WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - The Raley’s Companies is pleased to announce that Paul Gianetto has been promoted to President of Raley’s Operating Division. Paul will oversee the performance and growth of Raley’s 119 stores across California and Nevada, as well as the Natomas Distribution operations.

With extensive experience and a proven track record in the grocery industry, Paul brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this critical position. In Paul’s new capacity as President of the Raley’s Operating Division, he will continue to lead the Sales and Merchandising functions for the organization, and report to Keith Knopf, President and CEO, The Raley’s Companies.

“Paul is an outstanding and proven executive. Over the past 16 years, Paul has shaped Raley’s strategies and proven to be an excellent servant leader. Always seeking to put the health of our customers and the success of our team members at the forefront,” said Keith Knopf, President and CEO, The Raley’s Companies. “Raley’s is fortunate to have such a skilled and experienced leader to assume the helm of our largest operating division.”

According to a press release, Paul began his career with a small chain of family-owned convenience stores in Anaheim before joining Ralphs Grocery Company for a 21-year stint, moving up through Store Operations prior to holding various Marketing and Merchandising roles.

Paul joined Raley’s in 2008, excelling through several key roles positioning him to serve as Senior Vice President of Sales and Merchandising the past seven years, where his strategic vision and impactful leadership have contributed to Raley’s continued success.

To further support the Raley’s store operations, Natalie Slatter has been promoted to Vice President, Store Operations. In her new role, Natalie will lead store operations of all Raley’s stores, along with operations solutions and communications.

“Natalie’s forward-thinking approach and commitment to excellence have significantly enhanced our efficiency and stores, making her an invaluable asset to our team,” said Paul Gianetto, President, Raley’s Operating Division. “I am excited to see her take on this expanded role, and confident in her ability to enhance our store operations and customer experience.”

Natalie joined Raley’s in 1999 as a night baker at Bel Air. She progressed through various ranks becoming Store Director, then District Team Leader and Director of Operational Excellence, most recently serving as Executive Director of Operations Solutions and Communications.

MONTREAL - METRO INC. has kicked off Fiscal 2025 with a strong performance, reporting its first-quarter results for the period ending December 21, 2024. The company highlighted notable growth across key metrics, showcasing its resilience and strategic focus in both the food and pharmacy sectors.

According to the press release, METRO's highlights this fiscal quarter were:

• Sales of $5,117.1 million, up 2.9 percent
• Food same-store sales up 1.0 percent and up 2.4 percent when adjusting for the Christmas week shift
• Pharmacy same-store sales up 5.1 percent
• Net earnings of $259.5 million, up 13.6%, and adjusted net earnings of $245.4 million, up 4.4 percent
• Fully diluted net earnings per share of $1.16, up 17.2 percent, and adjusted fully diluted net earnings per share of $1.10, up 7.8 percent
• Declared dividend of $0.37 per share, up 10.4 percent versus last year

"We are pleased with our first quarter results which were driven by solid revenue growth and good expense control. Our commercial programs continue to resonate with customers, aided by the successful launch of our Moi Rewards program in Ontario this fall, leading to increased traffic and tonnage. Our teams are focused on delivering value in all our banners and leveraging our recent supply chain investments. We are confident in our ability to continue to create long-term shareholder value," stated Eric La Flèche, President and Chief Executive Officer.

METRO’s strategic initiatives, including the successful rollout of the Moi Rewards program in Ontario, have played a pivotal role in driving customer engagement and traffic. The company’s focus on operational efficiency and supply chain investments has further strengthened its position in the competitive retail landscape.

As METRO continues to build on its momentum, the company remains committed to delivering value across its banners and creating long-term growth opportunities for its shareholders.

IRELAND - Fyffes is making headlines with a remarkable achievement in its mission to combat food insecurity. The company has announced that it has donated over 24 million healthy meals to vulnerable communities across Europe, Latin America, and North America. This milestone far exceeds Fyffes’ original goal of providing five million meals by the end of 2025, a target the company has surpassed by a factor of four.

As stated in the press release, the donations align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Zero Hunger and Responsible Consumption and Production. Fyffes’ efforts reflect its commitment to building a food-secure world, free of hunger, and minimizing food loss.

The United States led the way in donations, with over 10.5 million meals provided, followed closely by the United Kingdom at over 10 million meals. Ireland and Germany also made significant contributions, with over 1 million (1,175,798) and 969,048 meals donated, respectively. Latin America saw over 1.5 million meals distributed, with countries like Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize benefiting from Fyffes’ efforts.

Breakdown of Meals Donated by Country:

• United States: 10,561,101
• United Kingdom: 10,192,773
• Ireland: 1,175,798
• Germany: 969,048
• Honduras: 573,810
• Guatemala: 900,495
• Belize: 118,562
• Costa Rica: 11,905
• Ecuador: 55,941
• Total: 24,559,921

A third of all food produced globally is wasted, contributing to approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, the demand for food bank services has surged due to inflation and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Fyffes has stepped up to address these challenges by partnering with customers and for-purpose organizations to donate fresh bananas, pineapples, and melons to food banks. These food banks then redistribute the surplus fruit to charities and communities in need, helping to reduce food waste and provide essential nutrition.

Fyffes collaborates with organizations such as FoodCloud and Cream of the Crop in Ireland, FareShare and The Bread and Butter Thing in the UK, Hamburger Tafel in Germany, and Philabundance, Armfull of Help, and the San Antonio Food Bank in the US. In Latin America, where Fyffes grows its fruit, the company works with The Global Foodbanking Network and local organizations in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Ecuador to ensure access to healthy food.

In Honduras, for example, Fyffes has implemented projects to reduce the amount of fruit left behind in the fields, redistributing it to vulnerable communities. These efforts alone have resulted in the donation of more than half a million meals.

Commenting on the achievement, Helge Sparsoe, CEO of Fyffes, stated, “We are extremely proud to share that we have surpassed our target of donating five million healthy meals to people in vulnerable groups. The achievement of this target means even more in the current global cost-of-living crisis where the demand for food banks has increased exponentially. Donating over 24 million meals is a wonderful demonstration of sustainability in action and we look forward to reaching even more communities in 2025.”

Fyffes’ efforts highlight the power of partnerships and sustainability in addressing global food insecurity. With its sights set on continuing this momentum, the company is poised to make an even greater impact in the years to come.