WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA - Dole Packaged Foods, LLC, a world leader in fruit innovation, announces a major expansion of its fast-growing Dole Whip® retail offerings, introducing new formats and a new tropical flavor that bring the iconic treat's smooth, creamy texture and real fruit goodness to more moments and more homes than ever before.

New Dole Whip® retail offerings have quickly become a fan favorite for its unique, uplifting feel, and indulgent creaminess—all without dairy or high fructose corn syrup. Now, the brand is building on that momentum with expanded retail offerings designed to meet consumers whenever and wherever they crave a little moment of sunshine.

Consumers can now enjoy Dole Whip in three tropical flavors made with real fruit:

• Pineapple — a beloved classic that delivers bright pineapple flavor in every craveable spoonful.
• Mango — bursting with the juicy sweetness of ripe mango, finished with a smooth, creamy texture.
• NEW! Tropical Guava Passion — a vibrant, aromatic flavor fusion of guava and passion fruit - an exciting new addition sure to become a hit.

"Dole Whip is everything today's consumers are searching for but couldn't find in the aisle," said Mike Secor, VP of Marketing for Dole Packaged Foods US, in the recent release. "It's a moment of sunshine—smooth, creamy, vibrant, made with real fruit^**, and unlike anything else on the market. That's why this isn't just a new product launch. It's a category disruption."

With its real fruit foundation, and creamy texture, the Dole Whip® retail lineup isn't ice cream, sorbet, sherbet, or gelato—it's something entirely new. Bringing fruit-powered flavor to the frozen aisle in the way only Dole can, the new retail dessert has no high fructose corn syrup and is dairy-free^{^}. This launch marks Dole's bold step into creating and owning a new frozen dessert category anchored in fruit-first indulgence.

Enjoy a creamy flavor escape straight from your freezer, anytime. Dole Whip® is now available at select retailers nationwide including Albertson's, Harris Teeter, Publix, Ralph's, Stop & Shop, Hannaford, Target, and more retailers with a limited time, seasonal return to Costco this spring. To get the scoop near you, visit DoleSunshine.com.

^{*Not an ice cream product, check ingredient label for details
**With natural flavor and other ingredients
^Manufactured on a line that also processes dairy (milk).}

PROVIDENCE, RI - United Natural Foods, Inc. reported financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 (13 weeks) ended January 31, 2026.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2026 Performance (comparisons to second quarter fiscal 2025)

• Net sales decreased 2.6% to $7.9 billion, including a nearly 500 basis point impact from optimization actions
• Net income of $20 million; Net income per diluted share (EPS) of $0.31
• Adjusted EBITDA increased 23.4% to $179 million
• Adjusted EPS increased to $0.62
• Net cash provided by operating activities was $283 million; Free cash flow was $243 million

Recent Financial and Operational Summary

• Updating outlook to increase all profitability metrics and raise free cash flow, while reducing net sales
• Improving effectiveness and efficiency driven by network optimization, continued adoption of lean processes and high impact technology implementation
• On-time deliveries and productivity increased compared to prior year quarter
• Operating expenses declined nearly 6% and operating expense rate declined approximately 40 basis points
• Net leverage ratio declined sequentially to 2.7x, lowest since fiscal 2023; now expect to be ~2.3x by year-end, meaningfully lower than prior target of ≤ 2.5x by year-end fiscal 2026
• Repurchased nearly 750,000 shares for approximately $25 million

“In the second quarter, disciplined execution of our value creation strategy delivered growth in profitability and free cash flow ahead of our projections, which enabled us to further strengthen our balance sheet and increase our financial flexibility. With a sharpened focus on our growing $90 billion target addressable market, we are working to help differentiating retailers continue to accelerate profitable growth in a dynamic marketplace,” said Sandy Douglas, UNFI’s CEO, in the recent release.

Douglas continued, “Looking ahead, our new business pipeline is strong. And we remain committed to continuously improving our effectiveness and efficiency, delivering our updated outlook and strengthening our capabilities to create long-term value for our customers, suppliers, associates, and shareholders.”

