UNITED STATES - Cheers to the mothers we know, the mothers we are, the furbaby moms, and the aspiring mothers-to-be. Approaching this holiday comes with its own season of possibilities, whether you are being celebrated or are doing the celebrating. Reflecting on this time of year through the lens of Mother’s Day and fresh produce is always a wonderful way to honor the moment. Join me as some of our friends share their experiences and love of the holiday.

Megan Gorgisheli, Vice President, Marketing Administration and Brand, The Giumarra Companies

“I love working in our industry because fresh produce and flowers are some of my favorite things. Becoming a mom made my work all the more special as I get to share what I do with my son and teach him about fruit. Mother’s Day is an extension of what I am already doing in my day-to-day life: leaning on fresh to elevate eating occasions. Produce and floral have a spot on my table, and beautiful displays at retail highlighting celebratory moments always catch my eye. I fill my cart based on what looks good, and I will rarely turn down a fun produce impulse buy.”

Dan’l Mackey Almy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, DMA Solutions, Inc.

“Mother's Day is one of those holidays that holds a full spectrum of emotion. For some, it's a celebration. For others, it's a day of remembrance. Fresh produce has a way of living in both spaces, showing up at the celebration and carrying the remembrance through a flavor, a recipe, or a tradition that connects us to someone we love. As a mom myself, our celebrations almost always involve two things: delicious food and theatre. It's woven into the special moments, and those are the memories that stick.

For retailers, that's the invitation: fresh produce isn't just a department, it's where moments and memories can start. A stunning display of seasonal fruit, a pop of fresh herbs, and a hand-lettered sign that nods to both celebrations and remembrances. Small gestures that tell every shopper, whatever they're feeling today, that they're seen.”

Brianna Shales, Marketing Director, Stemilt

"As a mom of boys, the holidays are busy, loud, and hungry—and fresh produce helps keep everything balanced. We always celebrate Mother's Day with a big breakfast made sweet by a bowl of seasonal fruits like berries, watermelon, and this year cherries, since the peak season in California lines up perfectly with this holiday. Retailers can make the most of this holiday by leaning into seasonal items and positioning them as convenient and indulgent. After all, fresh produce supports both celebration and self-care, and that's what this special day to honor moms is all about."

Karen White, Vice President of Marketing Operations, Grimmway Produce Group

“Happy Mother’s Day! As a mom to an active eight-year-old boy and an entertainer six-year-old girl, Mother’s Day is really about them. They have already given me the best gift by making me a mom. Our days are full, but dinner is the one time we are all together, and we always go around and ask what the best part of your day was. It is a simple way to stay grounded and keep things positive. I genuinely love the work I do in produce, but like most working moms, it is a constant balance. I have learned you cannot do it all, and sometimes you have to let go of the small stuff to be present for the moments that matter, like recitals, awards, and school events. Having a supportive organization that allows for that balance makes all the difference.”

Krista Beckstead, Director of Marketing, Mountain View Fruit Sales

"Mother's Day, like every holiday, is a time to get family together, and that always revolves around a meal at my house. I always try to incorporate lots of fruits and veggies into each meal for added nutrients for my two boys. One time, I even carried a pink pineapple on the plane back from a food show for Mother's Day brunch for everyone to try. New items from the produce department are always a great addition to a holiday meal, so everyone can try them out together. Retailers can capitalize on this concept by putting new and in-season (think Mountain View peaches and nectarines right now) items towards the front of their produce departments, so they are eye-catching and easy to grab!"

Lisa (Davis) Corrigan, Director of Retail Business Development, Sunview Marketing International

“For Mother’s Day, it’s all about unwinding and spending quality time with family. I’m dreaming of a BBQ paired with a fresh salad (my absolute favorite) and grilled vegetables. I’m so fortunate to have a husband who knows the produce section inside out, but for those who don’t, it would be wonderful if retailers had some one-stop merchandising displays. Imagine a selection of fresh fruits and veggies, all together for a quick, healthy snack. And if you’re in the mood for something hearty, a rib-eye steak would be the perfect complement!”

