CHELSEA, MA - Bright Bounty announces the start of its organic melon program, featuring mini seedless watermelons, cantaloupes, and honeydews sourced through its trusted grower network in Mexico, California, and North Carolina. As part of Bright Bounty’s organic fruit program, the melon category is designed to deliver consistent quality, reliable supply, and strong retail performance throughout the season.

“Organic melons are a high-impact summer category,” says Nelly Czajkowski of Bright Bounty. “Through our direct relationships with growers and our integrated supply approach, we’re able to deliver the consistency and quality retailers need to drive sales and build shopper confidence—especially as younger consumers increasingly expect organic options at retail.”

Strong Supply, Seamless Transitions, and Promotional Opportunities

California’s Central Valley is expected to deliver excellent volume this season, creating consistent opportunities for ad promotions and feature activity throughout the summer, a press release stated. Bright Bounty’s multi-region sourcing strategy ensures a seamless transition from imports to domestic production, maintaining continuity of supply, stable quality, and the ability to support regular promotional cadence across the full season.

The program runs May through early November, with East Coast mini seedless watermelons available from late June through early August. Expanded sourcing from North Carolina further strengthens regional supply, shortens transit times, and supports local growing partners.

Built to Reduce Shrink and Improve Margins

Bright Bounty’s just-in-time inventory model aligns deliveries with store-level demand—reducing backroom storage, limiting product aging, and ensuring melons arrive at peak condition. Faster turns translate to lower shrink, improved freshness, and stronger margins for retailers. This model is supported by disciplined cold chain management from field to shelf, preserving product integrity and delivering a consistently high-quality eating experience that drives repeat purchases.

Category Driver with Strong Consumer Appeal

Organic melons continue to perform as a seasonal traffic driver, combining value, versatility, and health appeal. Watermelon offers lycopene, cantaloupe delivers high levels of vitamins A and C, and honeydew provides a balanced mix of nutrients. With younger generations leading organic purchasing trends and prioritizing transparency, health, and sustainability, maintaining a strong organic assortment is increasingly essential to meeting shopper expectations and driving long-term category growth.

BENTONVILLE, AR - Walmart announced continued reinvestment across Oklahoma, with plans in 2026 to remodel 25 stores as part of ongoing efforts to modernize the in-store and digital shopping experience—upgrading layouts, technology, and services to offer faster, more convenient shopping and delivery in as little as an hour for most customers. These efforts reflect Walmart’s commitment to supporting economic growth and strengthening communities statewide.

Across Oklahoma, Walmart’s new and remodeled stores bring that vision to life through expanded services – like free Pharmacy delivery for Walmart+ members, including on GLP-1s – and a store-based app experience that helps customers easily navigate through stores, book services at Walmart’s Auto Care Center, and more. The result is a more intuitive, convenient experience that helps customers shop how they want, when they want.

Nationally, Walmart is planning remodels at more than 650 Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets this year. Additionally, Walmart invested more than $478.2 million to upgrade stores throughout Oklahoma over the past five years.

"We’re proud to work and serve customers across Oklahoma, and our continued investment reflects how deeply we believe in this state and its communities," said Elise Vasquez-Warner, Senior Vice President, Southwest Business Unit, Walmart U.S., in the recent release “From modernizing our stores to enhancing the overall shopping experience, everything we do is about better serving our customers and supporting the associates who make it happen.”

Every new store or remodel brings real benefits to the community — from construction jobs to long-term careers in retail, pharmacy and store leadership. Customers will notice the difference, too, with elevated brands and products from brands like De’Longhi, Oura, Jessica Simpson, and Lemme, and interactive displays that make it easier to picture how products look in their homes.

The transformed stores also feature updated pharmacies offering affordable medications, vaccines, and other clinical services, with support from trusted pharmacists, and Vision Centers designed for greater privacy and convenience, offering brands like Nike, Calvin Klein, and DKNY, along with services like free cleanings and adjustments.

Strengthening Oklahoma Communities

Walmart’s impact extends well beyond its stores and into its communities. In Oklahoma over the past year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation donated $44.3 million to local nonprofits, including providing 22.4 million pounds of food to help fight hunger. In fact, the company just kicked off its annual Fight Hunger, Spark Change campaign to help address food insecurity locally. Every donation and qualifying purchase provides access to essential food and resources to local food banks in that area, empowering families to thrive.

Through locally led giving, store associates also supported education, disaster response efforts, and other community-driven initiatives – working alongside trusted local organizations to help build stronger communities across the state.

See the full list of locations here.

HOUSTON, TX - Julie Olivarria is many things to those who know her: a mentor, a leader, a mother, a grandmother, and so much more. What stands out most is her ability to carry each of these roles with a grace and strength that feels both approachable and deeply wise. As she prepares for her next chapter on May 29, she is stepping into a new role—one she is still discovering: retirement.

“I have spent more than 30 years in the produce industry, and nothing quite compares to its people, their passion, and the way relationships are made and nurtured,” Julie, the soon-to-be-retired Sysco Vice President of Produce, tells me. “At Sysco, I’ve made lifelong friends and learned from some of the very best. I have been a leader and a student; each moment spent here has truly added depth and beauty to my life.”

Raised in California’s Salinas Valley, Julie’s connection to agriculture began early. Surrounded by the realities of farming, she developed a deep respect for the people and processes behind every product. Those early experiences instilled a lifelong understanding: produce is not just a commodity—it’s a collective effort, reliant on every hand along the way.

That perspective carried into her more than 30-year career, including her role as Vice President of Produce at Sysco. Known for leading by example, Julie built a reputation as both a strong business leader and a trusted partner. Her approach balanced accountability with care, earning her the description she values most: tough but fair.

As Julie transitions into this next chapter—focused on family, friendships, and a slower pace—her influence remains firmly planted in the industry she helped shape.

Julie Olivarria has much more than a successful career to reflect on as her retirement approaches; she has the admiration of many, built through an enduring commitment to showing up for others and leading by example.

Please join me in congratulating our dear friend, Julie Olivarria. We are excited for your next path and the continuation of a beautiful journey!