Second Quarter Fiscal 2026 Summary

Net sales decreased 2.6% in the second quarter of fiscal 2026 compared to the same period in the prior year, and includes a nearly 500 basis point impact from accretive optimization during the quarter. This was largely driven by an anticipated decrease in conventional sales primarily due to the transition out of the Allentown, Pennsylvania distribution center in the first quarter of fiscal 2026.

Gross profit in the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was $1.0 billion, a decrease of $26 million, or 2.4%, compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2025. The gross profit rate in the second quarter of fiscal 2026 was 13.2% of net sales compared to 13.1% of net sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2025. The gross profit rate was benefitted by network optimization and customer mix as well as higher levels of procurement gains, partially offset by a lower gross margin rate in the Retail segment.

Operating expenses in the second quarter of fiscal 2026 were $972 million, or 12.2% of net sales, compared to $1,031 million, or 12.6% of net sales, in the second quarter of fiscal 2025. The decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales was driven by the benefits from cost saving initiatives, including network optimization and higher levels of distribution center productivity.

See the full release here.

FRESNO, CA - The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) is pleased to present fresh fruit industry leader David Marguleas with the Lifetime Achievement Award at CFFA’s 90th Annual Meeting on March 16.

This recognition will honor David’s lifetime of service to the California fresh fruit industry. The Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed upon an individual whose pioneering spirit and inventiveness throughout his/her career have inspired others and influenced the industry in a positive way.

Marguleas is the board chairman of Sun World International, LLC, a global fruit genetics company that was founded as a diversified produce marketing company by David’s father 50 years ago. He is the third generation of his family to work in California’s agricultural industry and was instrumental in launching many of the company’s iconic produce innovations. After multiple business transformations and ownership changes, in the mid-2010s, the company rededicated itself to innovation and today develops improved and distinctive varieties of table grapes, peaches, plums, cherries, mangoes, and citrus that it licenses to leading growers around the world.

After holding a series of management roles, he was named Sun World’s President and CEO in 2019 and its Executive Chairman in January 2025. After a distinguished 40-year career, in February 2026, Marguleas announced his retirement from Sun World where he continues to serve as non-executive chairman of the board.

Marguleas served as a director on the Board for the California Fresh Fruit Association from 1987 to 2019 and as Board Chairman in 2010 and 2011. In addition to CFFA, Marguleas has served on boards for other leading produce organizations, including the Produce Marketing Association (the predecessor organization to the International Fresh Produce Association), and the California Table Grape Commission.

CFFA Past Chairman Marko S. Zaninovich (Marko Zaninovich Inc./Sunview Vineyards) stated in the recent release, “The California Fresh Fruit Association is proud to recognize David Marguleas with its Lifetime Achievement Award. David’s leadership and commitment have made an undeniable mark on the fresh fruit industry. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has mentored and inspired countless individuals to pursue careers of their own, ensuring a bright future for our industry.”

CFFA Past Chairman Randy Giumarra (Giumarra Vineyards, Corp.) echoed those sentiments, stating, “David Marguleas has had a profound and lasting impact on the table grape and broader fresh fruit industry. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and commitment to advancing our industry. It is truly a privilege to honor him with the California Fresh Fruit Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his accomplishments, his contributions, and his dedicated service to CFFA and the entire fresh produce community.”

COCHISE, AZ - Plant Grow Harvest (PGH) is entering the spring season with strong availability across both conventional and organic potato programs under its growing Digs® brand.

The company’s strong crop performance and expanded production position PGH to support retail partners with dependable supply while continuing to build momentum behind the Digs® brand, which is celebrating its one-year anniversary since launching at SEPC Southern Exposure in 2025.

“Our priority has always been making sure our partners can count on us for consistent supply,” said Dave Yeager, Chief Sales Officer of Plant Grow Harvest, in the recent release. “We’re seeing strong performance across both our conventional and organic programs this season, which allows us to support customers with reliable product while continuing to grow the Digs® brand.”

Over the past year, Digs® has quickly established itself as an innovative platform for premium potato products, pairing proprietary seed development, flavor-forward varieties, and retail-ready packaging designed to drive category growth.

That momentum has also been recognized by the industry. At the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show, PGH earned Best First-Time Booth, highlighting the company’s innovative introduction of the Digs® brand and its fresh approach to merchandising and storytelling within the potato category.