Mother's Day is really about meeting those mother-figures in our lives where they are and then elevating the moment.

SALINAS, CA - Syngenta Vegetable Seeds strengthens its commitment to romaine growers with the launch of Renegade , a new romaine lettuce variety with high resistance to Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV). Joining Stampede, which has been reclassified from Intermediate to High INSV resistance, Renegade represents the latest advancement in Syngenta's industry-leading portfolio. Together, Renegade and Stampede give romaine growers two proven options with high resistance to INSV, providing the flexibility to build stronger, more resilient growing programs across conditions and seasons.

“Syngenta Vegetable Seeds is proud to deliver a romaine lettuce program with the best-in-class product solutions tailored to growers needs. Our romaine lettuce portfolio now features high resistance to INSV, which represents a significant breakthrough for Salinas Valley growers, where disease pressure demands enhanced protection,” said Melaku Mekonnen, Breeder, in the recent release.

Introducing Renegade: The Latest Addition to Syngenta's INSV-Resistant Romaine Portfolio

Renegade is Syngenta's latest investment in giving romaine growers the tools they need to stay ahead of disease pressure and changing growing conditions.

A romaine variety purpose-built for Salinas Valley growing conditions, Renegade carries high resistance to INSV. Its planting window from April 1 through August 31 makes it well-suited for growers managing production through the summer season, and its strong bolting tolerance aids against heat stress and unpredictable conditions of the summer growing season.

Like Stampede, Renegade is a multipurpose variety suited for fresh market and processing applications, delivering the consistent, market-ready type that buyers and distributors expect. Both varieties also share one of the most comprehensive disease resistance packages available in commercial romaine, with high resistance not only to INSV but also to multiple races of Downy Mildew, including Race 10, and to Tomato Bushy Stunt Virus (TBSV). Renegade and Stampede lead Syngenta's romaine lettuce portfolio as the first commercially available varieties featuring Race 10 Downy Mildew protection.

With the highly slotted nature of growing lettuce, Stampede and Renegade give growers options, allowing them to match the right variety to the right conditions and reduce reliance on any single solution.

"Renegade was developed by working hand in hand with growers and validating performance through independent trials with organizations like UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. Salinas Valley growers need varieties they can count on, and Renegade delivers that," said Justin Goodwyn, Product Specialist, LBO, West US.

Nick Barnes, Commercial Unit Manager, West US, sees the expanded portfolio as a direct reflection of Syngenta's commitment to growers.

"Persistent disease pressure and high thrip counts remind us every season why this work matters. With Stampede's resistance classification now confirmed as High Resistance and Renegade joining the portfolio with the same classification, we're giving growers more options to build resilient, diversified programs they can count on. Syngenta's investment in INSV-resistant romaine is ongoing, because the challenges growers face are ongoing, and being a true partner means staying ahead of those challenges," said Barnes.

INSV and Its Impact on Romaine Production

For decades, the Salinas Valley has been the heart of romaine lettuce production in the United States. INSV has significantly impacted Salinas Valley romaine lettuce production in recent years. The virus, transmitted by thrips, causes rapid yield loss and unmarketable produce. Crop losses in the Salinas Valley reached an estimated $150 million at peak infection levels, threatening the stability of grower operations.

A Stronger Portfolio for the Seasons Ahead Syngenta

Vegetable Seeds is providing romaine growers with the most robust INSV-resistant romaine portfolio available, giving growers the tools, flexibility, and confidence to protect their operations season after season. Contact your local Syngenta representative to learn more about Stampede and Renegade and find the right fit for your growing program.

To learn more about Stampede and Renegade and Syngenta's INSV-resistant romaine portfolio, visit here.

To connect with a local Syngenta representative, visit here.

