SUNBURY, PA - Weis Markets announced the release of its 2024-25 Sustainability Report: Good Food Today for a Healthier Planet Tomorrow, which details the company's progress in reducing its overall environmental impact across its seven-state market area.

The biennial report reviews Weis Markets' continued efforts to conserve resources, embrace green design, reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), and strengthen its commitment to the communities it serves.

"In the last two years, we have worked to balance the growth in our store footprint with a steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship and community support," said Weis Markets Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Weis in a press release. "The progress outlined in this report is made possible by the dedication of our associates at every level of the company. We are proud of our results to date and look forward to continuing this vital work in years to come."

The report covers the 2024-2025 reporting period, during which Weis Markets grew from 197 to 202 store locations, opening seven new stores, including three ground-up builds and four brand conversions, while welcoming nearly 1,000 new associates to the Weis family.

To view Weis Markets' 2024-2025 Sustainability Report, click here.

TORONTO, ONTARIO - The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) President, Ron Lemaire, delivered a clear and confident message yesterday morning at the Association’s 2026 Annual Convention: Canada’s fresh produce sector is operating under real pressure — but it is not breaking.

Addressing industry leaders from across the supply chain, CPMA President, Ron Lemaire, framed the state of the sector around a central theme of adaptive capacity — the ability of the produce industry to flex, adjust, and perform under sustained strain while continuing to deliver food security, affordability, and resilience for Canadians.

“2026 is not a story of retreat,” said Lemaire. “It is a story of adaptive capacity — strength without breaking. Pressure is real, but so is our choice. We can turn that pressure into progress.”

An industry operating near its limits — and holding ground

CPMA member data shows an industry that held its ground in 2025 despite unprecedented challenges. While more than three-quarters of surveyed members reported stable or improved performance, growth largely came through compression rather than expansion — reflecting tighter margins and reduced operating buffers. Structural cost pressures, labour constraints, climate volatility, regulatory burden, and rapidly shifting consumer behaviour continue to define the operating environment. At the same time, fresh fruits and vegetables are increasingly recognized as strategic infrastructure, sitting at the intersection of health, affordability, and national resilience, a press release explained.

“Food security is now central to national policy discussions,” said Lemaire. “Trade infrastructure is recognized as nation-building. And sustainability expectations are evolving toward greater pragmatism and economic realism.”

Advocacy that delivers real results…

CPMA highlighted tangible progress made over the past year in relieving pressure across the supply chain, including:

• Removal of key produce tariffs affecting Canada–U.S. trade
• Expanded trade diversification efforts with priority markets
• Advancement of the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct
• Delivery of supplier protection measures under Bill C-280

These outcomes reflect CPMA’s focus on credible, solutions-oriented advocacy aligned with national priorities such as trade, infrastructure, and food security.

Food safety, sustainability, and trade readiness…

Ron Lemaire reaffirmed the organization’s leadership role in critical foundational areas such as:

• Continued investment in food safety research and regulatory engagement in Canada
• Announcement of a free CPMA Food Safety Symposium for members, to be held in Vancouver in September 2026
• A practical, cost-aware approach to sustainability focused on food loss and waste reduction, packaging innovation, Extended Producer Responsibility challenges, and emissions reduction
• Ongoing work toward harmonized global standards to reduce complexity and cost across the value chain

On trade, the CPMA President emphasized that predictable, rules-based, tariff-free access is no longer optional — it is a core business requirement. With geopolitical uncertainty and an upcoming CUSMA review, CPMA is intensifying efforts to protect and strengthen Canada’s role in an integrated North American and global produce marketplace.

Tested — Not Tired…

Looking ahead, CPMA outlined a clear direction for 2026: acknowledge capacity strain, prioritize “must-win” work, modernize regulatory frameworks, and build recovery through efficiency, diversification, and focused strategy. Member outlook for the remainder of 2026 reflects both realism and resolve — with optimism and caution split nearly evenly underscoring both opportunity and responsibility.

“We are challenged — but not divided,” said Lemaire. “And we are changing — by choice, not by force. The future of fresh produce in Canada is not something that happens to us. It is something we are building — together.”

OVIEDO, FL - Duda Farm Fresh Foods, a leading grower and processor of fresh vegetables, is pleased to announce that Amanda Brown-Estelle has joined the company as National Account Manager. In this key leadership role, Brown-Estelle will support Duda’s national retail accounts and help drive continued growth through strong customer partnerships.

Brown-Estelle joins Duda with a powerhouse background in retail and supply chain. She most recently spent nine years with IFCO in Business Development, where she worked across multiple levels of the retail sector to drive new business growth, strengthen existing partnerships, and identify new channel opportunities.

Her experience is further anchored by more than 20 years at Walmart, where she held several high-impact roles, including Director of PMO for Small Formats and Senior Buyer for Produce, Floral, and Bakery. This extensive retail expertise gives her a unique perspective that will help Duda better serve its customers and align closely with evolving market needs, a press release explained.

“Amanda brings an exceptional combination of retail insight, strategic thinking, and relationship-building expertise to our team,” said Alan Ediger, Vice President of Sales at Duda Farm Fresh Foods. “Her deep understanding of the customer, paired with her passion for the produce industry, will be instrumental as we continue to strengthen our partnerships and deliver value to our retail customers.”

“I’m incredibly excited to join Duda Farm Fresh Foods and be part of a team so deeply committed to quality and innovation,” said Amanda Brown-Estelle. “Having spent much of my career on the retail side, I look forward to supporting our partners from the grower side of the desk and working together to bring fresh, high-quality produce to consumers.”

This addition reflects Duda’s continued investment in talent and leadership as the company builds for the future and reinforces its position as a trusted partner in fresh produce.

For more information and to stay up-to-date on additional news and product launches, please visit trade.dudafresh.com or follow Dandy Fresh Produce social media platforms for daily inspiration at Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.