Since its launch, PGH has invested in the foundation behind the brand, including expanded organic acreage, infrastructure improvements to increase packing capacity, and ongoing product innovation within the Digs® portfolio.

Recent introductions such as Tasty Little Digs®, Big! Digs®, Tiny Digs®, and Crawfish Boiler Bags prove PGH’s continued focus on convenience, bold flavor, and merchandising opportunities designed to help retailers grow the category.

“One year in, it’s exciting to see the response the brand has received across the industry,” said David Zaitz, CEO of Plant Grow Harvest. “We’ve built strong momentum, and at the same time we’re positioned to deliver the supply our partners need across both conventional and organic programs.”

As the company looks ahead, PGH remains focused on supporting customers with dependable supply while continuing to expand the reach and innovation behind Digs®.

To learn more about PGH and Digs®, visit pgh.farm or eatdigs.com.

NEW KENSINGTON, PA - While we may have finally readjusted to the time zone in AndNowUKnow’s headquarters of Sacramento, California, our minds are still relishing the excitement and innovation sparked by this year’s Southern Exposure. Among the industry trailblazers we ran into on the show floor was Yerecic Label, which brought cutting-edge labeling solutions to the forefront.

“Throughout the show, conversations with the Yerecic Label team centered around how labeling can help brands improve shelf visibility while supporting broader packaging goals,” shared Destiny Buccieri, Marketing Manager, shortly after the show. “As brands continue to balance strong merchandising with responsible packaging choices, labeling remains a key component in communicating product information, reinforcing brand identity, and complementing recyclable packaging formats.”

As Destiny explained to me, the Southeast Produce Council’s annual Southern Exposure event continues to be an important opportunity for strengthening relationships, engaging with customers, and staying closely connected to the evolving needs of the produce industry.

“Our team also had the opportunity to gain valuable insight into the trends shaping the produce category through the show’s educational sessions and research presentations,” Destiny added. “These discussions provided perspective on evolving consumer expectations, including the growing interest in packaging that balances environmental responsibility with product protection and freshness.”

Yerecic Label is a third-generation, family-owned and operated company specializing in pressure-sensitive labels for the fresh food industry. With dual manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania and Arizona, the company supports customers nationwide with responsive service and reliable production. Yerecic Label also offers Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) programs, as well as online ordering and proofing platforms, helping customers streamline ordering and maintain a consistent label supply.

“For Yerecic Label, events like Southern Exposure provide an opportunity not only to showcase label solutions, but also to listen. Conversations with growers, retailers, and packaging partners help inform future innovations and ensure the company continues to develop solutions aligned with the needs of the fresh food industry,” Destiny concluded.

Through continued industry involvement and collaboration with partners across the fresh food community, Yerecic Label remains committed to delivering labeling solutions that support performance, efficiency, and strong shelf presence at the Speed of Fresh®.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we continue to bring you exclusive insights from across the fresh supply chain.

CALIFORNIA - The golden mussel, an invasive species that was first detected in the California Delta in October of 2024, has spread more than 400 miles along the California State Water Project (SWP). Described as catastrophically prolific, these mussels pose a problem too great to ignore.

To better understand the risks and potential solutions, I spoke with John Bison, Water Treatment Specialist with Bennett Water Solutions and CWS, and David Hammond, PhD, Senior Scientist at Earth Science Laboratories.

“Mussels have been an issue before, but nothing even close to this,” John said when I hopped on the phone to discuss this latest threat to California ag. “Golden mussels become fertile within their first year and can spawn multiple times per summer, with each individual female mussel producing 1 million larvae per year. It’s important that we get ahead of this problem soon, when they are most vulnerable and susceptible to treatment.”

However, time is of the essence. John explained that the golden mussel’s metabolism slows down in cold water, so they are not reproducing or spreading. However, as soon as water temperatures rise above 60 degrees, they start spawning.

The golden mussel is native to China, but the species invaded the Rio de la Plata roughly 35 years ago and has since spread throughout Brazil and Argentina. Zebra and quagga mussels invaded North America 30 years ago and are now among the top 10 aquatic invasive species in North America; most experts agree golden mussels are even worse.

