CHARLOTTE, NC - Flashfood, the app for the best grocery deals, is now available at three new Earth Fare locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Ohio. In August 2024, Flashfood launched in Earth Fare’s Greenville, South Carolina, store and became Flashfood’s first location in the southeast and one of the first retailers on the Flashfood for Independents platform.

In less than 6 months, Flashfood shoppers at Earth Fare have saved more than $17,000 on their groceries and diverted more than 9,000 pounds of food from landfills in the process, according to the press release.

Greenville Store Team Leader Ashley Wolfe reports immense success with the platform. Since launching with Flashfood, the program has allowed for a more efficient, streamlined approach to the store’s culling process, improving the quality of their produce department, bringing in new shoppers and motivating store team employees to post to Flashfood.

“I’m absolutely blown away with how easy Flashfood is to use,” said Ashley Wolfe, Greenville Store Team Leader. “Once they are set up on the app, I’ve now gained a customer for Earth Fare. I’ve taught that customer to shop from home on the Flashfood app, so I’m getting customers that may not have come to the store in the first place but they’re going to come to pick up their Flashfood order.”

In a unique usage of the program, Earth Fare is also utilizing Flashfood to reduce food waste from the store’s hot bar, and lists plates of prepared foods on Flashfood, offering an affordable, healthy alternative to takeout for busy evening commuters.

The New Earth Fare Locations Are:

• Earth Fare Canton: 3939 Everhard Rd NW, North Canton, OH
• Earth Fare Rock Hill: 725 Cherry Road, Rock Hill, SC
• Earth Fare Concord: 8885 Christenbury Parkway, Concord, NC

Flashfood’s free app connects shoppers with fresh produce, meat and other high-quality groceries at up to 50 percent off, giving shoppers great deals on groceries and diverting food waste from landfills at the same time. Using the Flashfood app, Earth Fare shoppers can select the store location nearest them, choose discounted items to purchase, pay directly on the app and pick up the order in store.

“It’s getting harder and harder for Americans to eat nutritious food, affordably. Families are forced to go with less and yet we’re still throwing away millions of meals every year, particularly fresh, unprocessed meals,” said Nicholas Bertram, Chief Executive Officer at Flashfood. “We’re thrilled to expand our partnership with Earth Fare, an exemplary grocer on our independents platform. They’re a dedicated, community-oriented grocer and stewards of a healthier people and planet.”

To find a participating Earth Fare store near you, visit the Flashfood store locator.

JACKSONVILLE, FL - Southeastern Grocers (SEG), the parent company of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is once again celebrating Black History Month by recognizing the achievements of its associates and community members. Together with the SEG Gives Foundation, the grocer is continuing its commitment to belonging, inclusion, and diversity with the launch of its annual grant program. This initiative aims to foster meaningful partnerships and empower local, diverse communities.

As stated in the press release, SEG is inviting nonprofit organizations across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi to apply for its 2025 Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity Grant. The grant supports organizations addressing racial disparities in health care, food insecurity, and education while working toward a more inclusive and equitable future. Nonprofits within the grocer’s five-state footprint can apply here through August 31, with grant funds ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.

Last year, the program awarded $487,500 in grant funds to 50 nonprofits, including regional food banks, afterschool programs, women’s health resources, and environmental learning initiatives. Since its inception in 2020, the grant has provided nearly $1.6 million to deserving organizations throughout the Southeast. The program is named in honor of Ms. Romay Davis, a WWII veteran of the first all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit and a beloved Winn-Dixie associate. Her 104 years of life were dedicated to community advocacy and social justice, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.

“We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve and remain dedicated to standing with our neighbors in creating a future where everyone feels seen, heard and valued,” said Raymond Rhee, Chief People Officer for Southeastern Grocers. “Black History Month is an opportunity to honor the incredible contributions of Black leaders like Ms. Romay while reaffirming our commitment to encourage and empower authenticity. Through our grant program and enduring partnerships, we are proud to support impactful change to break barriers and build brighter futures for all.”