SALISBURY, NC - Leading grocery retail group Ahold Delhaize USA announced an expanded partnership with Uber Eats to bring enhanced on-demand grocery delivery to customers across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Through the collaboration, nearly 2,000 stores – operated by Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company, encompassing GIANT and MARTIN’s, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop – are now available on the Uber Eats marketplace.

Customers can shop their favorite Ahold Delhaize USA brand directly in the Uber Eats app, providing another channel for customers for online access to thousands of items such as fresh foods, pantry staples, household essentials, and alcohol at select locations, with on-demand and scheduled delivery options. In conjunction with the launch, Uber and Ahold Delhaize USA brands will be offering a special promotion for customers’ first order on the Uber Eats platform.

“Customers expect flexibility in how they shop, and that means being wherever they are — whether through our own brand experiences or trusted marketplaces like Uber Eats,” said Keith Nicks, Chief Commercial and Digital Officer, Ahold Delhaize USA, in the recent release. “This partnership reinforces our brands’ commitments to being leading omnichannel retailers, making it even easier for customers to access the brands they know and trust.”

The partnership strengthens the Ahold Delhaize USA brands’ omnichannel offerings by meeting customers wherever and however they choose to shop, while maintaining the strong local connection each brand is known for. It also builds on the existing partnership between Ahold Delhaize USA and Uber Direct, a delivery solution supporting Ahold Delhaize USA brands’ first-party delivery channels. Through Uber Direct, Ahold Delhaize USA brands have access to Uber’s network of couriers, enabling fast, convenient delivery for customers.

“Partnering with trusted local retailers like the Ahold Delhaize USA brands allows us to bring fresh, affordable groceries and everyday essentials to more customers,” said Hashim Amin, Head of Grocery and Retail for Uber in North America. “With nearly 2,000 stores now available, customers can shop the brands they know and love, whether they’re planning ahead or ordering on-the-go.”

Shopping Ahold Delhaize USA brands on Uber Eats is easy. Customers can open the Uber Eats app, tap “Grocery” and select a nearby Food Lion, Giant Food, The GIANT Company (GIANT or MARTIN’S), Hannaford or Stop & Shop location and browse a wide assortment of items, add products to cart, choose a delivery time and place the order. Orders are then tracked in real time to customers’ doorsteps. Eligible orders at participating locations also support SNAP/EBT payments, enabled through Uber’s partnership with Forage.

With the launch of this partnership, customers can now choose to shop via Ahold Delhaize USA local brands’ website and apps, or major online ordering marketplaces, including Uber Eats.

MISSION VIEJO, CA - The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) has released its first Foodservice Quarterly Insights report, expanding the industry’s visibility into how avocados are performing across U.S. restaurants. Developed in partnership with Datassential, the report tracks avocado menu presence, restaurant segment performance, and menu applications across the foodservice channel.

The new report complements HAB’s existing retail insights and provides growers, importers, and marketers with a broader view of avocado demand across both retail and foodservice. The first edition covers Q4 2025 foodservice performance and will be followed by quarterly updates moving forward.

Key insights from the report include:

• Broad menu penetration of avocados across U.S. restaurants, reinforcing their role as a staple ingredient across many concepts.
• Limited-service restaurants account for a significant share of avocado menu presence, highlighting the importance of quick-service and fast-casual formats in foodservice demand.
• Avocados appear across a wide range of menu applications, including sandwiches, bowls, and other multi-ingredient dishes.
• Menu presence and placement vary across restaurant segments, helping identify where avocados are firmly established and where additional opportunities may exist.

“The foodservice channel continues to play an important role in the avocado category,” said Alejandro Gavito, Director of Business Insights and Data at the Hass Avocado Board, in the recent release. “This report helps the industry better understand how avocados are showing up on menus across restaurant segments and where there may be opportunities to expand their presence.”

