GRAND RAPIDS, MI - We recently learned that a new Independent Director is set to join the Board of Directors at SpartanNash. Dorlisa Flur steps into the role, bringing with her extensive experience in grocery distribution, retail, warehousing, and logistics.

Flur has served as an Independent Strategic Advisor to the leadership of Southeastern Grocers (SEG) since 2018. From 2016 until 2018, she championed the company's successful restructuring as SEG's former Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer.

Prior to SEG, a press release outlined, Flur was Executive Vice President, Omnichannel for Belk and Vice Chair, Strategy and Chief Administrative Officer for Family Dollar Stores. Earlier in her career, Flur spent 16 years with McKinsey & Company.

Since 2023, Flur is the third Independent Director to join the Board, following the appointments of Kerrie MacPherson and Fred Bentley. The Board now comprises nine directors—seven of whom have been appointed in the last five years—and eight of whom are independent.

"Dorlisa is a proven corporate executive and highly experienced board director in the food distribution, logistics, and retail industries. Her success leading large-scale transformations that have resulted in long-term sustainable growth and value creation makes her a strategic addition to the SpartanNash Board," said Chairman Douglas Hacker.

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Cheers to Dorlisa Flur on this latest accomplishment!

RIDGE SPRING, SC - Make way for the 11th annual Peaches with a Purpose campaign! Titan Farms has announced the launch of the campaign across all North Carolina Harris Teeter stores, donating a percentage of peach sales to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in Charlotte, North Carolina. This year, Titan Farms will contribute directly by donating a truckload of fresh peaches totaling 37,800 pounds.

"At Titan Farms, we are honored to continue our support for the Peaches with a Purpose campaign alongside Harris Teeter,” Chalmers Carr, Chief Executive Officer and President, expressed. “Our donation of fresh peaches will provide nutritious meals to those in need throughout North Carolina, and we are particularly grateful to Salem Transportation for their generous contribution in transporting this donation to the food bank.”

The campaign was established to combat food insecurity and raise awareness about the importance of fresh produce, a press release stated. Over the last 11 years Titan Farms has donated over 380,000 pounds of peaches. This year's contribution will further aid the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina in its mission to serve over 489,000 individuals, including children and seniors, across 24 counties in North and South Carolina.

Peaches with a Purpose will run until August 13, 2024, and customers can support the cause by purchasing peaches at their local Harris Teeter store.

"We believe in the power of partnerships to make a meaningful impact," said Lori Anne Carr, Vice President. "Through Peaches with a Purpose, we continue to address the critical need for fresh produce in local food banks and ensure that nutritious options are accessible to all.”

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WHITING, IN - One very special banana has been recognized in The National Mascot Hall of Fame. Through September 30, the museum’s Department of Mascot Studies Gallery presents “Bobby Banana: Dole’s Healthy-Living Icon for a Hungry World” to chronicle the inception and growth of the banana responsible for inspiring generations of kids and families towards nutritious food choices, and active lifestyles.

“We’ve had many dialogues with the National Mascot Hall of Fame over the years, so to finally see the display christened and welcoming guests is a major thrill—for me, Bobby, and everyone at Dole,” said Bil Goldfield, Director of Corporate Communications, Dole. “This day instantly becomes a highlight of our Banana-Versary.”

According to a press release, the Bobby Banana display was timed by the museum to coincide with Dole’s 125th Banana-Versary, a year-long celebration encompassing online, social, promotional, in-store, and other events and activities through 2024.

“While the focus of the National Mascot Hall of Fame has traditionally been on college and professional sports mascots, we can’t help but admire the work of corporate icons like Dole’s Bobby Banana who have helped electrify and inspire progress toward a better, healthier, and more equitable world,” said Karen Anaszewicz, Executive Director, The National Mascot Hall of Fame. “Once we heard about this year’s Dole Banana-Versary, we knew the time was ripe to tell the Bobby Banana story.”

The exhibit was developed with Goldfield and includes a series of illuminated display panels offering information about Bobby Banana, Dole Food Company, and the Banana-Versary, which surrounds the 7-foot yellow banana.

“After years of requests, we have decided to start officially inducting corporate mascots into the museum in 2025 as part of our expanded commitment to telling the full mascot story,” Anaszewicz added. “More details on this exciting evolution for the National Mascot Hall of Fame will be announced soon—so stay tuned!”

Bobby Banana was created by Dole Food Company in 1992 to promote healthy living around the world.

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OXNARD, CA - A major partnership within fresh produce has taken place, as Agrifruit and its affiliated companies—which include Bobalu, Agrifrost Processing, and West Coast Berry Farms—announced a new strategic alignment with Freska Produce International.

“We are excited about this new partnership to help further strengthen processing, logistics, and import opportunities to serve our customers as we draw from these industry leaders,” remarked Bobby Jones, Managing Partner, Agrifruit.

As a press release noted, this alignment is meant to enhance company growth and build on operational strengths developed over the past several years.

As a conglomerate focused on growth, Agrifruit and its affiliated companies are excited to be able to tap into the new business opportunities that partnering with a veteran company like Freska will afford. Freska boasts extensive logistics, processing, and Latin American sourcing expertise.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Agrifruit,” added Jesus “Chuy” Loza, Managing Member, Freska Produce International. “Their commitment to quality and sustainability aligns perfectly with our values. This partnership will expand our product offerings and provide our customers with an even greater selection of fresh produce.”

The alignment does not change either company's management. It will, however, create synergies in sourcing, logistics, and marketing to drive innovation across both operations.

The press release emphasized the intentionality of this decision, as both companies weigh strategies that affect their businesses with the degree of weight necessary.

Both companies are very excited about the future expansion of Agrifruit and the logistic synergies that will result from this alliance, and they both note that this new collaboration will optimize supply chains, enhance quality, and meet the evolving demands of the marketplace and the consumer.

Keeping their eyes on meeting customer expectations, it’s little wonder that these two joined forces!

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