TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA - The latest strategic launch from Flashfood aims to streamline the consumer shopping experience. Flashfood 3.0 is a redesigned app featuring a fresh interface with shopping features built to make it faster to find, shop, and compare great Flashfood deals. The new app offers a smoother and more joyful experience every step of the way.

"Our customers have been asking for a new Flashfood app for a long time and we could not be more excited to deliver it," said Jordan Schenck, President and Chief Operating Officer. "Our growth and success to date have not been because our app was the best in the business, but because we deliver real value for our shoppers. Moving forward, Flashfood will offer both: affordable, fresh groceries through an excellent app experience. On top of that, by investing in a new, single codebase platform, we’re going to be able to bring new app features to our shoppers much, much faster."

This is the company’s largest app release to date and drastically transforms the usability and visuals of the marketplace, a press release explained.

New features include:

• A Refreshed Onboarding Process: Delivers a more user-friendly and brand-aligned experience, especially for new shoppers. From the moment users download the app, the improved onboarding process helps them get started quickly and easily
• Explore Multiple Stores at Once: The new map screen lets users browse multiple stores in one view, with vertical and horizontal scrolling, making it simple to see what's on sale nearby. A new card-style display makes it easy to compare deals at different stores at a glance
• Simplified SNAP EBT Shopping: For shoppers using SNAP EBT as a payment method, Flashfood has simplified the check-out process. The app now delivers a clear SNAP EBT subtotal on the checkout screen, making it easier for families to keep track of their budget before paying
• Built for the Future: Previous versions of the Flashfood app used separate codebases for iOS and Android, and the app now operates on a single React Native codebase. This enables Flashfood to develop and update both iOS and Android apps in a more efficient fashion while providing a consistent experience across platforms. This will allow Flashfood to deliver new app features faster in the future

The new Flashfood app is now available on the Apple Store and Google Play.

We can’t wait to see the new app in action!

LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - The Canadian produce industry is getting ready to say farewell to a distinguished leader as he prepares for retirement. It was announced that George Gilvesy has chosen not to seek reappointment to the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers’ (OGVG) Board of Directors after nine years as Chair. This has resulted in the new appointment of Steve Peters as his successor, effective November 1, 2024.

Gilvesy’s tenure as Chair has been marked by his unwavering commitment to collaboration within the greenhouse sector and all levels of government, a press release stated. His strategic vision and dedication have propelled the OGVG members to new heights, enhancing the organization’s role as a leader in Ontario greenhouse-grown vegetables.

Through his guidance, the OGVG has successfully navigated challenges and strengthened partnerships with stakeholders across the agricultural community.

During his nine years in office, Gilvesy has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at sustainability, food security, trade, and market development. His efforts have not only benefited the OGVG members but have also contributed to the broader goals of the agricultural industry in Ontario.

“I have had the pleasure of serving with George, who has inspired me and given me so many new perspectives on how agriculture and government can work together to achieve common goals,” said Rick Mastronardi, District 1 Vice Chair. “He will be sadly missed by many across the agricultural sector.”

Gilvesy's passion has been instrumental in advocating for policies that support environmentally friendly growing methods, managing government regulations, and ultimately benefiting consumers and the planet.

“George’s leadership has fundamentally shaped the direction of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers,” said Kevin Safrance, District 2 Vice Chair. “His contributions will leave a lasting impact on our organization and the industry as a whole. We wish him all the best in his retirement and thank him for his dedication and service.”

Gilvesy’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, but his influence will continue to resonate within the industry.

We wish the best of luck to Gilvesy as he enters retirement!

TUCSON, AZ - Are you ready for the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas' (FPAA) SouthWest International Produce Expo (SWIPE)? The finishing touches have been put on the education sessions, and during the Friday education sessions, Robert “Kip” Martin of Coogan & Martin, PC will be honored as a Pillar of the FPAA.

“We are so excited to be honoring Kip Martin this year,” said Lance Jungmeyer, President. “Anyone that knows Kip knows that his legal mind and his understanding of the intricacies of the produce industry and international trade are invaluable. There are countless people in the produce industry that have benefitted from Kip’s expertise as both their legal counsel and as the legal counsel helping guide the FPAA for more than two decades.”

The Pillar of the FPAA award highlights the important contributions of an individual in helping shape and strengthen the produce industry over their career, a release explained. Recent honorees include James and Sylvia Chamberlain in 2017, Rosie Cornelius in 2018, Chuck Ciruli Jr. in 2019, Walter Ram in 2021, William “Bill” Sykes in 2022, and Emilia Gotsis in 2023.

The FPAA will have a diverse lineup of buyers, sellers, and other industry experts to bring into conversation on how to best talk about ways that women are impacting the produce industry more and more, how buyers and sellers can work together to meet changing demographic needs of consumers, planning for and mitigating supply chain disruptions, as well as trade and election updates.

The FPAA will also feature a Speaker’s Corner of panels that will take place during the expo on the afternoon of November 8. Each session offers unique opportunities for attendees to learn from industry experts and gain valuable insights for their businesses.

FPAA encourages attendees to finalize their travel plans, register for the event, and get ready for this southwest experience!

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ANAHEIM, CA - Congratulations are in order for one industry leader. Sara Rueda, Director of Business Development at Frieda’s Branded Produce, was recently honored with an industry award. The award highlights emerging leaders in the grocery industry who are driving growth, championing innovation, and ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.

Since joining Frieda’s in 2023, Rueda has spearheaded transformative projects across key specialty produce categories, including dragon fruit, lychee, guava, mangosteen, and rambutan. Her wealth of experience and unique global perspective from her past positions in sales and management at Coca-Cola across the U.S. and China have been essential to her successful vision for these projects.

According to a press release, she launched her journey in the produce industry with her previous company, Triple H Produce, as the first female salesperson, where she later advanced to Director of Sales and built their inaugural sales team.

“Sara’s leadership and passion for enhancing the consumer experience, retailers’ sales, and our growers’ returns with specialty produce is evident in every initiative she leads,” shares Alex Jackson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

As a high-achiever originally from Colombia, Rueda overcame cultural and language challenges throughout her career, which now influences her leadership at Frieda’s. Her hands-on approach, belief in potential, and commitment to creating meaningful experiences have set her apart as a leader within the company and the wider industry. She has learned to become even more adaptable as she grows at Frieda’s.

“We’re thrilled to see Sara’s remarkable contributions recognized with the GenNext honor,” says Jackson. “Her relentless drive, coupled with a deep respect for the people she works with—from team members to clients and growers—makes her an invaluable asset. She embodies Frieda’s pioneering spirit, and we look forward to all she will accomplish as a leader in the fresh produce industry.”

The 2024 Progressive Grocer GenNext award represents an exciting future for grocery, with Rueda and her fellow honorees advancing their organizations while elevating the entire grocery sector.

Cheers to Sara Rueda!