MARLBOROUGH, MA - New Jersey and North Carolina are the latest markets being eyed for growth by BJ’s Wholesale Club, which has just announced two new clubs set to open in early 2025. The retailer is introducing its 25^th New Jersey location with a new Hanover Township store, along with its 10^th North Carolina location in Southern Pines.

“We are excited to deliver the unbeatable value our membership offers to even more families in New Jersey and North Carolina,” said Bill Werner, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Development. “As we continue to expand our footprint along the East Coast and beyond, we look forward to helping more families save up to 25 percent off grocery store prices every day.”

Earlier this year, BJ’s announced an ambitious plan to open eight new clubs across the Southeast, Midwest, and Northeast, in addition to its expansion into its 21^st state with an opening in Louisville, Kentucky, in early 2025.

As a release detailed, BJ’s Wholesale Club offers a convenient one-stop shopping experience that includes a vast selection of fresh foods and produce, a full-service deli, local items, exclusive offerings, and much more. Members can choose from a variety of convenient shopping options like in-club shopping, curbside pickup, in-club pickup, same-day delivery, and standard delivery from BJs.com.

More information on the retailer’s latest expansion can be found here.

For more of the latest retail news, be on the lookout for that little apple logo.

CALIFORNIA - The Bureau of Reclamation recently announced that South-of-Delta agricultural contractors will be receiving a 10 percent bump to their contracted water supplies. This increases their water supply from 40 percent to 50 percent.

“With the current and forecasted conditions that factor into Central Valley Project allocations, in particular, a greater than expected rate of exports during the month of June, we are pleased to be able to provide an additional increase to south-of-Delta agricultural contractors,” commented California-Great Basin Regional Director Karl Stock.

Although this news was a welcome update to farmers in the Valley, many still do not see it as enough.

For example, Federico Barajas, the Executive Director of the San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority, reflected on the meaning of this announcement for our industry.

“This year is a perfect example of the disconnect between available rainfall and snowpack and the ability to operate the Central Valley Project in a way that takes advantage of the water provided by nature in any given year,” Barajas said. “For critical periods this year, exports were reduced due to inflexible operational criteria that failed to fully account for conditions for steelhead and salmonid species, resulting in reduced surface water supply for Water Authority members.”

He also added that there needs to be a better balance in scientifically supported decision-making to adaptively manage California’s water system, reported The Sun.

Representative David Valadao (R–Hanford) also praised the increase but urged the Bureau of Reclamation to make critical changes.

“While I am grateful for this welcomed increase from Reclamation, it’s frustrating that we could have had this allocation back in February to give farmers proper time to plan their operations for the year,” Valadao said. “Reclamation must improve the pace and transparency of their decision-making process moving forward to ensure our farmers are not being held in the dark or gambling about the future of their water supply. I will continue urging transparency in Reclamation’s decision-making and a significant increase in water allocations for South-of-Delta agriculture.”

ANUK will continue to bring you the latest in news affecting ag.

SAN JOSE, CA - ZAG Technical Services is promoting an experienced leader to an integral role, announcing that former Vice President of Operations Eric Regnier has been elevated to the role of President.

“The ever-changing landscape of new technologies and evolving business needs keeps our work engaging and challenging,” shared Regnier. “But ultimately, it is the remarkable people at ZAG and our valued clients who make this work truly meaningful and rewarding. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.”

This strategic move underscores ZAG's commitment to enhancing its executive team in support of the agriculture industry, reinforcing its position as a leader in providing managed IT, cybersecurity, and data solutions tailored specifically for agribusiness, the company stated in a press release.

Regnier brings a wealth of experience to this new role, having formerly served as Vice President of Operations and a key member of ZAG’s leadership team. He has a master’s degree in technology policy and computer science and is also a certified CISSP, CCSP, and PMP, reflecting his deep expertise in cybersecurity and project management.

As the release went on to note, Eric has been instrumental in implementing security solutions for various organizations, making him exceptionally suited to lead ZAG’s initiatives in managed IT, cybersecurity, and data analytics for the agriculture sector.

