Social media success stories
The numbers say it all: With engagement rates up 40 percent year over year, the Idaho Potato Commission’s social media community of more than 200,000 followers continues to expand on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest. On Instagram and Facebook alone, IPC posts generated 20 million impressions, driving more than 1.6 million engagements from fans across the country for the year ending Aug. 31, 2025.
Southeastern Grocers starts new era as The Winn-Dixie Co.
Today, Southeastern Grocers officially became The Winn-Dixie Co., uniting the organization and its stores under one name. As part of this transformation, the company is also introducing a refreshed Winn-Dixie brand, designed to feel more modern, confident and connected to the way families shop today.
NC Sweetpotato Commission honors Craig Yencho
The NC Sweetpotato Commission recently held its annual meeting in Goldsboro, NC, and honored Craig Yencho with its 2026 Distinguished Service Award. The commission also elected a new slate of officers. Through his extensive work in agricultural research, Yencho has contributed invaluable knowledge to sweetpotato growers across the state. Whether it’s through developing new cultivation techniques, improving pest management practices or innovating new varieties, the efforts have significantly boosted both the quality and quantity of sweetpotatoes produced in North Carolina.
Supply chain critical to Sprouts success
To Sprouts Farmers Market Chief Supply Officer Joe Hurley the tremendous growth plans of the chain are what makes his job exciting. “That’s the fun part of store growth,” he said, likening it to a puzzle.
2026 entry prize steals the show in Idaho potato display contest
The television set of their dreams will come to life for three fortunate winners in the 2026 Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest sweepstakes, who will be able to select any TV up to a $3,500 value as the grand prize.
Amanda Solliday named senior manager of Sustainabloom
Amanda Solliday will join the American Floral Endowment as senior manager of Sustainabloom in January 2026.A doctoral candidate at North Carolina State University, Solliday has supported AFE’s Sustainabloom program as a member of the research team working with Drs. Melinda Knuth and Brian Jackson. Through that collaboration, she has helped advance AFE’s goal of building a trusted sustainability education and resource program for the floriculture industry.
Stemilt bringing back yellow apple variety, Aura
Stemilt Growers, owned and operated by the Mathison family, grows, packs and ships its “World Famous Fruit” across the globe. Apples are a core category for the company, having been a part of its history since 1914. Stemilt’s apple mix includes varieties to match every taste, from sweet to balanced to super tart.
Sprouts merchandising team creates customer connections
Sprouts Farmers Market Chief Merchandising Officer Scott Neal succinctly defines the role of his team as creating the connections between the chain’s products and its customers. “We are an attribute driven retailer and we need to curate the selections and create the assortment that speaks to our customers,” he said.
Customize your IPC retail display contest
In the doldrums of winter, produce departments can be a bright spot of colorful entries in the Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest, sponsored each February-March by the Idaho Potato Commission.
Total Experience Produce entering 2026 with expanded product line
Total Experience Produce, which specializes in pineapples and other tropical fruits from Mexico, is entering the new year with a new packing facility that will allow it to dramatically increase pineapple production. It also has plans to add other tropical items to its lineup.