CINCINNATI, OH - The Kroger Co. announced that Valerie Jabbar, senior vice president of Retail Divisions, retired in May after 38 years of service.

Jabbar began her career with Kroger's Fry's division in 1987 as a clerk and rose through a series of progressive leadership roles across multiple divisions, including district manager, vice president of Merchandising, division president of Ralphs, and group vice president of Center Store Merchandising before assuming her current role in 2021.

"Val's journey from store clerk to senior vice president is a testament to what's possible at Kroger," said Ron Sargent, Chairman of The Kroger Co., in the recent release. "She shaped teams, developed leaders, and touched countless associates across this company for nearly four decades. We wish Val, Sam, and their entire family all the best in this well-earned next chapter."

Throughout her career, Jabbar has been recognized as a leader both inside and outside the grocery industry. She was named 2018 Women Executive of the Year by The Shelby Report and is a two-time Progressive Grocer Top Women in Grocery honoree. She has served on the boards of the Salvation Army, WAFC, and NextUp, and has been a committed executive sponsor of Kroger's Women's Edge and KePasa Associate Resource Groups.

LEAMINGTON, ON - Pure Flavor® is proud to announce that Rocco Reds® was awarded Chef’s Choice recognition at the Annual Greenhouse Competition held at the Leamington Fair on Friday, May 22, 2026, further cementing its title as “The Chef’s Tomato®.” Greenhouse growers from across the region gathered to showcase the quality, consistency, and innovation behind locally grown produce.

Recognized as one of the region’s longstanding greenhouse industry events, the competition celebrates excellence across multiple produce categories, including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and specialty items. Nearly 200 entries were evaluated by an independent panel of judges based on appearance, flavor, texture, uniformity, and overall quality.

Pure Flavor® is pleased to share that the following products were recognized this year:

• Coolest Cucumber — Cocktail Cucumber Category — Poco Bites®
• Perfect Pepper — Orange Bell Pepper Category – Orange Sweet Bell
• Chef’s Choice Award — Tomato — Rocco Reds® Tomato
• Overall Best in Competition — Pepper Category — Orange Sweet Bell

“This award for Rocco Reds reflects our passion for discovering and developing new varieties that deliver exceptional flavor, freshness, and quality,” said Jamie Moracci, CEO of Pure Flavor®, in the recent release. “Innovation drives everything we do, and we are honored to be recognized by our peers and community for this commitment.”

The Annual Greenhouse Competition is hosted by R.E.A.C.H. International, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting global community development initiatives, including education, healthcare, and access to clean water in Uganda. The event continues to unite growers, industry partners, and community members while supporting meaningful initiatives beyond the greenhouse industry.

Pure Flavor® remains committed to advancing greenhouse-grown produce through innovation, sustainability, and premium products consumers can count on throughout the year.

For more information about Pure Flavor® and its fresh produce offerings, visit Pure Flavor®.