CINCINNATI, OH - Another well-deserved recognition is signaling Kroger’s 2024 success as the retailer has solidified its rank among the 2024 Axios Harris Poll 100, a survey that demonstrates the reputations of the most visible companies in the United States.

"I am incredibly proud of our outstanding associates whose unfailing dedication to serving communities across America with honesty, integrity, and respect earned this designation," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Providing our customers with the food they need to thrive is more than a mission; it is a responsibility to keep prices low and help families put fresh, affordable food on their tables every day. We do not take for granted the trust placed in us to feed America."

The Axios Harris Poll is a trusted ranking of the reputations of companies most on the minds of Americans, with a framework used by Harris since 1999, a press release stated. Survey respondents evaluate reputations against key dimensions such as ethics, trust, vision, and products and services. 

Kroger has received consistently high marks on the survey, regularly ranking among America's most visible and trusted companies.

Part of Kroger’s success in this area is a result of its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste impact plan, which has provided $1.5 billion to support hunger relief—including 696 million pounds of surplus fresh food rescued—since its launch in 2017.

"Kroger's continual ranking on the Axios Harris Poll 100 is a testament to the company's relentless commitment to do more good for more communities by expanding access to fresh, affordable food for customers and job and career opportunities for associates," said Keith Dailey, Kroger's Group Vice President of Corporate Affairs. "This survey underscores Kroger's role in making meaningful, positive impact in our communities every day."

To learn more about Kroger's Zero Hunger | Zero Waste progress, click here, and to read more about the retailer’s latest recognition, click here. Congrats to Kroger on this recognition!

More retail news is on the way, so stay tuned.

DALLAS, TX - A strategic partnership announced by Hort Americas is bringing a new innovation to the market. The company has teamed up with Meteor Systems to exclusively distribute its HDPE floating rafts in North America.

“Our goal continues to be focused on offering products that last, and we feel this is our best option for cost-effective, sustainable solutions at this point in time,” said Chris Higgins, President and Co-Founder of Hort Americas. “Offering a durable HDPE floating raft aligns with our commitment to bring more environmentally friendly solutions to the market. These rafts provide a longer lifespan and better insulation capacity than traditional EPS rafts.”

Meteor Systems’ HDPE floating rafts are easy to clean and exceptionally durable, outlasting traditional EPS rafts by four to five times, a press release stated. This longevity reduces the need for replacements, promoting more sustainable agricultural practices by minimizing landfill waste.

The HDPE floating rafts are designed to increase operational efficiency and profitability. With the ability to handle them both manually and automatically, they are suitable for various farming systems, including deep water culture and vertical farming. The unique design also allows for customization in plant hole shapes and sizes.

“Our HDPE floating rafts are engineered to provide higher yields per square meter compared to traditional EPS rafts,” said Bas Dirven, Head of Research and Development at Meteor Systems. “Also, their ability to be fully automated makes them an ideal choice for modern, smart farming environments.”

A standout feature of the HDPE floating rafts is their ease of cleaning using chemicals, high-pressure washing, and hot water. This ensures a clean start for each growing cycle and reduces the risk of disease. The rafts can even be recycled into new ones.

“The total cost of ownership for HDPE floating rafts is less than 50 percent per lettuce head compared to EPS rafts, making them a much more profitable long-term investment,” Dirven added. “This partnership allows North American growers to transition to a more sustainable, cost-effective solution that supports higher yields and reduces environmental impact.”

As we continue to hear about industry innovations, ANUK will be sure to report.

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - An experienced Manager with a track record of growth is moving to Allen Lund Company’s Kansas City office. Zach Anderson is transitioning from his post as General Manager of ALC Boise to the position of General Manager of ALC Kansas City.

"It's such an honor to be able to take over the reins of the ALC Kansas City office,” Anderson said. “Over the past three years, I've managed an incredible team in our Boise office. If it weren't for my team's hard work and determination day in and day out, this opportunity in Kansas City would not be possible. It's bittersweet leaving such a great team, but I'm excited for my wife Brianna and I to get back to our Midwestern roots and build a strong team in Kansas City. Thank you again to my team in Boise for a wonderful three years and the executive team for trusting me to take on this new role!"

