Walmart shakes up leadership
Walmart has made executive leadership changes, including newly elected members of its Executive Council. Incoming President and CEO John Furner also shared four executive changes, including new presidents and CEOs of Walmart U.S., Walmart International and Sam’s Club U.S.
Village Fresh names VP of sales
Village Fresh Greenhouse Grown has named Richie Keirouz as its vice president of sales.Keirouz brings more than 25 years of sales leadership experience in the fresh produce and greenhouse-grown sector, with a strong track record of building strategic retail partnerships and driving commercial growth across North America. In his new role, he will lead Village Fresh’s sales strategy, oversee key account relationships and support the company’s continued expansion.
Mayesh acquires Sooner Wholesale Florist
Mayesh Wholesale Florist, a distributor of premium flowers, has acquired Sooner Wholesale Florist, effective Jan. 16, 2026.The acquisition adds three locations — Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Amarillo — to Mayesh’s network, expanding the company’s national footprint and its service to floral professionals.
A taste of summer arrives as South African table grapes reach U.S. shelves
While winter tightens its grip across much of the United States, a taste of summer sunshine is arriving in produce aisles nationwide with the start of the South African table grape season. Early shipments are now reaching U.S. retailers, delivering crisp texture, vibrant color and naturally sweet flavor at a time when fresh, high-quality fruit is especially valued by consumers.
Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation helps kids, families grow healthy
Sprouts Farmers Market is on a stated mission to help its customers “live and eat better,” so it’s no surprise that its charitable arm is also centered around improving the health of the communities in which Sprouts operates.
PLM Winners: They’ve got the beat
Nearly 140 winners enjoyed $150,000-plus in cash and prizes courtesy of the 34th annual Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest, including a Victrola jukebox package sweepstakes giveaway in each of the three Idaho Potato Commission regions.
Food Lion expands with new stores
Food Lion continues to grow across the Carolinas and is opening of several new store locations in early 2026. The company said these openings reflect the brand’s ongoing commitment to serving more towns and cities with fresh, affordable groceries and a convenient omnichannel shopping experience, no matter where, when or how customers choose to shop.
GrapeCo Farms focuses on quality, supply
GrapeCo Farms continues to make its presence felt in the competitive grape category. Formed just over three years ago by longtime California grape industry veterans Jared Lane and Robert Cadena, the company continues to catch the attention of retailers and consumers by offering a year-round supply of high-flavor tri-color varieties to merchants.
From farm to community: How Sprouts is scaling sustainability
Sprouts has built its business around a clear purpose: helping people live and eat better. That same purpose shapes how the retailer approaches sustainability — not as a separate initiative, but as an integral part of how the company operates, grows, and serves its communities.Justin Kacer, sustainability manager at Sprouts, said the company’s approach is grounded in pragmatism, transparency, and collaboration across the value chain.
Positioning potatoes for superior sales
Produce departments that keep their spuds tucked away in the back are missing out on natural growth opportunities, advised Ross Johnson, vice president of retail for the Idaho Potato Commission. No matter what the demographics of a retailer’s market are, savvy potato merchandising can help propel higher sales through the entire produce department.