For the industry, the report is designed to be more than a quarterly snapshot – it is a practical tool. HAB encourages industry stakeholders to use these insights to benchmark avocado performance, identify opportunities and strengthen operator conversations, and inform supply, marketing and menu strategies in the quarters ahead. The report will be released quarterly and is available at HassAvocadoBoard.com/foodserviceinsights.

BAKERSFIELD, CA - At the beginning of 2026, Sun World International, a global leader in fruit genetics and variety licensing, launched its global mango program. In April, Sun World showcased a key point of differentiation of its portfolio in the category: extended seasonality led by its extremely late-maturing Blyde Late mango variety. Out of South Africa, Blyde Late remains in market into May, while traditional varieties begin to taper off. This milestone follows a series of international field days and a capstone Mango Symposium during Fruit Logistica 2026 in Berlin, bringing together growers, marketers, and industry partners to experience Sun World’s expanding mango portfolio in real-world conditions.

From early-season varieties like Kankun, Lady Jane, and Sumango2 to the program’s standout ultra-late-season performer, Blyde Late, the first year was designed to showcase the portfolio across global markets while establishing partnerships around long-term opportunities.

“Blyde Late is a powerful example of what this program is built to do,” said Bernardo Calvo, President and CEO of Sun World International, in the recent release. “It allows our partners to stay in the market longer, even when others are already out. That’s a meaningful shift — and it reflects our broader goal of creating a more consistent, reliable mango category through innovation.”

Sun World hosted three field days attended by South African growers, as well as international marketers and distributors. These events gave partners firsthand access to commercial mango offerings and the opportunity to engage with the company’s technical, commercial, and quality teams. The Berlin Mango Symposium provided a platform to share insights into Sun World’s breeding focus, commercialization model, and long-term vision to deliver a premium, year-round mango supply. Four new varieties with an exceptional eating experience were showcased.

Sun World’s mango program is designed to address market opportunities in the category, where legacy varieties continue to dominate global supply despite inconsistent eating quality and high retail shrinkage. The company’s breeding strategy prioritizes flavor, appearance, shelf life, and long seasonality paired with high productivity.

Blyde Late exemplifies that approach. As an extremely late-maturing variety with strong yield potential, excellent fruit size, and high sugar content. At full maturity, Blyde Late extends the mango season well beyond traditional windows, offering retailers and marketers new opportunities to maintain momentum in the category.

“It’s not just about having great fruit but having great quality for an extended period of time,” said Gerardo Lugo, Chief Commercial Officer at Sun World. “With Blyde Late, we’re helping our partners capture value in a part of the season that historically has been underserved. That’s where real commercial advantage starts to take shape.”

The mango program also included the announcement of Sun World’s collaboration with Mission Produce, strengthening the company’s ability to scale its mango portfolio through an established global sourcing and distribution platform. The collaboration showcases Sun World’s long-term commitment to transforming the mango category through genetics, licensing, and market-led innovation.

“We’re building a program that connects breeding, commercialization, and global partnerships in a way that hasn’t been done before in mangoes,” said Calvo. “And we’re doing it with a clear focus — delivering better fruit, more consistently, across the entire season.”

Sun World’s mango pipeline includes multiple commercial varieties, advanced selections in global trials, and a growing footprint across key production regions, which positions the company as a leader in the future of the category.

For more information about Sun World and its programs, visit sun-world.com.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - ReposiTrak, Inc., an AI-powered, integrated supply chain platform, announced that a leading wholesale grocery cooperative in the Southern United States has become the first wholesaler to achieve full supplier-to-store traceability using ReposiTrak’s Touchless Traceability™ solution—marking a significant operational and technological milestone in the industry.

This achievement reflects the wholesaler’s leadership in adopting a fundamentally new approach to traceability—one that replaces traditional, labor-intensive scanning processes with a modern, automated data exchange model. By implementing Touchless Traceability, the organization has achieved end-to-end FSMA 204 compliance without requiring case-level scanning, manual data handling, or changes to distribution center workflows.

