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.

JESSUP, MD - As part of its continued commitment to growth, sustainability, and excellence, Pete Pappas & Sons has kicked off 2025 with a series of strategic hires and promotions designed to enhance operations, strengthen customer relationships, and ensure ongoing success.

Don Martin has been promoted from Vice President of Sales to Chief Growth Officer (CGO), a move that highlights the company's focus on driving strategic expansion. In his new role, Don will leverage his extensive experience in the produce industry to accelerate growth initiatives across sales, organics, sustainable packaging, and more.

Lamont Edwards, a key member of the Pete Pappas & Sons team for over 25 years, has transitioned to the role of Tomato Category Manager. With his deep knowledge of production operations, particularly in tomatoes, Lamont will focus on growing the tomato category by enhancing sourcing, sales, and product offerings, while ensuring that both incoming and outgoing products meet customer quality standards.

Jay Carven, the company’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), brings decades of financial expertise in the food industry to his new role. As a press release explained, his leadership will focus on performance and profit enhancement, driving continued financial growth while leading the company’s finance and accounting team.

Brian Jenny, who joins the company as the new Vice President of Sales and Procurement, brings over 25 years of experience across various produce categories. His leadership will strengthen the company’s procurement, sales, and branding strategies, further enhancing Pete Pappas & Sons' reputation for customer-focused service.

LOS ANGELES, CA - The Wonderful Company has announced it is committing $10 million to fire relief efforts in the Los Angeles area. Immediate donations will focus on providing real-time support to first responders, both firefighters and police, with donations expanding over time to broader relief efforts. The company also announced it would double all L.A. fire-related donations made by its 10,000 global employees, either through the company’s employee-directed giving program or personal donations.

“We are profoundly grateful to all of the frontline firefighters and police officers who are working around the clock to protect our communities, even as many of their own families evacuate and homes are threatened,” said Lynda and Stewart Resnick, the company’s Owners. “These heroes are putting themselves in harm’s way to protect all of us, and The Wonderful Company will have their back. Los Angeles is The Wonderful Company’s home, and it is our personal home, the place where we met, were married, raised our family, and built our business. The city and region mean everything to us. We will be here for our community and our employees through this crisis and well beyond as this great city rebuilds.”

The specific initial commitments announced today include $1 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and $500,000 to the Los Angeles Police Foundation. The remaining commitment will be identified and disbursed as the relief efforts in Los Angeles continue.

“On behalf of the Los Angeles Police Department, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to The Wonderful Company for their extraordinary generosity in donating $500,000 to the Los Angeles Police Foundation,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. “This substantial contribution reflects their commitment to the safety and well-being of our community and is a morale boost for our officers who work tirelessly to protect the city we all love.”

“Los Angeles firefighters are deeply touched by the outpouring of support from across the community, including now this generous gift from The Wonderful Company,” said Liz Lin, President of the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. “These urgently needed resources will improve dispatch capabilities, purchase additional specialty firefighting equipment, enhance our rapid response vehicles, and help make sure all our firefighters have the equipment they need, from hydration packs and fire shelters to PPE. We are so grateful for this support when it is needed most.”

The Wonderful Company, known for its healthy consumer food brands, has also been donating FIJI Water, Wonderful Pistachios, and Wonderful Halos to fire stations, police precincts, first responder staging areas, and air operations centers to help ensure emergency workers have ready access to nutrition and hydration.

Like many businesses in the area, the devastation has hit home for the company, which is providing extensive support to dozens of its Los Angeles employees who have lost their homes or been displaced by mandatory evacuations.

The company has also shared with employees that it will double employee giving to Los Angeles relief efforts. Through its Wonderful Giving Program, the company gives each of its 10,000 global employees up to $1,000 a year to donate to the charity of their choice, and the company also matches its employees’ individual private charitable donations. Over the past 20 years, the program—centered on empowering employees to give within their communities, where they know best what support is needed—has given more than $72 million to local charities around the world.