this list annually since 1996, marking the 31st consecutive year of earning this honor. This list acknowledges companies that make it a priority to commit to associates’ well-being, community engagement, sustainability efforts and being a great place to work, among other criteria.
Applications open for California Ag Leadership Program
Applications are now open for Class 56 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, a transformative leadership experience for individuals shaping the future of California agriculture. The program invites mid-career individuals from across the agricultural industry to apply.
Grapeman Farms looks to Latin America
Officials at Grapeman Farms are focusing a lot of their attention on Latin America, confident that expanding its footprint in this region will continue to allow them to meet customer demand for consistent year-round supply and to align with regions that offer competitive production economics and access to newer, higher-performing varieties.The Southern California-based company, founded in 1974, is a table grape sales, marketing and production-management platform that works with independent growers across multiple origins.
Making experience count
When it comes to knowing what works in the produce industry, Patrick Mills has been there, done that — and then some. The retail promotion director-West/Canada for the Idaho Potato Commission relies on his 38 years of experience in retail produce to offer an array of strategic solutions for whatever kinds of challenges his retail customers are facing.
Trendspotting: Online grocery sales up 32 percent
Monthly online grocery sales accelerated dramatically in December, with total sales surging 32 percent year-over-year to finish the month with a record high $12.7 billion, according to the latest Brick Meets Click Grocery Shopper Survey. This robust performance reflects higher order frequency, spending rates and a larger user base than December 2024.
Connecting across the fresh industry
Matt Zapczynski believes membership in industry organizations has its privileges, especially when you’re looking to create strong relationships with other potato pros. A year and a half into his position as Northeast/Midwest retail promotion director for the Idaho Potato Commission, Zapczynski said he sees firsthand the value that his broad industry involvement brings to both his customers and the IPC team.
Caution and consistency top of mind for apple sales
The U.S. Apple Association forecast the overall 2025-2026 U.S. apple crop at 278.5 million 42-pound bushel boxes, up slightly from the previous season’s 260 million and 3.6 percent higher than the five-year production average.The association forecast New York to harvest 30.5 million boxes and in range of the state’s 32.6 million average, Michigan to come in around 30 million boxes and Washington to harvest 180 million boxes, up slightly from its 2024-25 figures. So far, these numbers seem to be on track.
Sergio Cedeño Paulson, Rolando Padua to lead Paulson Puerto Rico as co-CEOs
Paulson Puerto Rico has announced a major transformation of its organizational structure, appointing Rafael Cedeño Paulson and Rolando Padua as its new co-CEOs. This strategic move coincides with the firm’s plan to invest over $1 billion in various projects across the island over the coming years.
Matty Matheson brings big flavor to Mushroom Council campaign
Chef, entrepreneur Emmy Award-winning executive producer and television personality Matty Matheson will be the lead spokesperson for the Mushroom Council’s 2026 consumer campaign, It’s Not Magic. It’s Mushrooms. Known for his boisterous style and refreshingly practical approach to cooking, Matheson brings credibility with Gen Z and Millennial audiences that want food that’s easy to make, tastes great and delivers more in every bite.
Wakefern supermarket banners set to host job fairs
Wakefern Food Corp. supermarket banners ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market are inviting job seekers to explore exciting career opportunities during a series of walk-in hiring fairs on Saturday, Jan. 31.