CINCINNATI, OH - The Kroger Co. announced that Tim Massa, Executive Vice President and Chief Associate Experience Officer, will retire on September 18.

Massa came to Kroger in 2010 following a 21-year career at The Procter & Gamble Company. He joined the company as Vice President of Talent Development, and in the next 16 years rose through a series of senior leadership roles, including Group Vice President of Human Resources and Labor Relations, Chief People Officer, Senior Vice President and Executive Vice President and Chief Associate Experience Officer.

As Kroger's most senior human resources executive, Massa led the company's strategy across talent, leadership development, labor relations, total rewards, associate well-being, and culture. He is widely credited with building one of the most respected people organizations in retail and shaping Kroger's "business-led, people-enabled" approach to talent management.

Massa was an early architect of Kroger's New Beginnings program, which creates pathways for hourly associates to build long-term careers and improve their lives through meaningful work. The program reflects a conviction that guided much of Massa's career – that talent exists everywhere, and companies have a responsibility to help all people succeed.

Massa's tenure spanned some of the most consequential moments in Kroger's recent history. He guided the company's people response to the COVID-19 pandemic, helped author Kroger's Framework for Action, and championed efforts to share Kroger's learnings from times of tragedy with other companies.

"Tim has been a relatable and trusted leader throughout his time at Kroger," said Greg Foran, CEO of Kroger. "He cares deeply about our associates and built a people organization that supports and respects them. We appreciate Tim's many contributions over the years and wish him all the best in his retirement."

He also worked closely with Kroger's Compensation and Talent Development Committee on executive compensation and Board of Directors on executive succession planning, ensuring the company has strong, ready leaders who are prepared to guide Kroger well into the future.

"Tim Massa is the kind of leader every company hopes to have, and every board is fortunate to work with," said Ron Sargent, Chairman of Kroger's board, in the recent release. "For 16 years, Tim has been a champion for Kroger's associates and a trusted partner to our Board of Directors. He built a world-class people organization, navigated the company through some of its most defining moments, and quietly shaped a generation of leaders who will carry Kroger forward for years to come. His legacy is more than the strategies he created; it's the people he developed and the culture he shaped. On behalf of the entire Board, we thank Tim for his exceptional service and wish him every success in his next chapter."

Massa's influence extends well beyond Kroger. He will continue to serve on the Board of Directors for the CHRO Association, the National Academy of Human Resources Board of Trustees, and the Center for Executive Succession Advisory Board at the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business. In 2024, Massa was named a Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources, one of the highest honors in the HR profession. He was also recognized as one of Mogul's Top People Leaders for 2026.

Massa is a member of the Cincinnati Sports Commission Board, where he was co-sponsor of recruiting Cincinnati's recent Sports Commissioner. He is also active on the Cincinnati American Cancer Society's executive committee and was honored for his contributions in 2021. He recently completed nine years of service on the Cincinnati Zoo Board of Trustees, and was part of the Cincinnati Workforce Innovation Center advisory board and the John Stuart Society at his alma mater, the University of Dayton, where he earned his bachelor's degree in marketing and communications. Massa later received an Executive HR Leaders accreditation from Cornell University.

"It has been the honor of my career to serve the associates at Kroger," said Tim. "I've been incredibly fortunate to spend my career with two of the most iconic companies in the world – both headquartered right here in Cincinnati – and to have worked in cities across the U.S. and Central Europe along the way. From day one at Kroger, I believed that our people and our company values are what make this company special, and after 16 years, I continue to believe our people are the experience makers that create the customer experience we strive for, one customer at a time. I am deeply grateful to my colleagues, to the leaders and our Board that I've had the privilege to work alongside, and most of all to the associates who bring Our Purpose to life every day. I will always believe, together, we are the best!"

In retirement, Massa plans to continue developing leaders through executive coaching and board service, with a focus on values-based leadership, CEO succession planning, and building cultures that support collaborative ways of working. He and his wife, Lisa, look forward to traveling and spending time with family and friends in Dallas, Pompano Beach, Fla., Northern California, and Catawba Island, Ohio.

Massa will remain in his role through September 18 to ensure a smooth transition. His successor will be named at a later date.

LEAMINGTON, ON - Nature Fresh Farms is proud to announce it has earned 14 awards, including 8 first-place awards at the 2026 Greenhouse Competition, with recognition spanning cucumbers, peppers, berries, and tomatoes.

Featuring 197 product entries from many of the industry’s leading greenhouse growers, the competition takes place in Essex County, Ontario, home to North America’s largest concentration of greenhouse-grown produce suppliers, and serves as a recognized benchmark for product quality, flavor, and innovation.