In addition to the grant program, SEG recently partnered with the American Red Cross for a day of service ahead of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. This initiative supported the Red Cross’ Sound the Alarm campaign, a nationwide effort to protect underserved communities from the devastating effects of home fires. Winn-Dixie associates joined the Red Cross and Jacksonville Fire and Rescue to install free fire alarms and share safety information with local families in the grocer’s hometown.

SEG’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture has also earned the company significant recognition. In 2024, SEG was included on Newsweek’s lists of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and America’s Most Loved Workplaces, as well as Forbes’ Best Brands for Social Impact. The grocer also celebrated its fifth consecutive Great Place to Work® certification and received a Progressive Grocer Impact Award for Workforce Development and Employee Support.

As a neighborhood grocer, SEG continues to reflect the diversity of the communities it serves while working to bridge racial disparities and foster equity for underrepresented groups. By championing local initiatives and respecting unique perspectives, SEG remains steadfast in its mission to uplift and empower its communities.

VALENCIA, CA - Sunkist Growers, Inc. and Fruit Growers Supply Company, Los Angeles-based cooperatives, have announced a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross in support of the 2025 California Wildfire Response, reinforcing its commitment to communities impacted by the devastating wildfires across the state.

In addition to this financial contribution, Sunkist has donated fresh citrus to local food banks—including the LA Food Bank—ensuring those affected have access to fresh and nutritious food. The cooperative’s affiliate, Fruit Growers Supply (FGS), has provided packaging materials to support relief distribution efforts, a press release added.

“California is our home, and these efforts reflect our deep commitment to supporting the communities that have supported us for generations,” said Jim Phillips, President and CEO of Sunkist Growers, Inc. and Fruit Growers Supply Company. “At Sunkist and FGS, we stand with our communities in times of crisis and remain focused on providing wildfire relief—whether through financial aid, fresh citrus donations, or essential supplies—so those affected receive the help they need.”

As grower-owned cooperatives, each with over a century of history in California, Sunkist and FGS remain steadfast in their mission to support recovery efforts following natural disasters. From food donations to long-term partnerships with organizations like the American Red Cross, Sunkist, and FGS continue to demonstrate their commitment to supporting the people and places they serve.

WASHINGTON - Imports at the nation’s major container ports are expected to remain high as retailers continue to bring in cargo ahead of growing tariffs on China and threats against other countries, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Supply chains are complex,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “Retailers continue to engage in diversification efforts. Unfortunately, it takes significant time to move supply chains, even if you can find available capacity. While we support the need to address the fentanyl crisis at our borders, new tariffs on China and other countries will mean higher prices for American families. Retailers have engaged in mitigation strategies to minimize the potential impact of tariffs, including frontloading of some products, but that can lead to increased challenges because of added warehousing and related costs. We hope to resolve our outstanding border security issues as quickly as possible because there will be a significant impact on the economy if increased tariffs are maintained and expanded.”

Retailers have been frontloading imports of key products for several months because of the potential for the East Coast/Gulf Coast port strike in January as well as to get ahead of potential tariffs from President Donald Trump, a press release stated. Last Saturday, Trump announced tariffs of 25% on most goods from Canada and Mexico and 10% on goods from China. The Canadian and Mexican tariffs were suspended on Monday for 30 days, but the China tariffs took effect on Tuesday.

Hackett Associates Founder Ben Hackett said tariffs on Canada and Mexico would initially have minimal impact at ports because most imports from either country move by truck, rail, or pipeline. In the long term, tariffs on goods that receive final manufacturing in Canada or Mexico but originate elsewhere could prompt an increase in direct maritime imports to the U.S. In the meantime, port cargo “could be badly hit” if tariffs on overseas Asian and European nations increase prices and prompt consumers to buy less, he said.

“At this stage, the situation is fluid, and it’s too early to know if the tariffs will be implemented, removed or further delayed,” Hackett said. “As such, our view of North American imports has not changed significantly for the next six months.”

U.S. ports covered by Global Port Tracker handled 2.14 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units—one 20-foot container or its equivalent—in December, although the Port of New York and New Jersey and the Port of Miami have yet to report final data. That was down 0.9% from November but up 14.4% year over year, and would be the busiest December on record.

