JACKSONVILLE, FL - Southeastern Grocers (SEG) is giving a nod to Earth Month with the release of its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report in addition to several initiatives. The grocer is donating 33,500 reusable bags and supporting local conservation efforts through volunteerism and monetary donations in honor of Earth Month.

“Our associates, customers, partners, and communities are constantly inspiring us to lead for positive change to help foster a healthier, more inclusive world,” Anthony Hucker, President and Chief Executive Officer, said. “In 2023, we took significant steps to promote fairness, diversity, and sustainability throughout our operations. By implementing eco-friendly practices, supporting our diverse workforce and partnering with suppliers who share our values, we actively worked to safeguard our environment and create a more equitable future."

The annual sustainability report offers a comprehensive overview of SEG’s support of the environment and its neighbors through ongoing corporate social responsibility efforts across the Southeast, a press release stated. The grocer aligns its sustainability report with six specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which address hunger, health, education, inequalities, responsible consumption and production, and ocean conservation.

In 2023, SEG, together with its charitable arm, the SEG Gives Foundation, donated more than $3.7 million to local communities. This included more than $560,000 in crucial funds and 13 million pounds of food to help alleviate hunger.

Last year, SEG also furthered its commitment to diversity among its associates and supplier partners. SEG also remains committed to responsible environmental stewardship and advocating for fair practices for animal welfare and pollinators through collaboration with suppliers and community partners.

SEG has increased its waste reduction efforts by eliminating the use of nearly 125,000 pounds of paper and 1.95 million single-use plastic bags. In celebration of Earth Month, the grocer is donating 33,500 reusable bags to local food banks and organizations serving underrepresented communities across the Southeast. SEG is also donating more than $12,000 to local and conservation-focused organizations throughout the Southeast.

For more from the press release, click here.

As we round out Earth Month with more celebrations, keep reading us here at ANUK.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Cheers to one year! 721 Logistics division J&K Fresh East (JKFE) is celebrating the first anniversary of its Miami office, reflecting on the growth, innovation, and strengthened relationships that have resulted from it.

"This is an exciting milestone for us, and our first year in Miami has been incredibly successful. Our local team is well versed in perishable logistics and excited to deliver exceptional service for our customers,” Tony Fernandez, JKFE’s Director Southeast Region, stated. “Our FreshLook™ technology is unique in the industry and perishable specific. It provides a collaborative and innovative dashboard management to help our customers get fruit to market faster.”

JKFE leverages its in-house technology to further improve its clients’ experience with cargo moving through Miami.

The company’s Miami office joins Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Savannah, and Houston, where the J&K Fresh brand provides its specialized services to customers, a press release explained.

"We have loved working with JKFE this past year,” said Sydney Allison, Director of Sales at IMG Citrus. “They always seek to find solutions urgently and are constantly looking out for our growers and partners. They value relationships and communication!"

Oppy’s Staci Burke also commented on the company’s impressive service.

“JKFE exemplifies what customer service means in our industry,” Burke, Director of Port and Distribution Operations, stated. “Regardless of entry port or commodity, they understand our business—they just get it!”.

Congratulations to JKFE on this exciting company milestone. To many more!

Read more about the milestone here, and keep clicking on ANUK for more industry news.

RIO RICO, AZ - Who is the latest leader stepping in to drive growth for Fresh Farms, you ask? The table grape provider has appointed industry vet Shaun Ricks to its sales team, tapping into over three decades of expertise.

"My primary goal is to support the existing sales staff while boosting efforts to maintain uniformity in the grape supply chain," said Shaun Ricks. "I am excited for the opportunity to work with Fresh Farms and its dynamic staff, and I am motivated to succeed for the Molina Family, who have graciously given me the chance to return to the business I love after overcoming a challenging battle with Long Covid."

Ricks has over 30 years of industry experience, including 25 years in fresh table grapes. As he joins Fresh Farms’ sales team, he will play a key role in representing the Molina Family grapes to its esteemed clientele while focusing on expanding distribution as volumes grow. As a press release explained, Ricks joins the team with a clear vision and dedication to furthering the success of Fresh Farms, and his extensive experience in various aspects of the produce industry—from grower engagement to destination marketing—positions him well to contribute to the enhancement of systems and processes within the company.

The industry vet joins the team at a crucial time, as Fresh Farms is anticipating a successful Mexico grape season, with approximately 7 million boxes expected in the total program.

Congrats to Shaun Ricks on this new role!

CHARLOTTE, NC - As Dole Food Company celebrates 125 years of its famed DOLE® bananas, it is applying its knowledge to a new category: mangos. The category will join the supplier’s lineup of other tropical products, including the recently launched pitaya.

"We are thrilled to add these incredible mango varieties to our portfolio for customers looking to further build their produce departments," said Brennon Neff, Vice President of Dole Pineapple Sales. "At Dole, we are committed to providing our Dole customers with the highest quality produce from around the world, and we believe that these additions will delight their shoppers and inspire culinary creativity."

The mangos are currently sourced from Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica, with plans to expand to Ecuador and Peru, a release stated.

Among the varieties being introduced by Dole are:

• Ataulfo - Renowned for its deep flavor, succulent sweetness, buttery texture, and vibrant color, these mangos are a beloved favorite among fruit enthusiasts worldwide. They have only around 60 calories per serving and are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium
• Tommy Atkins - Leading the mango market, these mangos are sweet and tangy, rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber. With their vibrant color, firm texture, and juicy flesh, they are visually appealing and perfect for enjoying fresh or incorporating into a variety of culinary creations
• Kent – These mangos are celebrated for their exceptionally sweet and rich flavor. Characterized by smooth flesh and tropical undertones, they are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber. With their vibrant orange-red skin and juicy, succulent texture, they are often enjoyed fresh, blended into smoothies, or added to salads and desserts
• Keitt - Prized for their uniquely sweet and mildly tart flavor profile, these mangos feature firm, fiberless flesh and a hint of citrus undertones. Their striking green skin even when ripe, prolonged shelf-life, and smooth texture make them appealing to everyone
• Haden - Distinguished for their exceptionally sweet and tropical flavor, and juicy, aromatic taste. Like others, these mangoes are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and dietary fiber. With their vibrant red-orange skin, smooth texture, and succulent flesh, they are beloved by mango enthusiasts worldwide

These new offerings are currently shipping worldwide.

To see how Dole’s mango program evolves, keep reading ANUK.