Anderson previously served as the General Manager of the Boise office. In his time at ALC Boise, he grew his team into one of the most productive and profitable offices in the company, a press release explained.

Tracey Lewin, Vice President of Sales and Operations, commented on the news.

“I am thrilled that Zach has taken the reins as the new Kansas City GM! This is yet another leap of faith Zach is taking, not only for ALC but also for himself and his wife Brianna,” Lewin stated. “They are heading ‘home’ to the Midwest after having taken that first leap of faith to move from St. Louis, MO to Boise, ID when Zach was promoted to General Manager for that office. In the three short years Zach was the GM there, he generated incredible success with the development and steady growth of the office and its business, resulting in nearly a 4x revenue increase. I have no doubt that Zach will put the same amount of energy, hard work, and dedication into the Kansas City office and we will see the same level of success in no time. This is a great move for Zach and for the KC team, and we couldn't be happier! Thank you, Zach, and congratulations on this next venture!"

Congratulations to Zach Anderson on his newest title!

MOUNT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND - Building healthy eating habits as children is critical, as those habits often follow us into adulthood. Through its Feel Good Study, Zespri™ is tackling this challenge by examining the relationship between fruits and vegetables (FV) and children's well-being.

“As stewards of the next generation's well-being, we understand the profound impact that early nutrition has on a child's lifelong health,” said Ng Kok Hwee, General Manager of Global Marketing, Zespri. “It is only through cultivating positive eating habits in a sustainable manner that we can truly make a difference and thrive as a healthier society with a brighter future.”

The Feel Good Study was conducted by researchers at University of Auckland, New Zealand, who lead research, education, and clinics in nutrition science, nutrition, and dietetics, a press release stated. Exploring strategies to increase exposure to unfamiliar FVs to promote acceptance in children, the study aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a 10-week FV dietary intervention in primary school and the measurement of mental and cognitive health outcomes among those aged between eight and 10 years old.

As demonstrated by the study, increased FV acceptance from childhood paves the way for healthy dietary habits that extend to adulthood, in turn leading to improved overall well-being.

“We've always been invested in learning more about the nutritional benefits of kiwifruit to human health, but with this study, we sought to dig deeper into the nutritional outcomes of fruits and vegetables as part of a whole diet approach. We investigated areas that have not been studied as much—in particular, well-being and cognitive development—to show how choosing fruits and vegetables is not just a nutritional or dietary decision, it is an investment into the well-being of the child,” said Dr. Paul Blatchford, Innovation Manager – Core Products, Zespri. “This study represents Zespri's first step in understanding the tangible benefits to well-being. Given the varying nutritional challenges in each market, we plan to go beyond taking this first step and extend this research to future studies in our key markets.”

Overall, the study demonstrated the potential of increasing FV acceptance, overall diet quality, and vegetable intake among participants by raising awareness of the diverse FV options available locally. To dig further into the findings of the study, click here.

And stay tuned for our next update.

PORTLAND, OR - There are so many activities to look forward to in the summertime, and GLOBALG.A.P. North America’s new free webinar series is one of them. The series highlights the often untapped value farmers can derive from the Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) standard.

The flagship GLOBALG.A.P. IFA standard is globally recognized for its robust food safety certification at farm level, a press release stated. Since its inception, IFA has embodied a holistic approach to responsible farming practices, encompassing not only food safety but also environmental and social considerations relevant to farms.

This summer, GLOBALG.A.P. will present three free webinars highlighting the multifaceted value IFA provides. These include:

• IFA supports PROFIT: Transforming audits into value-added programs - June 25, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. PST: Explore how quality management practices and pursuit of certifications are strategic investments in the long-term success of your farming operation
• IFA supports PLANET: Pollinator protection: Enhancing farm sustainability and productivity - July 11, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. PST: Explore how implementing a robust pollinator program not only meets retailers’ requirements but also brings significant benefits to your farm and the environment
• IFA supports PEOPLE: Fostering ethical labor practices for a sustainable future - August 15, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. PST: Explore how integrating the GLOBALG.A.P. Risk Assessment on Social Practice add-on with your farm’s practices not only demonstrates your commitment to responsible labor but also enhances the sustainability of your operation

Attendees can register for the first webinar here.

More produce programs and initiatives are coming your way, so stick with us.