Melon 1 officially launches its 2026 domestic watermelon season with strong early harvests under way in Florida and an expanded growing program that will continue moving up the East Coast and into key Midwest regions throughout the summer. Simultaneously, the company is launching its second consecutive year of AI-supported consumer marketing campaigns designed to strengthen retailer support, increase shopper engagement and drive seasonal watermelon sales.

This year, the Southeast Produce Council awarded 45 SEPC Member Scholarships, totaling $67,500, made possible by the unwavering support and dedication of its membership base.

Applewood Fresh, the Michigan-based apple grower, packer and shipper operating under parent company FirstFruits Farms, announced a new strategic sales partnership with Belding Fruit Storage Inc. of Belding, MI. Through the partnership, Applewood Fresh will serve as the sales and marketing function for Belding Fruit’s apple program, further strengthening supply capabilities and customer support throughout the Midwest and East Coast.

Stop & Shop has lowered prices at every one of its 137 stores across New York and New Jersey. Shoppers will see lower everyday prices on thousands of items spanning nearly every department, including both national brands and Stop & Shop’s own private label products. The price reductions are focused on customer favorites that they purchase most.

Steph Turpin, founder of Fairy Nuff Flowers, is known for her soft, romantic approach to floristry. There is a quiet softness to her work, an effortless sensation that makes her designs feel both natural and deeply considered. Her work is popular on Instagram and instantly recognizable as uniquely her own.

Allegiance Retail Services announced that Jason Ferreira, a co-op member and vice chairman of the board of directors, has been named acting chairman of the board and CEO, effective immediately.

Ferreira has served on Allegiance’s board of directors since 2021 and has been a co-op member since 2013.

The change is part of the board’s succession development plan. Ferreira will serve as acting chairman until the board and chairman appointments are finalized at the Allegiance Annual Member Meeting scheduled for May 20.