UNITED STATES & MEXICO - Carrot markets remain mostly steady as light supply in California meets fairly good demand.

According to the National FOB Review from March 4th, 2026, in California’s Kern District, sacks of 48 1-lb film bags medium-large are trading mostly between 31.00 and 33.00, with overall ranges from 31.00 to 34.00 and occasional highs reaching 47.00. Loose jumbo carrots are moving mostly between 17.00 and 17.50 in 25-lb sacks, while 50-lb sacks are ranging mostly from 34.00 to 36.00.

Baby peeled carrots in 30 1-lb film bag cartons are holding mostly between 22.75 and 23.00. Organic carrots are showing a wider spread, with 48 1-lb film bag sacks ranging from 43.00 to 63.00, while organic baby peeled cartons are mostly between 32.10 and 37.50 with occasional higher pricing.

Meanwhile, Mexico crossings through Texas are reporting fairly light demand with markets holding about steady. Loose jumbo carrots in 50-lb sacks are trading mostly between 14.00 and 16.00, with overall ranges from 14.00 to 18.00 depending on quality and condition.

With most shipments tied to prior bookings and commitments, pricing is expected to remain relatively stable in the near term.

Stay tuned to ANUK for continued carrot updates.

CLEARWATER, FL - Publix announced in a recent release that a new 46,791 Sq. ft. location opened May 5th, 2026 at Clearwater Plaza, 1295 S. Missouri Ave, Clearwater, FL, 33756.

“We’re excited to welcome Clearwater customers to their new Publix,” said Lindsey Willis, Publix media relations manager. “This store brings together the quality and service our customers know and love, along with thoughtful touches like an indoor seating area where customers can sit and enjoy their Publix favorites.”

Customers may have caught a glimpse of the large, motorized Publix shopping cart traveling around the community on opening day. The shopping cart is another way Publix is celebrating this new location with the community and driving awareness for customer convenience.

Traditional departments

• Deli — features a full-service deli counter with a variety of meats and cheeses, an international selection of olives, antipastos, hummus and more than 200 artisan cheeses from the United States and around the world.
• Produce — carries organic and conventionally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, with locally grown produce and exotic choices from around the world. The floral department stocks bouquets bursting with colors depicting the changing seasons.
• Bakery — scratch bakery that offers an array of cakes, cookies and pies as well as wedding cakes and decadent desserts made by skilled decorators. Breads and rolls are baked fresh throughout the day.
• Meat — features custom cuts of meats, including Publix private label all-natural and organic GreenWise chicken. Customers seeking a home-cooked meal with minimal prep time can choose from ready-to-cook items prepared fresh daily.
• Seafood — carries fresh seafood delivered throughout the week. It includes wild and farm-raised fish, as well as a wide variety of shellfish. Publix’s whole fish and fillets are fresh, never frozen. Sushi chefs create delectable hand-rolled selections daily.
• Pharmacy — full-service pharmacy that also includes a large variety of body care products and a wide selection of natural and conventional vitamins, minerals and supplements.

Special services

• Publix Liquors — offers beer, wine, spirits and a variety of soft drinks and accessories all in one convenient adjacent location.
• Publix Delivery — powered by Instacart.
• Pharmacy drive thru — convenient drive-thru option for prescription pickup.

PORTLAND, OR - On International Women’s Day. GLOBALG.A.P. North America, a subsidiary of Agraya GmbH, reaffirms its commitment to challenging discrimination and supporting gender equality.

International Women’s Day is observed worldwide as a moment to recognize women’s achievements and to highlight ongoing challenges related to gender equality and the obstacles that women face in their daily lives. In global agriculture, from managing farms to leading cooperatives and driving innovation in rural communities, women help build resilience across farming communities, contribute to food security, and support the long‑term viability of agricultural systems. Nevertheless, many continue to face structural barriers, including limited access to land, financing, technology, and networks.

Elmé Coetzer‑Boersma, Chief Executive Officer of Agraya, makes a direct connection between these challenges and the organization’s aims in the recent release: “At Agraya, our purpose is to shape a sustainable future where agriculture strengthens communities and protects ecosystems with lasting impact. And women are equally central to that work. On International Women’s Day, and during the International Year of the Woman Farmer,” Coetzer‑Boersma says.

"We at Agraya highlight the essential role women play in global agricultural supply chains. Across our work with farmers, producer groups, and value chain partners, we see where progress is required. Women’s contributions are often undervalued, and access to resources remains unequal. By supporting farmers and communities worldwide with guidance on discrimination‑free agricultural production processes, we actively help uplift women farmers in their communities. Building on our expertise with additional initiatives like our Agraya Changemaker Awards, we expand on opportunities to reflect and recognize women’s leadership and daily achievements in global farming value chains.”

