BOCA RATON, FL - Whole Foods Market will open a new 35,000-square-foot store located at 9560 Glades Road, Boca Raton, Florida, on February 11.

A press release explained that the store will open at 9:00 a.m. on opening day, and regular store hours will be 8:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m. daily. The new location’s product assortment features more than 700 local items from Florida, sourced with the help of Dustin Kennedy, Forager for Local & Emerging Brands at Whole Foods Market.

Features of the new Boca Raton store include:

• Full-service seafood counter featuring only sustainable wild-caught or Responsibly Farmed seafood and a selection of ready-to-cook seafood. Local seafood options with fresh catches daily include American red snapper and grouper from Greg Abrams Seafood, Inc., and tilefish and pompano from Halperns’ Steak and Seafood
• An array of certified organic, conventional, and Sourced for Goodproduce, including collard greens and kale from Lady Moon Farms, tomatoes from Pacific Tomato Growers, and grapefruit from Florida Classic Growers
• Specialty department dedicated to celebrating cheesemakers and artisan producers. Local items include mozzarella from Mozzarita, jams from Gables Delight, and dark chocolate bars from 5150 Chocolate Co. The cheese counter is overseen by trained cheesemongers who can offer recommendations for any occasion
• Curated grocery section filled with private label favorites from 365 by Whole Foods Market and local products, including fresh juices from Natalie’s Juice Company and 305 Squeezed, and gelato bars from Gelaty’s
• Full-service meat counter, with butcher offering custom cuts of steak and poultry. Features include dry-aged beef, sausage made in-house, as well as beef from local supplier Adam’s Ranch Natural Beef

For more information, click here.

WASHINGTON, DC - Yesterday, Sen. Ted Cruz introduced the No Tax on Tips Act of 2025. The bill will eliminate income tax on the tips earned by servers and bartenders in the restaurant and foodservice industry. Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the National Restaurant Association, had this to say about the bill:

“Eliminating taxes on tips would put cash back in the pocket of a significant number of workers in the restaurant and foodservice industry and could help restaurant operators recruit industry workforce. The No Tax on Tips Act of 2025 is sensible legislation that includes refinements and protections to make it fiscally responsible while still supporting our employees.

“Tax policy plays a major role in the success of the restaurant industry, so we’ll continue to work with Congress on this and other common-sense tax policy that will stimulate investments and improvements in restaurants of all sizes and help operators make greater investments in their workforce and communities.”

As the organization explained, more than 2 million tipped servers and bartenders work in the restaurant and foodservice industry.

FRESNO, CA - The California Table Grape Commission welcomes Lisa Massie and Alexandra Merritt to the marketing team.

As the Director of International Marketing for Asia, Massie will lead the marketing work in targeted export markets throughout Asia, focusing on building demand for California table grapes through the work of multiple in-country promotion teams.

According to a press release, Massie served as the Global Marketing and Communications Specialist at Trillium Flow Technologies.

[She] brings a background in account management, business analysis, communications, and export promotion with her to the commission.

As Director of Global Marketing, Merritt will manage retail accounts in the U.S. and will lead the marketing work in the key export markets of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, Merritt will be responsible for directing category management research.

According to a press release, Merritt joins the commission from Root Creative Marketing where she served as Account Director and was responsible for implementing marketing campaigns for a diverse set of agriculture, food product, and lifestyle product clients.

“Both Lisa and Alexandra bring talent, drive, heart, and extensive backgrounds in account management and analysis to the commission marketing team,” said Ian LeMay, incoming commission President. “We are very pleased to welcome them to the team and look forward to the many contributions they will each make in the years to come,” said LeMay.

Congratulations to these two new leaders!

CORONA, CA - Our latest exclusive feature with Veg Fresh Farms recently dug into the advantages provided by the company’s logistics division. Complementing this successful service, the provider’s evolving cross-dock services allow it to receive, store, consolidate, and ship products for outside companies by optimizing 189,000 square feet of refrigeration space and the Veg Fresh team's deep expertise in fresh produce.

"As a produce company, we have extensive expertise in storing a wide variety of commodities," explains Steve Saenz, Operations Manager. "We offer a wide range of temperature-controlled options to accommodate diverse product requirements. Our expertise extends to handling a vast array of produce. Our state-of-the-art warehouse provides unparalleled flexibility, with temperature control ranging from 31°F to 67°F. We can dynamically adjust our cooling zones to precisely match the specific temperature needs and volume of each customer's product."

Currently, Veg Fresh’s cross-dock program services over a dozen customers, resulting in about 10,000-12,000 pallets a month. With the support of a 24-hour customer service team, Veg Fresh is able to offer a wide variety of services to streamline operations for its partners.

