ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Ahold Delhaize announces that JJ Fleeman will depart from his role as CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA, effective end of June 2026, to pursue another career opportunity.

JJ has spent his entire 36-year career in grocery retail in Ahold Delhaize companies, including Food Lion, our largest U.S. brand. Throughout his service with the company, he has held a diverse array of executive leadership roles, covering strategy, commercial, digital, retail operations, marketing and merchandising. As the leader of Peapod Digital Labs, JJ was instrumental in laying the foundations of the omnichannel model that continues to drive the company's success. He was appointed CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA and member of the Ahold Delhaize Management Board at the company's 2023 shareholder meeting.

"I am grateful for the strong omnichannel foundation JJ has helped build, and I have full confidence in our U.S. leadership team to continue executing our Growing Together strategy," said Frans Muller, President and CEO of Ahold Delhaize, in the recent release. "JJ's strength in bringing teams together, developing a 'winning together' culture, combined with his ability to recognize talent and personal leadership will leave a lasting legacy in our company. We have appreciated JJ's vision and business insights as part of our Management Board conversations and wish him success in his future endeavors."

"Over the past 36 years, I've had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary teams across the companies of Ahold Delhaize, and I'm proud of what we've accomplished together for our customers and communities," said JJ. "As I look ahead to a new chapter, I'm grateful for the associates who bring our brands to life every day, and I'm committed to supporting a smooth transition."

"On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I would like to thank JJ for his dedicated leadership and the progress made across our U.S. businesses," added Wiebe Draijer, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Ahold Delhaize. "We are committed to an orderly transition and to ensuring continued focus on the execution of our Growing Together strategy, serving our customers and communities in the markets our brands operate in."

The company will provide updates on the succession process as appropriate.

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against BLJR Distribution LLC. The company, operating from New York, allegedly failed to make prompt payment to 16 produce sellers in the amount of $576,663 from October 2024 through March 2025, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

BLJR Distribution LLC will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

For more information, contact the Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or [email protected].

TRAVERSE CITY, MI - Although Florida’s blueberry production has been significantly impacted by the freeze, North Bay Produce's diversity of supply across multiple growing regions mitigates supply coverage risk for its customers. With supplies currently coming from Peru, Mexico, Morocco, and Georgia, the company heads into spring ready for promotional opportunities.

“Florida was hit hard by the freeze event on January 31, but we are still looking at a very good crop in Georgia once we get into late April,” shared Ryan Lockman, Vice President of Sales and Procurement. “Along with continued supply from Florida and Mexico, May should be a great month for promoting blueberries, both organic and conventional.”

Ryan noted that current pricing is trending higher than last year due to lower volumes anticipated to persist over the next four to five weeks.

“I think that this is a great indication that overall consumption of blueberries is increasing as we see continued movement at higher retail price point levels, partially attributed to the exceptional quality being produced, including proprietary varieties, in part, but not limited to our SEKOYA production globally,” Ryan added.

Overall, blueberry availability will be limited in late March and early April, but will improve significantly as we move into late April and then into May. Looking ahead, Ryan anticipates a great summer blueberry season, with plenty of promotional opportunities.

Keep reading us here at ANUK as we continue to cover categories across the fresh produce spectrum.

PITTSBURGH, PA - The Fresh Market, a leading specialty grocer, opened its newest store Wednesday at 5880 Centre Avenue in Pittsburgh. The new store features an expansive footprint featuring a restaurant and bar concept to complement the brand’s already exceptional guest experience.

Guests in attendance experienced a traditional The Fresh Market opening day complete with a ribbon-cutting, a $5,000 donation to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, plus giveaways and sampling throughout the store.

“We are excited to share this store with our new guests in Pittsburgh,” said Brian Johnson, CEO of The Fresh Marketm in the recent release. “The Fresh Market shopping experience is unlike any other, and we’re proud to over something for everyone—exceptional quality, everyday value, and real choice. From specialty items and the freshest produce to ready-to-enjoy meals and local favorites, our goal is to help guests make every day eating extraordinary, whether it’s their weekly or daily shop, a special occasion, or an easy, affordable dinner tonight.”

New Store Highlights

In addition to the restaurant and bar concept, the 32,289 square-foot store features an elevated assortment designed to inspire guests, including an extensive meat and seafood selections, nationally recognized bakery and produce departments, and a carefully curated selection of global products and seasonal features.

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against A. Garcia Produce 2 LLC. The company, operating from Georgia, allegedly failed to make prompt payment to 14 produce sellers in the amount of $556,941 from December 2023 through April 2025, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

A. Garcia Produce 2 LLC will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

For more information, contact the Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or [email protected].