December brought 2024 to a total of 25.5 million TEU, up 14.8% from 2023 and the highest level since 2021’s record of 25.8 million TEU during the pandemic.

Ports have not yet reported January’s numbers, but Global Port Tracker projected the month at 2.11 million TEU, up 7.8% year over year. February, traditionally the slowest month of the year because of Lunar New Year factory shutdowns in China, is forecast at 1.96 million TEU, up 0.2% year over year. March is forecast at 2.14 million TEU, up 11.1% year over year; April at 2.18 million TEU, up 8.2%; May at 2.19 million TEU, up 5.4%, and June at 2.13 million TEU, down 0.6%.

Global Port Tracker, which is produced for NRF by Hackett Associates, provides historical data and forecasts for the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Port of Virginia, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades, Miami and Jacksonville on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. The report is free to NRF retail members, and subscription information is available at NRF.com/PortTracker or by calling (202) 783-7971. Subscription information for non-members can be found at www.globalporttracker.com.

As the leading authority and voice for the retail industry, NRF analyzes economic conditions affecting the industry through reports such as Global Port Tracker.

LA QUINTA, CA - What will your consumers have on their tables while watching the Big Game? You can bet your bottom dollar that many of them will have some type of pepper in the mix. According to Prime Time International, this is one category ripe with Super Bowl opportunity.

“Mini peppers and bell peppers are your go-to items for taking your traditional game day snacks to the next level,” Desirae Perez, Marketing Manager, told me. “Mini peppers are a colorful, crunchy snack—perfect for dipping and a fun, healthy alternative to chips that kids (and adults) will love. We suggest stuffing the bell peppers for a hearty main dish or slice them up to add to hotdogs and other game-day favorites. Our peppers will give customers a fresh way to celebrate!”

Desirae suggested pairing Prime Time peppers with crunchy favorites like carrots, broccoli, snap peas, and celery so shoppers can create their own DIY veggie platter. To encourage a healthier twist on snacking, buyers should place mini peppers next to chips and dips as well.

Patrick Cortes, Director of Business Development, gave me an overview of how Prime Time’s programs are looking this time of year.

“Bell peppers and mini peppers are in peak production, with fantastic quality and promotable volumes,” he explained. “After a slight freeze in Mexico, asparagus production is on the rise. Quality is really good, and supply should be strong later in February, serving as a springboard into peak volume for March.”

Stay tuned as we continue to bring you updates from across the fresh produce industry.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Two top executives from Pacific Trellis Fruit just wrapped up an exciting visit with their South African plum-growing partners. Marcial Hernandez, Vice President of Sourcing, and Patty Denson, Sales Executive, spent a week touring orchards, packing facilities, and diving into the latest innovations and new varieties. This trip continued to strengthen their new Clamshell Plum program. From Extra Sweet Plums to Watermelon and Lemon Plums, the team explored ways to take the company’s go-to-market strategy to the next level. Big things are ahead for Pacific Trellis Fruit’s premium plum program.

The Clamshell program does not stop at plums—it features 10 premium stone fruit items, including Extra Sweet Nectarines, Peaches, Apricots, Cherry Plums, and more, a press release stated.

“We partner with some of the best growers and packers to deliver top-tier stone fruit,” shared Hernandez. “Our program continues to thrive with excellent growers; Rubisco, Icon Fruit, Dibenisa, and Core Fruit, and we’re actively exploring new sourcing options to take it to the next level.”

“The clamshell plum program has been a terrific opportunity for retailers to expand sales in the imported stone fruit category,” stated Patty Denson, Sales Executive for Pacific Trellis Fruit, located in Fresno, CA. “One of my favorite items is the Watermelon Plum, which is green on the outside like a watermelon, but inside, it’s bursting with sweet, red flesh. Crisp yet juicy, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, it’s an unforgettable bite when fully ripe!”

To learn more about Pacific Trellis Fruit’s specialty imported stone fruit program, visit their website, www.pacifictrellisfruit.com, or contact a sales representative.