Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. announced that Joe Kelley has been appointed chief operating officer, effective May 4.

Kelley is a seasoned grocery industry executive whose career spans strategic leadership roles across retail operations, merchandising and supply chain in independently owned, private equity-backed and publicly traded companies. He began his career as a deli clerk in Boston and has since held senior leadership positions at several major U.S. grocery chains.

With the California avocado season officially under way, and peak promotable volume anticipated from April through August, West Pak Avocado is encouraging retailers to capitalize on the strong projected volume. To drive category performance and meet consumer demand for fresh, locally grown fruit, the global avocado supplier offers strategic programs with seasonal storytelling, bag initiatives and premium variety differentiation.

The Produce Moms Founder and CEO Lori Taylor has been selected as an official judge for the World Food Championships’ elite culinary event, Final Table, taking place April 17-19 in Bentonville, AR.

Taylor’s selection reflects her long standing leadership in the fresh food and produce industry, as well as her role as a trusted voice in how consumers experience food, from sourcing and storytelling to everyday meal inspiration.

IFPA’s Leadership Program is in its 29th year, providing a year-long leadership journey for 12 industry professionals. The program focuses on four fundamental pillars:  leadership development, business relationships, government and public affairs and media and public communications.  

As we roll into April, supplies out of both Florida and Mexico remain tighter than expected, and the market hasn’t found much relief from where we were last week. Peppers continue to be the biggest pressure point. Florida is still working back from freeze damage, and recent heavy rains, with some areas seeing several inches, have only slowed harvest and reduced yields further. Quality remains inconsistent, and number-one grade product is hard to come by.

The Wonderful Company has again been named one of Fortune magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, earning the No. 72 spot in 2026, up 13 spots from its No. 85 ranking last year. This is The Wonderful Company’s third year in a row making the list, and it remains the only agriculture enterprise among this year’s 100 honorees.