WEST DES MOINES, IA - A new collaboration is in the works for Hy-Vee. The retailer just announced a partnership with PayPal to enhance its online shopping experience.

“Our Aisles Online platform has continued to evolve alongside our customers’ needs since we launched this service,” said Jody Gosch, Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President, Hy-Vee. “With this new integration of PayPal and Venmo, we can help customers make their Aisles Online shopping even easier and faster than before.”

PayPal and Venmo payment options will be available to Hy-Vee customers using its Aisles Online platform for grocery pickup and delivery orders.

“Shopping online for groceries, through services such as Hy-Vee’s Aisles Online platform, has dramatically increased over the last five years,” said Kurt Campisano, Senior Vice President, Global Markets, PayPal. “We are thrilled to innovate with partners like Hy-Vee to help improve customers’ shopping experience by providing trusted payment methods, such as PayPal and Venmo, to their consumers.”

What this means is that Hy-Vee and PayPal will offer a seamless and secure payment experience while providing customers with additional checkout options to help make their lives easier, healthier, and happier. It also helps Hy-Vee streamline its payment processes, expand customer choice, and offer a comprehensive solution for online transactions.

Convenience continues to be a No. 1 factor for most shoppers when it comes to making their grocery decisions. Backing partners that make shopping easier is a win-win for grocers looking to hold onto hard-won customer loyalty.

ANUK will continue to cover the latest in retail, so stay tuned.

NEW YORK, NY - Two powerful industry allies are joining forces and bringing their food retail solutions under one formidable umbrella. Invafresh recently announced its merger with Upshop, teaming up with the company to tackle food availability, affordability, and waste.

"We do not settle for better; we strive for the best from our platform, our people, and our partnerships with food retailers,” shared Shamus Hines, Chief Executive Officer of the united entity, Upshop. “The impact our technology has on retailers’ supply chains means millions of families will have access to the freshest and healthiest food, every day."

As a press release noted, the merger marks a significant leap forward in food retail technology, promising innovative solutions redefining best-in-class store operations and shopper experience.

Retailers around the globe will have access to market-leading solutions including:

• Fresh inventory and ordering management for a North American grocer which has driven eight-figure savings
• Powering the highest quality and most engaging fresh experience for Wegmans
• Enabling grocers such as Hy-Vee to flex their workforce for more efficient omnichannel order fulfillment
• Empowering retailers, such as Sobeys, to take total control of DSD
• Launching an even more robust foodservice operations platform to C-Stores, supporting expanded prepared food offerings and omnichannel workflows

The platform will be used by more than 400 retailers in 35 countries, operating in over 50,000 stores.

With FSMA204 pushing the market to enhance data traceability capabilities, Upshop will be launching its solution formally at the end of July, combining the best of both organizations’ food safety product suites. The combined entity is also gearing up to launch a new global Food Waste Initiative, powered by a leading product suite, unmatched analytics, and deep industry partnerships, the release stated.

Dig into all this merger has in store for retailers here.

And keep reading the latest in retail on the pages of ANUK.

PORT WASHINGTON, NY - With two acquisitions under its belt, William H. Kopke Jr.—known by many as simply Kopke—is investing in its West Coast business. The distributor recently announced the acquisition of R B Sandrini Cold Storage operations in Delano, California, and Safco of America operations in Visalia, California.

“We are committed to expanding our position in the domestic grape and citrus business, offering a comprehensive year-round solution to our partners,” shared William Kopke, Managing Director, of William H. Kopke Jr.

According to a press release, these strategic moves mark a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance its position in the industry.

Safco of America is an importer/exporter/distributor of grapes, citrus, and cherries, with a supply in excess of 2,500,000 boxes of fruit per year. With its committed grower base, Safe will complement Kopke’s efforts to enhance its product line and reach across North America.

Additionally, the newly acquired R B Sandrini facility will be converted into a state-of-the-art refrigerated distribution center and rebranded as KDC West (Kopke Distribution Center).

As the release went on to note, this investment represents one of many initial steps to solidify Kopke’s presence in the West. By transforming the infrastructure, the company aims to expand its footprint, increase packing flexibility, and enhance its value-added product line. On top of that, Kopke will use this operation as a springboard toward its California grape and citrus expansion plans.

In line with this expansion, the company added Doug Rossi to its team, who will help industry Damon Francis in managing the new West Coast operation. He brings with him 16 years of experience in table grape sales management.

“We are thrilled to have Doug Rossi join the Kopke family,” added Kopke. “His extensive experience in the produce business and his proven track record in table grape sales management make him the perfect addition to our team as we drive our general and West Coast expansion. His leadership will undoubtedly enhance our ability to serve our partners and achieve our growth objectives.”

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Keep reading ANUK as we continue to cover the latest across the industry.

MIAMI, FL - After giving the world a glimpse at the intricate dynamics of the food supply chain and the importance of corporate social responsibility through its insightful Viewpoint Continental Fresh series, Continental Fresh is celebrating more success. The company has been recognized with a renowned Bronze Telly Award for editing for the series.

“We are incredibly honored to receive the Bronze Telly Award for our collaboration with Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid,” shared Albert Perez, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Fresh. “This recognition underscores our commitment to excellence, not only in our produce operations but also in how we communicate our values and initiatives to the world.”

Continental Fresh was recognized for its exceptional quality and impactful storytelling. As a press release stated, the award highlights the outstanding editing work that brought the series to life, successfully promoting education and awareness about the food supply chain and corporate social responsibility.

Viewpoint is known for producing top-quality programming for Public Television and aims to enlighten audiences with diverse informational and educational documentaries.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and passion of everyone involved in the project,” Perez added. “Our collaboration with Viewpoint has allowed us to reach a broader audience and make a tangible difference in communities in need.”

Continental Fresh showcases its commitment to social responsibility year-round, making a positive impact through initiatives like its successful Water For All branded mango program. As part of Water For All, a percentage of proceeds from each branded box sold supports Latin American clean water and sanitation projects, highlighting the provider’s commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.

Congrats to Continental Fresh on this well-deserved award! Stay up to date on the latest industry initiatives and more with help from ANUK!