A changemaker award to shine a spotlight on women farmers

Agraya GmbH and its US subsidiary GLOBALG.A.P. North America will further reaffirm its commitment to supporting efforts that strengthen the equality and visibility of women farmers through the Agraya Changemaker Awards 2026. Initially launched in 2024 in Warsaw, Poland, the next ceremony will take place in Bologna, Italy as part of the AGRAYA SUMMIT 2026. Closely aligned with the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the award together with a set of SUMMIT agenda discussions focused on the topic of women farmers will seek to highlight initiatives, elevate the voices driving change, and encourage collaboration toward a more resilient and transparent value chain.

Christy Slay, CEO at The Sustainability Consortium and one of the members of the 2026 Changemaker Awards jury, explains: “With categories for Innovation, Community Impact, and Sustainability, the awards celebrate initiatives driving meaningful progress across the value chain. As a jury, we will be looking for applications that inspire with the transformative role of women in farming.”

Alongside Christy Slay, the 2026 Changemaker Awards jury also includes Stephanie Finkbeiner (Chief Sustainability Officer at EDEKA ZENTRALE Stiftung & Co. KG), Diana Gaglietti (agri‑food consultancy and auditing), Manal Saleh (Blue Moon Ltd., consultancy and training for smallholders), and Felipe Fuentelsaz (Markets and Standards, WWF España), ensuring diverse and globally balanced recognition.

Call for applications – Changemaker Awards 2026

The Changemaker Awards encourage entries that showcase initiatives advancing the vital role of women in agriculture and the efforts helping to overcome the barriers they encounter. Applications can be submitted via agraya.com/changemaker-2026.

The application page includes eligibility criteria, timelines, and guidance for submitting proposals. Applications will be accepted until May 15, 2026.

“Throughout my life, I have seen firsthand that women are essential to the strength of agriculture,” expresses Roberta Anderson, President of GLOBALG.A.P. North America. “Across the United States and Canada, women farmers are a driving force behind the viability of our farms, the stewardship of our natural environments, and the resilience of our rural communities. Their leadership, knowledge, and commitment define agriculture today and secure it for future generations. Please join GLOBALG.A.P. North America in encouraging applications from our region of the world for the Agraya Changemaker Awards.”

ITASCA, IL - Topco Associates, LLC recently held its Annual Membership Conference where—among other notable initiatives—the Board elected Big Y Foods, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Michael D’Amour as Board Chairman.

“I am truly honored for the opportunity to continue serving on Topco’s Board of Directors as Board Chairman,” D’Amour said. “I look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership within the membership as we further drive our shared strategic vision for Topco.”

D’Amour is the grandson of Big Y co-founder Paul D’Amour and began working in the supermarkets in various roles as a teenager before beginning his full-time career at Big Y in 1996. Big Y has been a member of Topco since 1991. He most recently served as Vice Chairman on Topco’s Board of Directors, has been an active supporter of Topco for decades and previously served as a member of the Operations Team for more than 20 years. Additionally, D’Amour serves on the board of FMI/The Food Industry Association.

He replaces outgoing Chairman, K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Smith, who served as Board Chairman for two years before his term expired following the annual conference. A member of Topco’s Board of Directors since 1999, Smith previously served as chairman from 2003-2007 and 2011-2013, as well as vice chairman from 2022-2024 and will remain a Director.

“We thank Steve for his stewardship and leadership of Topco’s Board of Directors over the past two years,” said Topco President and CEO Randy Skoda in the recent release. “We look forward to Michael’s oversight of the strategic direction of the Topco Board of Directors and to advancing the strength, innovation, and collective success of independent grocery retailer and wholesale member-owners.”

In addition to D’Amour’s appointment, Principals of Topco’s full Member-Owners unanimously approved the appointment of the following Directors for a two-year term.

The current Topco Board of Directors is as follows:

Topco Chairman of the Board of Directors Michael D’Amour, Big Y Foods, Inc; Chris Coborn, Coborn’s Incorporated; Dan Funk, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc.; Brian George, Alex Lee, Inc.; John Persons, Northeast Grocery, Inc.; David Rice, Associated Food Stores, Inc.; Todd Schnuck, Schnuck Markets, Inc.; Steve Smith, K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc.; Randy Skoda, Topco Associates, LLC; Pete Van Helden, Stater Bros. Markets; and Eric Winn, C&S Wholesale Grocers.

Changes to Topco’s Operations Team were also made during the conference, including the co-chair appointment of Manard Lagasse, Topco Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. He will work alongside fellow co-chair Rebecca Calvin, Stater Bros. Markets’ Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, leading the team to make recommendations and decisions that leverage and maximize Topco’s effectiveness as a strategic resource and partner for its member-owners.

The current Topco Operations Team is as follows:

Nick Albrecht, The Fred W. Albrecht Grocery Company; Tye Anthony, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc.; Randy Arceneaux, Affiliated Foods, Inc.; Rebecca Calvin, Stater Bros. Markets; Tanya Carlson, Coborn's Incorporated; Michael Cormier, Big Y Foods, Inc.; Jeff Culhane, Northeast Grocery Inc.; Bob Gleeson, Weis Markets, Inc.; Dan Glei, K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc.; Kim Gray, Schnuck Markets, Inc.; Tom Hermes, Alex Lee, Inc./MDI; Glen Keysaw, Associated Food Stores, Inc.; Manard Lagasse, Topco Associates, LLC; Jerry LeClair, Brookshire Holdings, Inc.; and Mark McGowan, C&S Wholesale Grocers.

