It was just over four years ago when COVID-19 reared its ugly head. That’s also when Americans, many of whom swore they would never buy their groceries online, began buying their groceries online.

Online grocery sales are currently 23 percent above March 2020 levels, according to the most recent Brick Meets Click/Mercatus Grocery Shopper Survey, remaining steady at $8 billion.

Next month, produce buyers and suppliers will gain personal relationships and the latest consumer insights that set them up for a year of success. It all happens at The Retail Conference, May 1-2 in Phoenix. The event also features table-top exhibits and a golf tournament.

Kurt Zuhlke & Associates, a leading innovator of Polyethylene Terephthalate (commonly referred to as PET) packaging for the produce industry, is headed to the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s 2024 Convention + Trade Show, where it will exhibit at booth No. 524.

The Easton, PA-based company is a regular at the show, proudly displaying its latest packaging innovations.

Whole Foods Market announced the recipients of its highly anticipated Supplier All-Star Awards for 2023, including Rainier Fruit and Happy Dirt. The retailer said 16 brands exemplify excellence through quality, innovation, value and sustainability, while enhancing the shopping experience in stores across the country and supporting Whole Foods Market’s purpose to nourish people and the planet.

Fruit Royale Inc. stands as a seasoned grower shipper specializing in table grapes. The company collaborates closely with its contracted growers, overseeing every facet of fruit production—from cultivation and packaging to cooling, storage, logistics and sales.

“Grapes are our expertise,” said Louie Galvan, the managing partner of Fruit Royale. “With an annual yield exceeding 2 million cases, we ensure a steady supply of premium-grade grapes sourced globally throughout the year.”

CMI Orchards anticipates a high-velocity summer sales season, starting with the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Rochelle Bohm, vice president of marketing, said patriotic holidays, like Memorial Day, provide retailers with a special way to commemorate veterans and military families who have lost loved ones.