SALISBURY, NC - Leading grocery retail group Ahold Delhaize USA announced that Vipin Gopal, Ph.D., has joined the company as Senior Vice President. In the role, he will serve as the chief data and artificial intelligence (AI) officer for the U.S. businesses.

Reporting to Chief Information Officer Ann Dozier, he will lead data, analytics, and artificial intelligence strategy and advance Ahold Delhaize USA’s efforts to further embed data-driven decision-making and AI capabilities into its business, a press release stated. He will play a critical role in transforming enterprise data foundations, accelerating responsible AI adoption, and enabling greater value creation in support of the company’s Growing Together strategy.

“Vipin brings deep expertise in data, analytics, and AI, along with a strong track record of transforming organizations at scale,” said Dozier. “As we continue to modernize our digital, data, and technology capabilities, his leadership will be instrumental in helping us build a strong data center of excellence and unlock differentiated value for our customers, brands, and associates.”

With more than 25 years of experience leading large-scale digital, data, and AI transformations for Fortune 100 companies, Gopal most recently served as Chief Data and Analytics Officer at Eli Lilly and Company and Walgreens Boots Alliance. In those roles, he was responsible for enterprise-wide data and AI strategy, the development and deployment of advanced analytics and AI solutions, and the modernization of data platforms.

Previously, Gopal held senior leadership roles at Humana, Cigna, United Technologies Corporation, and Honeywell. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Concentra, the largest occupational health services company in the United States.

An award-winning leader in the data and analytics field, Gopal was named the inaugural Global Executive of the Year by Chief Data Officer Magazine in 2022 and was ranked second globally among Chief Data & Analytics Officers by Technology Magazine in 2024. His thought leadership has appeared in publications including Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Review, Scientific American, Nature and Forbes.

Gopal holds a doctorate from Carnegie Mellon University, an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business, and a Bachelor of Technology from IIT Bombay.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to support Ahold Delhaize USA’s trusted omnichannel brands in unlocking new value through data, analytics, and AI by enabling smarter decisions, greater efficiency, and better experiences for customers and associates,” said Gopal.

A top destination for IT talent, in 2026, Ahold Delhaize USA was named a Top Employer in the U.S. by the Top Employers Institute for the second year in a row. The company also holds many prestigious designations, such as Progressive Grocer’s Top 100 Food Retailers in North America and Built-In’s Best Places to Work in the technology sector. In addition, Ahold Delhaize USA associates are regularly recognized on lists for being top women in grocery and industry-leading emerging talent. Interested applicants can search open roles by visiting the careers page of the Ahold Delhaize USA website.

VALENCIA, CA - Sunkist Growers, Inc., announced the appointment of Anuj Girdhar as Chief Financial Officer.

Girdhar brings more than 20 years of financial leadership experience within the agriculture and beverage industries, with a strong background in strategic planning, operational finance, and business growth. In his role at Sunkist, he will oversee the company’s Finance, Accounting, Strategy & Innovation, and Information Technology teams, partnering closely with leadership across the organization to support continued operational and strategic growth.

Most recently, Girdhar served as Chief Financial Officer at O’Neill Vintners & Distillers, where he led financial planning, reporting, and operational finance initiatives in a growth-focused environment. Prior to that, he held leadership roles at E. & J. Gallo Winery, including Director of Financial Planning & Analysis.

“Anuj brings extensive financial and operational leadership experience, along with a strong understanding of agriculture-focused businesses,” said Jim Phillips, President & CEO of Sunkist Growers, Inc., in the recent release. “His strategic mindset, collaborative approach, and industry background make him a strong addition to our leadership team as we continue positioning the cooperative for long-term success.”

As CFO, Girdhar will oversee financial operations and strategic planning initiatives across the Sunkist Growers and FGS organizations, supporting continued alignment, operational growth, and long-term strategic objectives. His appointment marks another step in the continued evolution of the shared management structure between Sunkist and FGS, supporting a long-term strategy centered on operational alignment, innovation, and sustainable growth.

“I’m honored to join Sunkist and be part of such a respected and growth-focused organization,” said Anuj Girdhar. “Having grown up with the Sunkist brand, I’ve long admired the company’s heritage and reputation. I’m excited to work alongside the team to support the cooperative’s future growth and continued success.”

For more information, visit www.sunkist.com.

CASTROVILLE, CA - In a world where busy schedules rule our lives, consumers need all the help they can get in the kitchen. Convenience in food prep can make a real difference, especially when it doesn’t come at the expense of flavor or nutrition. Ocean Mist® Farms understands the reality families face and the need for options that deliver on all fronts: fresh, nutritious, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

“With this in mind, the company is focused on developing value-added innovations that bring together the exceptional quality of our premium fresh vegetables with bold and unique flavor options, along with the promise of easy prep,” Jeff Hutterer, Director Value-Added Sales, began telling me. “Two such innovations are the newly developed Roastables and Heartichokes.”