MCALLEN, TX - It’s no secret that packaging requirements today are strict, with most packaging expected to meet retailer requirements, support sustainability goals, present well at shelf, and run consistently without causing damage or downtime. It’s a challenge that Fox Packaging has consistently taken on, bringing innovations to the sector that support its numerous supply-side partners. For example, the company’s latest additions to the apple portfolio were designed to meet these needs without creating trade‑offs that show up later as shrink or line disruption.

“We have been intentional about adding solutions that solve real, day‑to‑day issues for packers and shippers,” said Victoria Lopez, Marketing and Business Development Manager.

One of the most significant additions has been apple packaging containing 30% post‑consumer recycled (PCR) content.

“This gives apple programs a straightforward way to reduce virgin resin,” added Iliana Csanyi, Sustainability Manager. “We now offer 30% PCR in apple‑ready structures like Fox Poly, Fox Fresh Mesh Combo, and Fox Stand‑Up Combo, with the PCR applied to the poly components, not the mesh.”

The company also expanded its reinforced handle pouch formats for heavier apple packs, addressing a common failure point that often shows up at retail or with consumers.

“When a handle fails, it is not a small issue,” Victoria noted. “It turns into product loss and affects how the brand is perceived.”

Iliana emphasized this point, adding that “Reinforced handles support the full cycle and directly reduce avoidable loss.”

For customers running mesh programs, Fox VertiFilm for apples expands the portfolio and simplifies sourcing.

“For us, VertiFilm isn’t about introducing a new concept,” commented Jensie Smith, Retail and Key Account Manager. “It’s about supporting customers already working with our signature mesh programs. Now we can offer a more complete solution under one roof.”

To further strengthen shelf communication, Fox Packaging has expanded its advanced print options, including surface print on PE structures that can qualify for How2Recycle Store Drop‑Off labeling where applicable.

“Print helps customers communicate variety and brand clearly at shelf,” Victoria emphasized, before adding that Fox Packaging’s on‑site investments in advanced print technology, including high‑definition printers, deliver sharper imagery, richer color, and more consistent branding across SKUs.

We’ll be connecting with Fox Packaging again to discuss how the company partners with its customers to address market challenges in the apple sector, so stay tuned!

SALINAS, CA - Last week, Tanimura & Antle marked the official opening of La Mesa Ridge, a state‑of‑the‑art agricultural employee housing community, with a ribbon‑cutting ceremony held in Yuma, Arizona. The event celebrated a major milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting its workforce through innovative, purpose‑built housing solutions.

La Mesa Ridge is a fully secured, modern housing community designed to accommodate up to 968 employee team members, including domestic, seasonal, and H‑2A workers. By centralizing employee housing into a single location, the community improves operational efficiency while reducing traffic and transportation impacts throughout the Yuma area.

“This project represents an important investment in our people,” said Brian Antle, Executive Vice President of Sales, in the recent release. “When we opened Spreckels Crossing, we set out to do something that hadn’t been done before. La Mesa Ridge carries that momentum forward, reinforcing our belief that long‑term success starts with taking care of the people who make our work possible.”

La Mesa Ridge builds on the company’s pioneering housing efforts that began in 2016 with Spreckels Crossing in Salinas, California - the region’s first purpose‑built agricultural employee housing community developed and operated by an agricultural company. Lessons learned from that pilot project influenced the design and scale of La Mesa Ridge, representing the next evolution of Tanimura & Antle’s workforce housing strategy.

Phase 1 of La Mesa Ridge includes eight residential buildings with 121 fully furnished suites in two‑bedroom, two‑bathroom configurations featuring full kitchens, living areas, and smart‑home technology. On‑site amenities include a fitness and weight room, recreation spaces, laundry facilities, basketball courts, and covered outdoor gathering areas. The fully gated community is located adjacent to company‑provided transportation, resulting in no traffic impact on Yuma roadways while offering daily bus service and parking for employees with personal vehicles.

Beyond supporting employees, the project delivers benefits to the broader Yuma community. By consolidating housing, Tanimura & Antle is exiting multiple rental properties throughout the area, helping return housing inventory to the local market.

The City of Yuma was an active partner throughout the development process, working closely with the company to approve plans and conduct ongoing inspections to ensure the facility meets or exceeds all local standards and codes. While construction was led by Avila Construction Company, a California‑based firm, the majority of subcontractors were local to Yuma and across Arizona.

Construction on La Mesa Ridge began in mid‑March 2024, with the first buildings completed in time for the 2025 growing season. Phase 1 is scheduled for full completion in April 2026, following an approximately one‑year build timeline. With La Mesa Ridge now open, Tanimura & Antle continues to demonstrate leadership in addressing workforce housing challenges through thoughtful planning, innovation, and long‑term investment in the communities where it operates.