FRESNO, CA - Ours is an industry where the constant dance of supply and demand must be met with precision. Miss a single step, and a valuable product could spoil, deadlines could falter, and partnerships could be strained.

No transition highlights this quite like an acquisition or a merger of properties and assets, a fact Famous Software recently highlighted.

In M&A Momentum: Leveraging Technology for a Seamless Fresh Produce Integration, the produce-specific software provider highlights the very real challenges of the integration phase of what should be a monumental business milestone.

“Technology adoption isn’t just a matter of efficiency—it’s a competitive imperative. Companies that move now will enjoy smoother transitions, preserve more value, and emerge from M&A as stronger, more unified organizations,” Famous Software notes, offering the ability to help turn integration into a strength. “The fresh produce industry is forging ahead, and the pace of M&A shows no signs of slowing. By leveraging advanced ERP solutions, you’ll ensure that your next merger isn’t just successful, it’s transformative. Don’t let integration become an afterthought. With Famous Software, you’re positioned to thrive from day one.”

Mapped out through a step-by-step breakdown, the company highlighted technology’s role in accelerated synergy through:

• Centralizing Information: Bringing data from multiple entities into one platform
• Automating Processes: Reducing manual work and ensuring consistency while making time for growth
• Supporting Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements with integrated tools tailored to produce
• Enabling Fast Decision-Making: Accurate, up-to-date information so management can identify and capture synergies quickly

Fresh produce providers know all too well that if you aren’t two steps ahead, you’re one behind. So even if there is a possibility of an M&A in your future, read the entire post here.

FOWLER, CA - While many California-grown citrus varieties are nearing the end of their season, the Bee Sweet Citrus team reports that Rosy Red Valencia oranges will be available through June, and Star Ruby Grapefruit will be available through August.

“Bee Sweet’s Star Ruby grapefruit and Rosy Red Valencia oranges are stand-out choices for summer due to their versatility and outstanding flavor,” stated Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Representative Anders Skooglund in the recent release. “Our Star Ruby grapefruit is among the sweeter grapefruit varieties - delivering sweet, tangy flavor, while Rosy Red Valencias are ideal for eating fresh or juicing.”

Bee Sweet’s Star Ruby grapefruit and Rosy Red Valencias are currently being harvested in California’s Central Valley and are excellent varieties for customers to include in their summer citrus lineup.

Both varieties feature a blushed rind, a vibrant red, coral-like interior, and are rich in lycopene, an all-natural pigment and powerful antioxidant.

“Between Star Ruby grapefruit and Rosy Red Valencias, customers will be set for their summer snacking needs,” stated Bee Sweet Citrus Director of Communications Monique Mueller. “Our Star Ruby grapefruit shines at breakfast or as a refreshing snack, while Rosy Red Valencias are versatile enough for salads and freshly squeezed juice. Each variety delivers a distinct taste, ensuring there’s a delicious option for every palate.”

Both Bee Sweet’s grapefruit and Rosy Red Valencia oranges are available in bag and bulk options. To learn more about the company’s summer citrus availability, please call a sales representative at 559-834-4200 or visit www.beesweetcitrus.com.

CHESAPEAKE, VA - Dollar Tree, Inc. reported financial results for its first quarter ended May 2, 2026.

“Our first quarter results reflect continued progress across the business and demonstrate the strength of Dollar Tree’s position as the preferred destination for value, convenience, and discovery,” said Mike Creedon, Chief Executive Officer, in the recent release. “We continued advancing our strategic plan – a more relevant assortment, agile cost management, a stronger customer connection, and new store growth coupled with improved store conditions – all driving operating margin expansion and delivering a strong bottom-line performance. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary in 2026, we are encouraged by the progress we are seeing across the business and remain focused on making thoughtful investments in our stores, assortment, and customer experience – building Dollar Tree to last for decades to come.”

Additional Business Highlights

• Opened 113 new Dollar Tree stores during the quarter
• Converted or added about 630 stores to the Dollar Tree multi-price format, ending the quarter with approximately 5,900 multi-price stores
• Generated $644 million of net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations and $392 million of free cash flow
• Ended the quarter with 9,382 stores across the Dollar Tree U.S. and Dollar Tree Canada banners

First Quarter Results

• Results for the first quarter ended May 2, 2026, are reported on a continuing operations basis. Continuing operations reflect the results of Dollar Tree brands in the United States and Canada.
• Unless otherwise noted, all comparisons are to the prior year’s first quarter ended May 3, 2025, for the results of continuing operations.
• Net sales increased 7.2% to $5.0 billion. Comparable store net sales increased 3.5%, driven by a 4.5% increase in average ticket, partially offset by a 1.0% decline in traffic.
• Gross profit margin increased 120 basis points. The improvement in gross margin was primarily driven by higher mark-up, lower freight costs, and lower shrinkage. These benefits were partially offset by higher tariff costs and higher markdowns.

See the full report here.

SOUTHERN U.S. - Heavy rain continues creating flooding concerns across parts of the southern U.S. while also delivering much-needed relief to drought-stricken areas. Additional downpours are expected into the weekend as slow-moving storms linger from the Gulf Coast into the southern Plains and Southeast.

According to AccuWeather, some areas have already picked up several inches of rain this week, with flash flooding reported in parts of Mississippi, North Carolina, and Alabama. Forecasters say more storms could quickly dump additional rainfall over already saturated ground, especially in urban and low-lying areas.

At the same time, the pattern is helping improve drought conditions across parts of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska, where dry conditions have persisted for months.

Transportation disruptions and localized delays remain possible as thunderstorms continue redeveloping through the end of the week. Check ANUK for the latest weather impacts and produce-related updates.