Roastables prep-ready kits feature washed-and-trimmed vegetables, including halved Brussels sprouts, broccoli florets, and cauliflower florets—each paired with a chef-crafted seasoning packet and a crispy topping for added texture. Ready in just 15–20 minutes, they offer a simple path to a fresh, flavorful dish. The line now includes seven different SKUs, each with its own seasoning developed especially to complement the vegetables.

Heartichokes—Ocean Mist Farms’ latest, and first-to-market, innovation—feature trimmed and quartered tender artichokes, ready to use right out of the package.

“While artichokes can feel intimidating to some consumers, and prep time often puts them out of reach for weeknight meals, Heartichokes remove those barriers entirely,” Lori Bigras, Communications Manager, pointed out. “Available in two chef-crafted flavors—Lemon Butter and Savory Parm—along with an Unseasoned option for those who prefer to use their own signature spices, the line makes it simple to create a quick, flavorful side or serve as a versatile base for a wide range of dishes.”

These latest innovations from Ocean Mist take care of much of the prep work required to bring these dishes to life, delivering meaningful value for today’s time-pressed consumers. But convenience only goes so far; flavor and freshness have to deliver for the win. That’s where Ocean Mist Farms stands apart, with a commitment to providing both, without compromise.

“Since launching the first phase of our Roastables line at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in 2024, the feedback has been consistent: Consumers love the variety of flavors and, of course, the quick and easy preparation necessary with our new innovations. But what stands out most is what families are discovering at the dinner table. Kids are actually enjoying vegetables,” Jeff continued. “We’ve also heard several comments along the lines of ‘My husband and I can’t believe our kids actually love Brussels sprouts!’”

Value-added, convenience-driven foods—especially those that are fresh, healthful, and minimally processed—are more than just on trend; they’re here to stay. That’s why Ocean Mist remains focused on developing products that showcase its premium fresh vegetables while delivering flavor profiles that appeal to every palate at the table.

For a deep dive on more produce innovations, keep coming back to ANUK.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Bonduelle Americas is establishing Philadelphia as its digital-forward Growth Hub — a move designed to accelerate growth and transform how the company competes in today's rapidly evolving food landscape.

The announcement, made alongside Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, and Mayor of Philadelphia, Cherelle Parker, reflects a deliberate choice to locate in one of the country's strongest food and retail corridors.

"We want to win within the U.S. with innovative, chef-crafted healthy choices, meal solutions, and fresh services," said Bobby Chacko, Chief Executive Officer of Bonduelle Americas, in the recent release. "That means competing across the store and digital shelf, moving faster, and surrounding ourselves with the right talent and partners to do it. Philadelphia brings the kind of energy, grit, and food heritage that fuels how we build — and how we win."

Bonduelle Americas is the U.S. subsidiary of Groupe Bonduelle, a 170+ year family-owned B Corp. In the U.S., the business is evolving beyond its fresh-cut roots to build a modern plant-rich food portfolio across the store — from produce to center aisle — designed for how people actually eat today.

The Growth Hub anchors that strategy. Phase 1 operations are now active at the 4th Floor of 2400 Market Street. A permanent Phase 2 location is targeted for 2028 as the company continues to scale its presence in the region. The company expects to create over 100 roles locally over time.

Bonduelle Americas is working in partnership with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia, which have provided support for the project as part of their continued investment in economic growth and job creation.

"Pennsylvania is winning deals over other states because we're focused on what matters — building a strong workforce, cutting unnecessary red tape, and making strategic investments that attract businesses and help our existing companies grow here," said Governor Shapiro. "We're going to keep pushing aggressively to secure more projects, create quality jobs, and drive lasting economic growth across our Commonwealth."

"From day one, my administration has made clear that Philadelphia is open for business and ready for investment," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "This decision sends a strong message that companies have confidence in our city and confidence in our future. This investment means good jobs, strong benefits, and more opportunity for our residents. Philadelphia offers the talent, location, affordability, and workforce businesses need to grow and succeed, and we are proud to welcome this new Growth Hub to our city."

"Bonduelle's decision to establish their U.S. Growth Hub here is a testament to what Greater Philadelphia has to offer, and to what a coordinated regional effort looks like when it works," said Chellie Cameron, President and Chief Executive Officer, the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia (the Chamber). "Our region is driven by a collaborative business community, world-class talent, and a thriving innovation economy. Bonduelle saw that potential, and we are proud to have helped bring them here. We look forward to watching them grow alongside our members and partners."

The Philadelphia Growth Hub joins Bonduelle Americas' existing U.S. footprint — operations in California, New Jersey, and Georgia — and positions the company to scale its plant-rich food business across the store and beyond.