This year, Nature Fresh Farms was recognized across multiple categories for products distinguished by flavor, consistency, and consumer appeal.

Top honors for Nature Fresh Farms products included:

• People’s Choice Best Berry – Razzes Raspberry
• People’s Choice Best Pepper – Sweet S’NAPS Orange Specialty Long Pepper
• Chef’s Choice – Taste Good, Feel Good Red Bell Pepper
• Chef’s Choice – Sauci Roma Tomato
• Chef’s Choice – Taste Good, Feel Good Mini Seedless Cucumber
• Best Beefsteak Tomato – Taste Good, Feel Good – Beefsteak Tomato
• Perfect Pepper – Hotties Hot Pepper
• Best Berry – Razzes Raspberry

In addition to multiple second- and third-place finishes across several categories.

“These awards are meaningful because they reflect the work our teams are doing to lead through flavor, innovation, and execution in an increasingly competitive greenhouse category,” said Matt Quiring, SVP, Brand, Products & Marketing at Nature Fresh Farms, in the recent release. “Nature Fresh Farms performed strongest in specialty, flavor-forward, chef-inspired categories, including several People’s Choice and Chef’s Choice recognitions that reflect both consumer connection and culinary validation.”

The competition is evaluated through blind judging conducted by independent industry experts, including representatives from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), produce leaders, chefs, and greenhouse specialists.

As a sponsor of this year’s event, Nature Fresh Farms was proud to support the continued success of the competition and the charitable mission behind it. Hosted annually by R.E.A.C.H. International, the event helps support programs focused on education, healthcare, and community development for vulnerable children and families globally.

“As the category evolves, we see continued opportunity to differentiate through flavor, innovation, and execution,” added Quiring. “This recognition reinforces Nature Fresh Farms’ dedication to delivering premium greenhouse-grown products that resonate with consumers.”

KINGSVILLE, ON - The winners of the 2026 Greenhouse Competition in Leamington have officially been announced, recognizing excellence in greenhouse-grown produce across Leamington’s most innovative greenhouse growers. The Leamington, Ontario area is widely recognized as a leader in greenhouse production, driving advancements in product development, technology, and exceptional flavor. This annual industry competition brings together some of the largest greenhouse growers in North America, celebrating top-performing produce across a variety of categories.

This year, Red Sun Farms™ is proud to announce that Sweet North™ Strawberries received both the Best Strawberry and Overall Best Berry awards in the competition. Red Sun Farms also earned recognition for the Hottest Tomato in the Roma category.

“We are incredibly proud to receive both the Best Berry and Overall Best Strawberry recognition at the 2026 Greenhouse Competition in Leamington,” said Paul J. Mastronardi, Business Development & Account Manager at Red Sun Farms, in the recent release. “These awards are a testament to the dedication and collaboration behind our strawberry breeding program, including the ongoing research and varietal development work with our valued partners at Heritable and CIV. Together, we are focused on advancing greenhouse-grown strawberries through innovation, flavor, quality, and consistency—bringing exceptional products to both retailers and consumers.”

“We are extremely proud of the recognition our team has received at the 2026 Greenhouse Competition in Leamington,” said Harold Paivarinta, VP Sales and Business Development. “With more than 70 entries in the Berry category, this recognition is a true testament to the exceptional flavor, quality, and consistency that Sweet North™ Strawberries deliver. To receive such a prestigious award in our first year participating makes the achievement even more meaningful. Earning awards for both our strawberry program and the Hottest Tomato in the Roma category reflects our continued commitment to innovation, flavor, and quality across our product portfolio. These achievements are a testament to the passion and expertise of our growers, partners, and team members who continue to push the boundaries of greenhouse-grown produce.”

All funds raised through the Greenhouse Competition support R.E.A.C.H. International, a charitable organization that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to help build schools and medical clinics, provide access to clean drinking water, and support children and families in Africa. Red Sun Farms is proud to support this important organization through both participation in the competition and continued sponsorship of the event.

YAKIMA, WA - Summer is almost here in the Pacific Northwest, and Superfresh Growers® is gearing up for the return of its highly anticipated summer fruit lineup, featuring the sweetest cherries, juiciest blueberries, and freshest apricots of the season.