CINCINNATI, OH - The Kroger Co. announced its inclusion among the 2026 Axios Harris Poll 100, an annual ranking of the reputations of the most visible companies in the U.S.

"This recognition belongs to our associates," said Greg Foran, CEO of Kroger, in the recent release. "Every day, more than 400,000 of them help families put fresh, affordable food on the table. It is their care and commitment that builds trust with our customers and communities."

The Axios Harris Poll 100 surveys more than 16,000 Americans on how they view the country's most visible companies across measures including trust, culture, ethics, vision, products and services, relevance, character, and trajectory. Kroger has regularly received high marks on the survey, consistently ranking among America's most visible and trusted companies.

The recognition also reflects Kroger's long-running Zero Hunger | Zero Waste commitment. Since 2017, Kroger has directed more than $2.1 billion to hunger relief, rescued 935 million pounds of surplus food, and provided more than 4.4 billion meals to families in need. In the past year, associates and customers came together at Kroger Community Days to pack more than three million meals with U.S. Hunger, an effort expanding to more cities in 2026.

"Trust is earned one customer, one neighbor, one meal at a time," said Keith Dailey, Kroger's Group Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs. "We're proud of this recognition, and even prouder of the work behind it."

Kroger has also been named one of America's Most Trustworthy Companies by Newsweek, honored by Handshake for early career hiring, and ranked among Computerworld's Top 100 Best Places to Work in IT for eight straight years.

OTTAWA, ON - Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) is pleased to announce David Dubé as the 2026-2027 CPMA Chair following his appointment during the Board Meeting held concurrently with the 2026 CPMA Convention and Trade Show in Toronto.

David is known by many in the produce industry for his leadership of Krown Produce, Krown Imports, and The LID Company, which fall under the umbrella of parent company, Concorde Group Corp, a company he purchased in 1996.

He has served numerous boards across the for-profit and not-for-profit world, including serving the industry on CPMA’s Board for years and on several committees, such as the Executive Committee, Human Resources Committee, and CPMA Government-Issue Management. He continues to actively mentor emerging industry leaders through CPMA’s Passion for Produce program. In addition, he has chaired the Destination Inspection Service Advisory board for Western Canada for several years.

As Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors at the University of Saskatchewan, David co-founded the Global Diplomacy and Public Policy Network within the Young Presidents Organization and also the Unified Purchasing Group of Canada.

During his term as CPMA Chair, David will focus on serving members by advocating for a fair and tariff-free trading environment, making healthy food affordable and accessible for everyone, and promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables to improve Canadians’ health and wellness.

“It is a tremendous honor for me to serve as CPMA’s 2026-2027 Chair,” says David Dubé in the recent release. “The produce industry has played a vital role throughout my career, shaping the business principles that have guided me as an entrepreneur and produce professional. As the industry navigates today’s volatile trading environment, I look forward to working with stakeholders to advance this important priority and support its continued success.”

In his role as Chair, David will be supported by the Executive Committee, which consists of:

• Chair: David Dubé, Krown Produce (Wholesaler)
• Past Chair: Steve Bamford, Fresh Advancements (Wholesaler)
• 1st Vice-Chair: Steve Boulianne, Metro Richelieu Inc. (Retailer)
• 2nd Vice-Chair: Andrea Vandergrift, Costco Wholesale Canada (Retailer)
• Executive Committee Member: Jeff Madu, Windset Farms (Grower/Packer/Shipper)
• Executive Committee Member: Stephan Schmekel, North American Produce Buyers Limited (Wholesaler)

The complete CPMA Board of Directors listing can be found here.

FRESNO, CA - We have been receiving reports of an early California table grape season, meaning the buy-side can expect to see supplies shipping ahead of schedule. I had the chance to connect with Anthony Johnson, Sales Executive at Fowler Packing Company, to hear how the producer’s season is progressing.

“We are currently trending 10–14 days ahead of historical averages. Our farming team has adapted seamlessly to the early developments in the vineyard, and thanks to the unique microclimate in the northern part of the Valley, we are able to allow the fruit to develop at a pace that aligns with our retail partners' needs. We are thrilled to be kicking off the Samsons grape season earlier than ever,” Anthony began telling me.

He assured me that so far, supplies are looking strong.

“Despite the early start, bunch counts and berry size indicate there will be an excellent supply of Samsons from late June through the entirety of the California season. We are expecting a high-quality season in both sizing and flavor, with our current estimate projecting over 6 million cases of Samsons this season,” Anthony added. “We will continue to be one of the largest, and still growing, suppliers of table grapes in California.”

Fowler’s signature varietal program, Sorbet, is set for another year of premium quality and flavor. Retail partners across the country will be able to promote Sorbet beginning mid-August through September, Anthony assured.

“With over 6 million cases expected this season, we are excited to begin offering promotional volume to our retail partners starting in July and continuing through the entirety of the Samsons season. On top of that, Samsons is hitting the road this summer with our Road Tour, bringing live events, sampling, games, prizes, and excitement directly to shoppers across the country. Stopping at stores throughout August and September 2026, the tour creates a festive, hands-on experience that puts our grapes front and center—giving shoppers a chance to taste, engage, and walk away with something to smile about,” Anthony continued. “We're also partnering with influencers to spread the word about what makes Samsons special, and at the center of it all is our Sorbet variety, a fan favorite renowned for its exceptional sweetness and unforgettable flavor. Once shoppers taste Sorbet, they come back for it year after year, and we can't wait to introduce even more people to the experience this season.”

California table grapes are ready to take the produce aisle by storm, and the shopper foot traffic will follow.