The Thanksgiving season signals the annual shift in leafy greens farming from the northern Salinas Valley to the warmer growing regions of Imperial Valley in California and Yuma in Arizona. During this time, Salinas farms and processing facilities either complete or begin their move south, where winter conditions allow for year-round production.

The Kroger Co. announced that Stuart Aitken is stepping down as senior vice president, chief merchandising and marketing officer, to pursue other professional opportunities; Mary Ellen Adcock, Kroger's senior vice president of operations, will succeed him. Aitken will remain in his role at Kroger through Dec. 31.

Sun Pacific has launched an extensive new Peel the Love marketing campaign for Cuties mandarins.

In the world of flowers, fragrance plays a huge role in providing a unique and special sensory experience. However, as American Floral Endowment bred flowers for color, longevity and other desirable traits, fragrance has often been left behind. Many modern flowers, especially those grown in greenhouses or sold in floral markets, lack the intensity of fragrance that older varieties once had. Yet fragrance remains a highly valued trait, enhancing consumer enjoyment and satisfaction.

As a leading importer and marketer of tropical and Latin products, Exp Group has established itself as a trusted name in the produce industry, backed by over four decades of experience. The multinational company consists of several divisions, including Exp Logistics, Exp Bananas and Exp Serafino, and is renowned for its efficient delivery and distribution of fresh produce from Central and South America.

“Please be patient,” said Bill Nardelli Sr., the patriarch and president of Nardelli Lake View Farms. “Mother Nature has dealt us a tough hand in Florida this year.”

Due to a rainy season in Florida — even before a couple of hurricanes hit the state in September and October — Nardelli said his company’s business was impacted enough that it could cause some temporary shortages of produce items from the Sunshine State later in the year.