“It remains to be seen what damage will happen with the golden mussel in California. They’re even more aggressive than zebra and quagga mussels, tolerating a wider range of water conditions, and they’re extremely prolific. They literally smother native species,” noted David. He spoke on this issue at last month’s World Ag Expo in Tulare, California. “They have a harmful impact on the environment, but it’s also a really big problem for fouling human infrastructure like water pipes, intakes, pumps, and screens.”

Both John and David noted that any farmers who pull water from the SWP are particularly vulnerable because they use smaller-diameter pipes, which are more prone to clogging.

“During the mussels’ reproductive phase, which in California is May—October, small-diameter pipes can become clogged within a few months,” said David.

Treating the problem at the source would be ideal, but now seems impractical given the extent to which the mussels have already spread. At the same time, repeated mussel attachment and subsequent removal can gradually damage infrastructure, so the costs of doing nothing may be greater than the costs of taking steps to prevent further spread and colonization. That’s why both John and David urge farmers not to take a wait-and-see approach, especially when John and his company offer a solution.

The chemical solution that John prefers is EarthTec QZ, which has been widely used to eradicate and prevent quagga and zebra mussels in agricultural and municipal water systems for over 10 years. It’s one of the only solutions approved by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to treat golden mussels. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly and the lowest-cost treatment option.

“EarthTec QZ is by far and away the most researched and trialed chemistry on the market regarding invasive mussels,” John assured. “The cost of treating is something we weren’t planning for, but the cost of not treating would be in the billions.”

Farmers, unfortunately, cannot control how water and irrigation districts use this solution as an effective response to this threat. But they can seek to protect themselves with continuous preventive EarthTec QZ treatment, which John emphasized has not had any negative effects on crops, soil, or infrastructure in the 20-plus years it’s been used in California agriculture applications.

AndNowUKnow will continue to monitor this situation throughout the year. Stay tuned.

IRVINE, CA - SB 54—the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act—mandates that producers of single-use packaging ensure materials are 100 percent recyclable or compostable by 2032. Plastic packaging faces the steepest requirements, including a 25 percent volume reduction and phased-in recycling rates reaching 65 percent. Its implementing regulations aim to require changes in packaging design and materials, even where federal food safety requirements may conflict with state recyclability goals, according to Gail Delihant, Senior Director of California Government Affairs at Western Growers. She also noted that the fees that the Circular Action Alliance will charge to implement the program for CalRecycle could function much like a tax of food and grocery products.

“Fresh produce packaging—such as clamshells and salad bags—has been developed over decades to meet strict federal food safety and shelf-life standards. Advocates have raised concerns that the regulatory language of SB 54 does not currently provide a workable exclusion or exemption when packaging required for food safety (based on federal regulations or federal guidance) conflicts with state packaging standards, effectively placing fresh produce operators in a position where they could be required to redesign or replace packaging that protects food safety and reduces spoilage, taking years to accomplish and millions of dollars,” Gail explained. “CalRecycle’s recent draft eligibility criteria for exclusions were criticized as so narrow that producers might find it ‘basically impossible to apply’ in practice. These challenges stem from the intersection of SB 54’s packaging material rules and unavoidable food safety requirements for fresh and minimally processed produce.”

As Gail pointed out, packaging like clamshell containers for berries or sealed bags for salad greens plays a critical role in preventing contamination, managing moisture, and extending shelf-life.

“Without these packaging formats, suppliers and retailers could face increased product loss from spoilage, higher labor and inventory costs due to shorter shelf-life, and greater operational complexity in safely handling unpackaged produce. Consumers could see reduced availability of fresh produce, higher prices due to increased waste and handling costs, and potentially increased food safety risks if less protective alternatives are used,” Gail stated. “Industry representatives argue that fresh produce packaging comprises a small percentage of overall packaging waste, yet its removal could disproportionately affect food safety and supply chain efficiency.”

Western Growers supported the August 22, 2025, SB 54 Draft Regulations as the language offered a viable and clear framework for compliance for fresh produce packaging with the ability to apply for a categorical exclusion, which included an email application process directly to CalRecycle.