Northwest cherry season is expected to begin the last week of May, with promotable volumes arriving the first week of June, marking one of the most anticipated moments of the summer fruit season for growers, retailers, and consumers alike. While the 2026 Northwest cherry crop has faced its share of seasonal challenges, including periods of spring frost and fluctuating weather throughout bloom, growers across the Pacific Northwest have continued to navigate conditions carefully to help set the stage for a strong summer program. Current industry estimates place the Northwest crop at approximately 18.4 million 20-pound equivalent boxes, supporting promotable volumes and strong summer retail opportunities.

From juicy Dark Sweet cherries to premium Rainier cherries prized for their delicate sweetness, Superfresh Growers’ cherry program is ready to bring excitement back to produce departments throughout the summer months.

“Every season brings its own set of challenges, but our growers continue adapting and working carefully throughout the season to deliver high-quality fruit,” said Destiny Nash, Director of Cherry Sales at Superfresh Growers, in the recent release. “Consumers continue looking forward to Northwest cherries every summer, and we’re excited about the quality, flavor, and promotable opportunities this season will bring to retailers.”

That excitement continues across the company’s broader summer fruit lineup. Apricots are also making their seasonal return, debuting mid-June, bringing vibrant color and a sweet-tart flavor profile perfectly suited for summer snacking, grilling, and entertaining.

Blueberries are currently estimated to begin in the second week of June, and as demand for Pacific Northwest blueberries continues to rise, Superfresh Growers is continuing to expand available volume through partnerships with top PNW blueberry growers to help meet retailer demand for high-quality fruit throughout the season.

As consumers continue gravitating toward foods that feel fresh, flavorful, and functional, summer fruit remains well-positioned to align with evolving shopping habits. Health and wellness trends continue influencing purchasing decisions across generations, increasing demand for convenient, nutrient-dense snacks that deliver both flavor and nutritional value. Cherries, blueberries, and apricots naturally fit those preferences through their portability, versatility, and nutritional benefits, including antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C.

At the same time, retailers have a major opportunity to connect summer fruit with seasonal experiences happening at home. As many consumers look for affordable ways to enjoy the summer season, cherries can serve as both an accessible indulgence and a way to elevate backyard gatherings, BBQs, staycations, and summer entertaining occasions.

Throughout the season, Superfresh Growers will continue supporting retail partners through in-store merchandising, seasonal promotions, digital campaigns, and social media storytelling designed to keep summer fruit top of mind from June through late August.

MARLBOROUGH, MA - BJ’s Wholesale Club announced its next wave of new club growth with locations in Kentucky, Florida, and Indiana set to open this fiscal year. The new clubs are part of the company’s ongoing strategy to open 25-30 new clubs every two years.

The new clubs will be located in:

• Frankfort, Kentucky
• Ocala, Florida
• Lecanto, Florida
• Port St. Lucie, Florida
• Portage, Indiana

This expansion strengthens BJ’s presence in the Florida market up to 46 clubs and grows BJ’s footprint in the recently launched Kentucky and Indiana markets.

“We are committed to growing our footprint in both new and existing markets to bring the value of a BJ’s Wholesale Club to even more members,” said Bill Werner, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Development, BJ’s Wholesale Club, in the recent release. “Coming off the strong results of our 2025 openings, the team is excited to execute on our 2026 class, deliver value, and take care of the families who depend on us in these communities.”

With the announcement of these locations, BJ’s plans to open a total of 12 new clubs in the 2026 fiscal year, including BJ’s recent successful launch in Texas with four locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

BJ’s Wholesale Club is a true one-stop shop, offering members a wide assortment of fresh produce, a full-service deli, fresh bakery items, household essentials, pet supplies, toys, consumer electronics, apparel, and more. Members can save up to 25% off grocery store prices every day, a key driver in the brand’s successful growth for over 40 years.

To ensure a seamless shopping experience for members, BJ’s continues to invest in digital and physical conveniences:

• Curbside pickup: Easy ordering and fulfillment through the BJ’s mobile app
• Same-day delivery*: Bringing BJ’s value directly to members’ doorsteps in as little as two hours
• ExpressPay**: A mobile-first checkout solution that allows members to scan as they shop and pay for items directly in the BJ’s mobile app
• BJ’s Gas: On-site gas stations offer members unbeatable prices and additional savings through BJ’s Fuel Saver Program

A central pillar of BJ’s expansion is its commitment to the communities where members and team members live and work. BJ’s Charitable Foundation focuses on hunger relief, education, and health and wellness, supporting local schools, organizations, and food banks through donations, grants, and sponsorships.

For more information, visit BJs.com.

SAN JOSE, CA - T&T Supermarket will celebrate the grand opening of its first California location at Westgate Center in San Jose on Thursday, June 18th. The store will officially open its doors at 9:00 am, but invites the public to join its opening celebrations starting at 8:00 am.

