MEXICO - After carving a path of destruction through the Caribbean, Hurricane Beryl headed toward Mexico yesterday evening. Just this morning, the hurricane turned into a Category 2 storm.

The power of the storm is immense, with reports of winds up to 110 mph producing dangerous storm surges and waves.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) this unusually fierce, early-season hurricane was close to landfall about 40 miles off the beach resort town of Tulum. Hurricane conditions were reported as starting to occur in the Yucatan Peninsula, Reuters noted.

Mexico’s President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador urged anyone in the storm’s path to take shelter, especially after the country’s meteorological service forecast heavy to torrential rains that could trigger landslides and flooding.

We’ll keep an eye out for any updates on affected growing regions.

FRANCE - An acquisition will soon be getting underway in the retail sector. Auchan Retail France and Rocca have entered into exclusive negotiations with the Casino group, which plans to sell its subsidiary Codim 2.

According to a press release, Codim 2 operates in Corsica four hypermarkets, nine supermarkets, three cash and carries, and two drive-throughs, having achieved a turnover excluding taxes of 332 million euros in 2023.

The Casino group intends to conduct these discussions in the best interests of Codim 2 and its employees, as well as its local partners. All activities, employees, and support functions would be taken over and operated under the Auchan banner if the deal goes through.

The proposed sale will be submitted to the employee representative bodies involved and competent competition authorities.

For more retail acquisitions, ANUK has you covered.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - With yet another successful annual in-store fundraiser, food solutions company SpartanNash has made a vital contribution to military and disaster relief organizations. The company’s latest fundraising initiative resulted in a $260,000 donation to organizations that closely align with its “Heroes” giving pillar.

“By contributing to this campaign, our community members and Associates have helped provide vital services to military heroes, veterans, their families, and those affected by disasters,” said SpartanNash Senior Vice President of Communications and SpartanNash Foundation Executive Director Adrienne Chance. “These incredible organizations are aligned with our commitment to support heroes and spread hope through our Foundation, so we’re honored to celebrate another successful in-store fundraiser and continue to champion the work these organizations do.”

Recipients of this impactful donation include Convoy of Hope, Operation Homefront, and Honor and Remember. As a press release stated, the three nonprofit organizations that benefited from the fundraiser will aid in disaster response, honor fallen heroes, and provide essential financial and emotional support to military families.

From May 22 to June 10, store guests at participating SpartanNash-operated retail stores could donate at the register or online checkout as part of the fundraiser. SpartanNash also partnered with Convoy of Hope on its recent Helping Hands Day volunteer event, which resulted in a donation of 500,000 meals for disaster relief.

“We are extremely grateful to SpartanNash, the SpartanNash Foundation, and their Associates and loyal customers for their investment in our important mission,” said Brig. Gen. (ret.) Robert D. Thomas, President and COO of Operation Homefront, which has received more than $750,000 from the SpartanNash Foundation since 2018. “SpartanNash has helped us make a difference for thousands of military families, providing them with the opportunity to thrive in the communities they have worked so hard to protect.”

Since 2015, the SpartanNash Foundation, with the help of its communities, has contributed more than $14.1 million to nonprofit organizations. To learn more about the SpartanNash Foundation and its impactful efforts, click here.

And keep reading ANUK as we bring you the latest industry news.

DELTA, CANADA - A refreshed organic product line is taking the spotlight at the upcoming Organic Produce Summit (OPS) on July 10–11 as WINDSET FARMS® brings a diverse portfolio of high-quality, greenhouse-grown organic offerings to the show floor, complemented by an exciting new design.

"We are thrilled to introduce our expanded organic lineup, with a fresh new look, at this year’s Organic Produce Summit in Monterey, California,” said Ryan Cherry, Director of Sales at Windset Farms. "Our rebranded packaging reflects the simplicity of our conventional line, while incorporating more earth-tone colors and an abstract design, resonating with the eco-conscious consumer. The new look will be available throughout Windset's entire organics line, including lidding films, pouch bags, and clamshells."

Windset Farms’ organics program has grown significantly over the past eight years, evolving from its Organic Long English Cucumbers offering into a comprehensive range of organic produce. Today, the brand’s impressive lineup includes eight tomato offerings—including recently introduced Organic Heirloom and Organic Campari Tomatoes—as well as organic bell peppers, organic mini cucumbers, seasonal Living Organic basil, and more.

"Organic farming presents unique challenges but also incredible opportunities," added Cherry. "Our offerings are a testament to our commitment to meet the growing demand for high-quality organic produce.”

Attendees of the Organic Produce Summit will get a first-hand look at the exciting brand refresh.

Industry members who attended the Canadian Produce Marketing Associations Convention and Tradeshow in Vancouver this past April had a sneak peek at some of Windset Farms' novel designs, including its 100 percent recyclable ECO Paper Packs. As a press release shared, the environmentally conscious pack was proudly awarded 'Best Organics' at the show, a testament to Windset’s commitment to sustainability.

Windset Farms remains committed to sustainability and rigorous standards as the organic market expands, ensuring its products meet USDA and Canada Organic regulations through strict food safety policies, traceability systems, and auditing protocols.

Find out more at booth #712 during OPS!