 

 

 

 

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“Western Growers met with CalRecycle Director Zoe Heller and her team on October 8, 2025, to share our support of the categorical exclusion language in the August 2025 draft and discuss our remaining concerns (noted in our comment letter),” Gail explained. “The other key portion of our meeting included a conversation with two prominent subject matter experts on fresh produce packaging, QFresh Labs founding partner, Jeff Brandenburg, and Emerald Packaging Chief Executive Officer, Kevin Kelly. With their combined knowledge of over 80 years of experience, they offered extensive information and details about fresh produce packaging R&D history, and the challenges posed by SB 54 for the fresh produce industry.”

Gail continued, “Then on December 5, 2025, the ag coalition, including Western Growers, met in person with CalRecycle leadership, including Director Zoe Heller, about our support for the August 22, 2025 draft. In that meeting, CalRecycle was pleased to hear that the ag coalition understood that a categorical exclusion, if granted, was not a forever exclusion, but rather a workable on-ramp for the packaging that could switch, but still needed time for R&D, supply chain adjustments, and so on. When we saw that the ‘minor changes’ to the draft regulation were actually not minor, but rather substantial, we were surprised to say the least.”

Western Growers is advocating for a narrowly tailored categorical exclusion in the regulations that accounts for federal food safety standards and the practical realities of produce packaging. According to Gail, this includes:

• Anchoring the exclusion to an existing statutory definition of minimally processed food to limit eligibility to products like fresh and fresh-cut produce
• Ensuring the regulation considers federal regulations, rules, or guidance (not just codified mandates) in identifying conflicts between state packaging requirements and food safety obligations
• Clarifying that applicants for an exclusion are not required to prove the infeasibility of every hypothetical alternative
• Providing an administrable, non-burdensome standard for demonstrating that no reasonably feasible packaging alternative exists that complies with both federal food safety requirements and SB 54 standards

These changes are intended to protect growers by allowing them to continue using packaging that is necessary to meet food safety and shelf-life requirements without being forced into costly or unsafe alternatives.

“From the Western Growers Association’s perspective, SB 54’s goals of reducing plastic waste and expanding producer responsibility are broadly supported, but implementation must be practical and informed by sector-specific realities. Packaging that safeguards consumers and reduces spoilage—such as what is used for fresh produce—deserves careful consideration in regulatory language to ensure environmental goals don’t inadvertently compromise food safety, increase food waste, or impose unworkable costs on producers and the supply chain,” Gail concluded. “Ongoing engagement with CalRecycle and the Governor’s Office aims to ensure the law’s implementation balances environmental objectives with agricultural viability and consumer access to affordable fresh foods.”

As AndNowUKnow receives more updates on SB 54, we will be sure to report, so stay tuned.

ISSAQUAH, WA - Costco Wholesale Corporation announced its operating results for the second quarter (twelve weeks) and the first 24 weeks of fiscal 2026, ended February 15, 2026.

Net sales for the quarter increased 9.1 percent, to $68.24 billion, from $62.53 billion last year. Net sales for the first 24 weeks increased 8.7 percent, to $134.22 billion, from $123.52 billion last year.

Net income for the quarter was $2,035 million, $4.58 per diluted share, compared to $1,788 million, $4.02 per diluted share, last year. Net income for the first 24 weeks was $4.04 billion, $9.08 per diluted share, compared to $3.59 billion, $8.06 per diluted share, last year.

For the four-week reporting month of February, ended March 1, 2026, the Company reported net sales of
$21.69 billion, an increase of 9.5 percent from $19.81 billion last year. Net sales for the first 26 weeks were $144.85 billion, an increase of 8.6 percent from $133.36 billion last year.

Lunar and Chinese New Years occurred on February 17, 19 days later this year. The shift positively impacted February Other International and Total Company sales by approximately 4.0% and 0.5%, respectively.

Costco currently operates 924 warehouses, including 634 in the United States and Puerto Rico, 114 in Canada, 42 in Mexico, 37 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 20 in Korea, 15 in Australia, 14 in Taiwan, seven in China, five in Spain, three in France, two in Sweden, and one each in Iceland, and New Zealand. Costco also operates e-commerce sites in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Australia.

See the full release here.