This store marks a major milestone in the company's U.S. expansion, bringing one of North America's most unique Asian grocery experiences to Silicon Valley. Located at the prominent intersection of Saratoga Avenue and Prospect Road (1600 Saratoga Avenue), the new store will serve as T&T's first of multiple California locations.

"San Jose is a long-anticipated store," said Tina Lee, CEO of T&T Supermarkets, in the recent release. "We're bringing more than just exciting, high-quality foods. We're exporting a new way of life from Canada: one that's deeply food-centric, celebratory, rich in tradition, and fresh-obsessed. We aim to help Asian families stay connected to the food and traditions they grew up with. In pursuit of this cause, T&T has also become a destination for Asian food discovery for everyone."

Often described by The Seattle Times as a 'cult favorite', T&T has built a loyal following for its standout mix of groceries, ready-to-eat meals, bakery items, Asian beauty, and specialty goods from across Asia. The San Jose store will feature thousands of products spanning Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Southeast Asian, and other Asian cuisines, alongside T&T's private-label items, including soup pork dumplings, green onion pancake, Kalbi sauces, and Taiwanese-Style sausage.

Before the Grand Opening, customers can:

• Sign up for a FREE membership to win.
• Download the T&T App to earn points on purchases and redeem rewards. From now until June 15, California customers who sign up early can also spin the lucky wheel for a chance to win exciting prizes, including a $500 T&T gift card.

T&T will also host a pop-up at Santana Row over two consecutive weekends where the team can help you with signups. Visit on June 6–7 and June 13–14 and look for the large T&T shopping bag for snacks, games, and giveaways.

Shop T&T online (Express Delivery starting June 18)

Available to California residents via Express Delivery (next-day), In-Store Pickup, and Mail Delivery.

The San Jose location represents the first T&T Supermarket in California and signals the company's continued expansion into the U.S. market, including San Francisco and Millbrae locations in the Bay Area.

BLANDON, PA - To support its recent rebranding, Giorgio Fresh implemented an influencer strategy. Designed to bring the brand to life through food-centric storytelling, the campaign reflects the company’s overarching “real food, served fresh” ethos. I spoke with Naba Bakar, Vice President of Marketing for GoldenSun Insights, who helped spearhead the strategy.

“The influencer strategy is designed to bring the Giorgio brand to life through authentic, food-centric storytelling that reflects its 'real food, served fresh' ethos,” Naba noted. “By partnering with chefs, nutritionists, and everyday food creators, Giorgio can showcase product versatility, quality, and simplicity in a relatable way.”

By focusing on credible voices who align with the fresh produce industry’s mission to deliver healthy food, Giorgio Fresh is building trust with consumers. This, in turn, drives trial and creates consistent content that supports both retail sell-through and broader brand awareness.

“Through social media, we want to cut through all the noise and be an accessible resource where consumers can turn to for meal solutions,” Naba explained. “We hope to connect with an audience who are looking to incorporate fresh, whole foods into their diet – introducing the mushroom category as that solution for delicious and nutrient-packed meals.”

Giorgio makes this possible through a variety of value-added solutions, including Grill Packs, Stuffed Jalapeños, and Hot n Spicy Stuffed Mushrooms.

Backed by offerings that fit a range of lifestyles, the company’s rebrand is a win-win for retail partners.

WASHINGTON, DC - Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers, and consumer groups, announced a streamlined approach to auditing for integrated pest management standards. In addition, the organization offers a pollinator toolkit and upcoming webinars to share responsible production practices.

EFI, along with the certifying bodies for its Responsibly Grown, Farmworker Assured certification, joined forces to train and enable a team to audit both EFI’s social responsibility and IPM standards with a single auditor. SCS Global Services and LRQA now offer auditors who can check both sets of standards, reducing costs and the need for two auditors.

“IPM is a cornerstone of worker health and safety, significantly reducing pesticide exposure while protecting our ecosystems and pollinator health,” said LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications for EFI, in the recent release. “By championing these practices in a way that simultaneously reduces costs for growers, we’re creating a more sustainable path forward for the entire supply chain. We are grateful to our auditing partners for helping make this efficiency a reality.”

A more efficient audit is particularly important as retailers continue to strengthen expectations around pollinator protection.