“Eric’s outstanding vision and skills make him exceptionally ready for this role where he will manage all of ZAG’s delivery resources across our client base,” shared Greg Gatzke, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of ZAG. “Please join me in supporting Eric in this new role as he takes ZAG to new levels in our mission of ‘enabling our client’s success.’”

Promoting Regnier is a key step in ZAG’s dedication to providing world-class expertise to its agribusiness partners, improving its business strategies, and showing its commitment to the agriculture industry.

Congrats to Eric Regnier on this new role!

MEDELLÍN, ANTIOQUIA, COLOMBIA - A fresh new brand is bringing increased differentiation and visibility to the Colombian Hass Avocado industry as it debuts the new Avocados from Colombia initiative. The launch of this new country brand aims to represent this key sector in markets around the world while highlighting Hass avocados as a benchmark for environmental, social, and economic. Sustainability.

"Colombian avocados will be exported under this brand as a differentiator,” stated Katheryn Mejía Vergel, Executive Director of Corpohass, the association representing the Hass Avocado ecosystem. “Distributors, supermarkets, and consumers will appreciate its emphasis on sustainable development, including the protection of natural resources, economic impact, and job creation, among other factors that promote well-being and quality.”

As a press release revealed, the inviting new Avocados from Colombia brand was established to increase market share, distinguish the fruit from other origins, and showcase the industry’s good practices, quality standards, and contributions to Colombia’s economic, environmental, and social well-being.

“… initiatives like this are key to continue positioning the country and its territories in international markets and to continue increasing business with Colombia with a focus on sustainability,” said Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia. “Count on us to continue supporting you on that path to success.”

Avocados are Colombia's third most exported fruit, exported to more than 30 countries.

The Colombian Navy’s esteemed flagship, ARC Gloria, recognized as the nation’s floating ambassador, served as the venue for unveiling the new Avocados from Colombia brand in Antwerp, Belgium, on June 3. Moving forward, this brand will proudly represent Colombian Hass avocados and showcase the country's identity on the international stage, the release stated.

“Supporting this launch is a source of pride and joy for the Colombian Embassy,” added the Ambassador of Colombia in Belgium, Jorge Rojas Rodríguez. “The ARC Buque Gloria brings with it all the flavor of Colombian Hass—the love with which our producers cultivate it and the dedication with which they protect the forests, fauna, water, and our mountains.”

Read more about the high level of sustainability provided by the Colombian Hass avocado industry here, and keep reading ANUK for more of the latest industry news.

CHELAN, WA - Organics continue to be an area of growth and innovation, creating opportunities for both retailers and supply-side companies looking to differentiate within their coveted categories. Chelan Fresh is one such company meeting retailers where their needs begin, bringing a program full of advantages to the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) July 10-11.

“We are excited to offer a growing organic apple and pear program to OPS attendees this year. The uptick in volume across both categories provides great opportunities for our customers to plan early for promotions and build a consistent supply with us throughout the year,” Mac Riggan, Director of Marketing, shares with me. “We're going to have a considerably higher volume of organic Bartletts this fall, which could be a boon because the whole pear crop's going to be down considerably compared to last year.”

In addition to great apple and pear opportunities, Chelan Fresh will also showcase the buy-side benefits of the company’s Joyfully Grown™ program and packaging. This fresh brand celebrates the history, experience, passion, quality, and people behind Chelan Fresh’s products, generating meaningful brand loyalty.

“Our Joyfully Grown program and all our merchandising and POS have a great message and look amazing in-store. Being able to visualize an impactful display is what today’s retailers are looking for,” Mac expresses.

Taking retail customers further down the path of differentiation, Chelan Fresh will promote its organic Asian pears and the year-round availability of some of its other popular organic varieties—all of which add to Chelan Fresh’s professional service and solutions.

“We really pride ourselves on being on time, with good order fulfillment, while offering transportation and logistics services for some of the customers that don't have access right at their fingertips,” Mac adds. “Environmentally friendly packaging is also a big topic of conversation right now and we are making strides and offering solutions in these areas.”

With such a dynamic portfolio slated to impress OPS attendees, check out booth #420 to learn more about the advantages Chelan Fresh has to offer.