Rather than relying on scanning or reconstructing product movement after the fact, ReposiTrak electronically captures FDA-required Key Data Elements (KDEs) directly from suppliers at the time of shipment and from receivers at time of delivery so that no case scanning is required. This not only eliminates scanning, but it also provides a robust error detection and correction process to provide extremely high levels of accuracy without touching any of the product.

“This is a meaningful achievement for this wholesaler,” said Randy Fields, Chairman and CEO of ReposiTrak, in the recent release. “They made the decision to move beyond legacy approaches and adopt a modern, network-based model for traceability. The result is full compliance without adding work to the DC. That’s what Touchless Traceability enables—accurate data flowing automatically, without scanning, without manual intervention, and without operational friction.”

By successfully deploying this model, the wholesaler has demonstrated that large-scale traceability can be both operationally practical and technologically advanced, setting a new standard for the industry.

Additional wholesalers and retailers are already in various stages of deployment and are expected to achieve full supplier-to-store traceability using ReposiTrak’s Touchless Traceability solution in the coming months, further validating the scalability and repeatability of this approach.

RIPON, CA - The Save Mart Companies, one of the West Coast’s largest regional full-service grocery chains, hosted a community celebration at the newly remodeled Save Mart store in Ripon on Wednesday, April 29. Located at 1453 Goodwin Drive, the updated store introduces a range of new amenities and expanded product offerings designed to enhance the shopping experience and meet the evolving needs of the local community.

Customers will now enjoy a full-service butcher block and seafood counter, an expanded service deli with convenient grab-and-go options, a refreshed bakery cake case, and an on-site sushi chef. The store also features expanded selections of fresh produce-- including prepared items such as fruit parfaits, guacamole, and salsa-- along with an expanded wine and spirits assortment. The store has also added self-checkout stations.

“Our customers in Ripon have made this store an important part of the community, and we’re proud to introduce these new upgrades and expanded services for them,” said Bobby McDowell, vice president of store operations at Save Mart, in the recent release. “We’re excited to celebrate with our neighbors and to continue serving this community for years to come.”

To celebrate the remodel, Save Mart’s community celebration featured remarks from Save Mart team members and contributions to local schools and community partners.

The festivities included a friendly “Heroes Bagging Showdown” competition between Second Harvest of the Greater Valley, San Joaquin County Family Justice Center Foundation, and The Healthy Room Project. Each organization will keep items bagged to support their mission and communities served and earn gift cards to add resources to support their missions.

The celebration continued Friday, May 1 – Sunday, May 3 when customers were invited to return for a special vendor sampling event and gift card giveaway. The event will also feature appearances from The Save Mart Companies’ iconic oversized shopping cart, “Big Red.”

FESNO, CA - The California table grape industry is deeply appreciative of the recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding its intent to purchase $25 million of fresh table grapes in the U.S. through the Section 32 program as part of a broader $118 million investment supporting American farmers and strengthening the nation’s food supply.

The commitment of USDA to purchasing fresh foods reflects the important role domestic agriculture plays in supporting rural communities, maintaining a stable food system, and ensuring nutritious foods reach families in need across the country.

Over 99 percent of commercially grown table grapes in the United States come from California, so for California table grape growers and shippers, and the tens of thousands of workers who support this industry, this investment is both meaningful and timely.

“On behalf of the California table grape industry, I want to express sincere gratitude to Secretary Brooke Rollins, Under Secretary Dudley Hoskins, and the dedicated career staff at USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service for their attention to this request and their continued partnership with the California table grape industry. Their responsiveness helps ensure programs like Section 32 deliver real value to producers and communities alike,” said Ian LeMay, president of the California Table Grape Commission, in the recent release.

“We look forward to continuing our work alongside USDA to successfully deliver high-quality, nutritious Grapes from California to food assistance programs nationwide,” said LeMay.