“An important part of Whole Foods Market’s long-standing commitment to more sustainable agriculture is recognizing the critical role pollinators play throughout the food system,” said Ann Marie Hourigan, head of quality standards at Whole Foods Market. “With one out of every three bites of food dependent on pollinators, this work is a necessity. We require all our fresh produce and floral growers to implement integrated pest management, reducing the need for chemical pesticides, which can be harmful to pollinators. EFI’s IPM standards meet our requirements and help to ensure the future of food.”

“With EFI’s custom audit approach and our specially trained team of auditors, growers can easily and cost-effectively combine their social and IPM audits,” said Sandy Ledesman, program manager, sustainable agriculture for SCS Global Services. “These efforts truly underscore our mission to promote a more resilient agricultural sector where worker safety and ecological health are integrated into the core of every operation.”

“By streamlining our standards and reducing audit duplicity, we’ve made it easier and more cost-effective than ever for operations to add-on IPM standards into their EFI certification audit,” said Alexandra Martinez, senior digital marketing and sales associate for EFI. “This shift keeps pollinator health a central priority and arrives at the perfect moment to celebrate National Pollinator Month.”

EFI’s pollinator toolkit supports these efforts with a variety of education materials on pollinator health as well as a new series of IPM-focused webinars, which bring together growers, suppliers, retailers, and industry experts to explore integrated pest management and its role in supporting pollinator health and social responsibility.

Upcoming webinars feature field-level application, pollinator health, and alignment with retailer requirements, including sessions with Whole Foods Market. They aim to help operations meet retail requirements and achieve continuous improvement in agricultural operations.

• People and Pollinators: From the Field Up With Whole Foods Market | June 3, 2026, 10 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. EDT | Register Here
• People and Pollinators: Staying Committed to IPM With Whole Foods Market | June 24, 2026, 10 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. EDT | Register Here

On-demand webinar resources:

• IPM for People and Pollinators: EFI and Bee Better
• People and Pollinators: EFI Certification for Multiple Retailer Requirements 

Through expanded audit capacity and ongoing education, EFI continues to advance an approach that connects people, pollinators, and long-term agricultural resilience.

To learn more about EFI’s IPM standards and register for upcoming webinars, visit equitablefood.org.

PHARR, TX - As lime production transitions from spring to summer, volumes are on the rise. I connected with Medrano Produce to learn about this critical time period and what retailers need to do to prepare.

“We expect volumes to steadily increase through June, which should mark the peak of the summer harvest,” Franco Medrano, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, explained to me. “Beginning in the second half of July, production is expected to gradually slow down again. Weather across the growing regions will continue to play a major role in how strong volumes become over the next several weeks, and we are tracking conditions closely.”

Medrano Produce operates in several growing regions across Mexico. Veracruz is currently experiencing unseasonal rain alongside high temperatures.

“The warmer weather is helping drive more fruit production, but larger sizes, particularly 110s, 150s, and 175s, remain limited,” Franco added. “Tabasco is experiencing very similar conditions, with its production peak also expected in June. Jalisco is expected to mainly produce smaller sizes through June, with stronger volume and better sizing projected to begin in August if weather conditions remain favorable.”

Franco noted that although quality will continue to be closely monitored, Yucatán is expected to see good volume in July. External color, historically the region's most weather-sensitive quality marker, is expected to be impacted by current conditions, even as volumes increase.

“We expect summer pricing to stay above normal historical averages. Earlier weather stress, excessive heat, untimely rain, and cooler-than-normal days caused significant fruit drop in several regions. As a result, while summer should still bring the year's highest volumes, total availability is expected to remain below normal,” he said. “This should prevent the heavy oversupply and floor-level pricing that the market sometimes sees during peak summer production. It also means, however, that buyers should not expect promotional pricing at the depth seen in stronger production years. One additional concern is a potential oversupply of smaller fruit sizes, particularly 250s, which may create an imbalance with typical buy-side demand.”

As summer progresses, Medrano Produce expects the market to become more stable as multiple growing regions begin producing simultaneously.

“This broadens the supply base and reduces concentration risk in any single region,” Franco remarked. “That said, buyers should still prepare for higher-than-normal summer pricing and limited availability of larger sizes like 110s, 150s, and 175s. We also expect the market to lean heavily toward smaller sizes, such as 250s, so flexibility on sizing and specifications may be important. Colombian fruit should continue helping reduce major price spikes during tighter periods of the year, but higher production and freight costs still limit its competitiveness during peak Mexican production. We are also beginning to see some of the same price volatility and speculation in Colombia that we have observed in Mexico, pricing driven more by short-term volume swings than by underlying supply-and-demand fundamentals.”

As conditions continue to develop, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more updates.