KINGSVILLE, ON - Del Fresco Pure® proudly celebrated a standout performance at this year’s Greenhouse Competition hosted by R.E.A.C.H. International, earning top recognition in multiple pepper categories and reinforcing the company’s leadership in premium greenhouse-grown produce.

Leading the results were Del Fresco Pure® peppers, which captured several of the competition’s highest honors:

• 1st Place – Red Bell Pepper Del Fresco Pure® Sweet Rainbow Peppers (Red)
• 1st Place – Specialty Mini Pepper Del Fresco Pure® Sweetreats® (Orange)
• 2nd Place – Specialty Long Pepper for Del Fresco Pure® Torino Sweets

In addition to its pepper success, Del Fresco Pure® also earned:

• 2nd Place – Beefsteak Tomatoes Del Fresco Pure® Beefsteak Tomatoes
• 3rd Place – Cocktail Tomatoes Del Fresco Pure® Delights

Sweet Red Cocktail Tomatoes

The competition brought together growers and greenhouse leaders from across the industry to celebrate excellence in greenhouse production, innovation, and quality. For Del Fresco Pure®, the event represented more than competition — it was an opportunity to support the important work of R.E.A.C.H. International and the positive impact the organization continues to make.

“We are incredibly proud of the recognition our pepper program received this year,” said Ray Mastronardi, Vice President of Sales, Del Fresco Pure®, in the recent release. “These awards reflect the passion and dedication of our entire growing team, but what makes this event truly special is the opportunity to come together as an industry in support of R.E.A.C.H. International. We are grateful to be part of an organization and event that gives back, strengthens our community, and supports meaningful initiatives both locally and internationally.”

Del Fresco Pure® also congratulates all participants and winners whose dedication continues to push the greenhouse industry forward. The company is proud to stand among peers who are committed to innovation, sustainability, and producing the highest quality greenhouse vegetables.

LOS ANGELES, CA - Melissa’s Produce will bring the flavors of summer and an early taste of Hatch season to the West Coast Produce Expo, taking place May 27–29 at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California, where the company will showcase a fresh mix of seasonal specialties, colorful produce, and Hatch Essentials at Booth A812.

“We always say Hatch season is more than just about peppers — it’s a whole flavor experience,” said Robert Schueller in the recent release. “Hatch Essentials gives retailers a chance to really bring that New Mexico feeling into the department with everything from popcorn and polenta to fresh salsa, seasonings, sauces, and snack mixes. It’s a fun way to start building excitement even before fresh Hatch peppers arrive.”

The booth will also feature Melissa’s lineup of colorful specialty watermelons, including Orange Watermelon, Yellow Watermelon, and Midnight Watermelon. With shoppers continuing to gravitate toward refreshing summer fruit and eye-catching displays, specialty melons remain a standout category heading into Q3.

Also making its debut at the show are Melissa’s Fresh Garbanzo Beans, with the California crop available through October. This specialty ingredient offers retailers something familiar but also a little unexpected in a fresh format.

Additional highlights will include tropical favorites such as Melissa's EZ Open Sweet Young Coconut, and trending summer snacks like Melissa’s Dried Chile Mango, along with a variety of retail-ready items designed to support summer merchandising and seasonal displays.

Attendees are encouraged to stop by Booth A812 to explore what’s new and connect with the Melissa’s team during the show.

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.