“We store our customer inventory and also offer to logistics if needed,” Steve tells me. “We have our own fleet, so if we're already delivering to those customers, we consolidate everything on our trucks and deliver it for them. It's a worry-free experience for our customer.”

This service is not only available to fresh produce suppliers, as Veg Fresh’s cross-dock program also supports companies looking to grow and expand with refrigerated items such as ready-to-drink products.

“We are able to provide a solution for companies of all sizes where they are not able to go direct and need a solution for product to be delivered,” Steve adds.

Another element elevating this program is commitment to collaboration and the ability to customize operations for each individual business. Through this division, Veg Fresh offers a menu of services from storing, QC, restacking pallets, adding corner boards, additional placards, and more.

"We are committed to finding solutions for every customer need," emphasizes Steve. "In my experience, we've consistently overcome challenges to ensure our customers receive the support they require. These are the qualities of a truly valuable partner. While we may compete in certain areas, the produce industry thrives on collaboration. By offering both direct services and flexibility to support our competitors, we strengthen our position and become a more integral part of the industry's success."

Veg Fresh significantly enhanced its Cross Dock program a few years ago with the expansion to Nogales, Arizona. This strategic move expanded the program's reach and effectiveness across the region. Nogales plays a crucial role as a cross-dock hub for the industry, particularly during the winter months. The addition of this facility has significantly expanded the program's capabilities. Our Nogales services encompass a comprehensive range of solutions, including storage, consolidation, logistics, and customized programs tailored to specific customer needs.

Reach out to the Veg Fresh Farms team today to learn how this innovative service can help drive growth for your business.

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SALISBURY, NC - Ahold Delhaize USA was named a Top Employer in the U.S. by the Top Employers Institute, which recognizes organizations that are dedicated to cultivating great places to work through excellent Human Resources policies and people practices.

“We’re honored by this recognition,” said Cathy Edwards, Vice President of Human Resources for Ahold Delhaize USA. “At Ahold Delhaize USA, we’re committed to a workplace where associates can grow and win together—and this recognition highlights the focus we place on enabling our associates to thrive and cultivating a people-first, purpose-driven culture.”

The Top Employer Index certifies organizations based on the participation and results of their HR Best Practices Survey. This survey covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Wellbeing, and more.

“Our culture fuels our ability to attract and retain top talent,” said Edwards. “I couldn’t be prouder of our teams, whose dedication and care have earned us this distinction.”

In addition to the Top Employer Index Certification, Ahold Delhaize USA also holds many other prestigious designations, such as Progressive Grocers’ Top 100 Food Retailers in North America, Built In’s Best Places to Work in the technology sector, and the Equality 100 Award from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. In addition, Ahold Delhaize USA associates are regularly recognized on lists for being women of influence, top women in grocery, and industry-leading emerging talent.

WASHINGTON, DC - IFPA is excited to announce nominations are now open for two prestigious award programs that recognize outstanding contributions from the front lines of the produce industry: The Retail Managers Awards and the Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards.

“Recognizing the front lines of the produce industry, from retail to foodservice, is essential in celebrating the hard work, passion, and innovation that keeps fresh produce a vital part of our everyday lives,” said Joe Watson, IFPA Vice President of Retail, Foodservice, and Wholesale Membership. “These individuals are not only champions for fresh produce but also essential contributors to the health and well-being of their communities. Our awards shine a light on their efforts and inspire the industry to continue raising the bar.”

Retail Produce Manager Awards Program Sponsored by Robinson Fresh

Each year, IFPA honors 20 retail produce managers for their dedication to boosting fresh produce sales, innovative merchandising, community service, and customer satisfaction, a press release stated. Winners will be recognized at the 2025 Global Produce and Floral Show Retail Awards Reception in Anaheim, CA in October, with five managers taking home the coveted Grand Prize Winner award.

Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards Sponsored by FreshEdge

IFPA pays special tribute to chefs and foodservice operators for their produce innovation, creativity, and all-around excellence in their use and promotion of fresh fruit and vegetables in the culinary arts. Award winners are recognized at the IFPA Foodservice Conference, hosted in Monterey, CA, July 31 - August 1, 2025.

Foodservice nominations are available in nine categories:

• Business & Industry
• Casual & Family Dining Restaurants
• Colleges & Universities
• Fine Dining Restaurants
• Hospitals & Healthcare
• Hotels & Resorts
• K-12 School Foodservice
• Quick Service Restaurants
• Supermarkets & Retail Operators

Nominations for both programs close March 7, 2025. For more information, contact Amy Marshall, IFPA Retail & Foodservice Manager.