Later this week Walmart will celebrate the largest single-day rollout of re-grand openings in company history. The re-grand opening projects represent more than half a billion dollars in capital investments in 117 stores across 30 states. The company plans to continue modernizing its stores across the country in 2024.

“We’re investing more than $9 billion over a two-year period to upgrade and modernize more than 1,400 of our stores across the U.S.,” said John Furner, CEO of Walmart U.S.

These flavor-packed chorizo and Tomato Steamed Mussels

With a year under its belt as a direct seller of its own production to the U.S. market, GLC Cerritos is expecting significant volume growth over the coming years as one-third of its 2900 acres of avocado groves in the state of Jalisco in Central Mexico are less than three years old.

Veteran business editor Seth Mendelson has joined The Produce News in a newly created role: New York Editor.

In his new role, Mendelson will be devoted exclusively to covering the vibrant New York produce industry, with special emphasis on the Hunts Point Market, as well as greater New York area wholesalers, retailers, foodservice distributors, brokers and shippers.

United Natural Foods Inc. named Andre Persaud as president and CEO of retail, effective Nov. 6. Persaud will lead the company’s two retail banners, CUB located primarily in Minnesota and Shoppers Food Warehouse located primarily in Washington, DC, and Maryland. He will serve on UNFI’s senior leadership team and report to Sandy Douglas, UNFI’s CEO and president.

Mark Gagnon has joined Greenyard USA/Seald Sweet's executive team. As senior vice president of sales and sourcing, Gagnon brings a rich experience and a standout record in leading brands like Del Monte, Dole, Chiquita, Chobani and Kalera.

Gagnon's journey in the produce industry is marked by notable achievements and strategic leadership. After a solid 14-year foundation at Dole, he took on key positions such as  senior vice president of sales at Kalera, vice president of sales at Del Monte Fresh Produce and national director of sales at Chiquita.