LOS ANGELES, CA - As retailers transition into the late-season citrus window, Melissa’s Produce begins shipping 2026 Ojai Pixie Tangerines in early March, positioning the program to extend category momentum into spring.

Pixie Tangerines delivered more than 25% sales growth in 2025 versus the prior year, outperforming the broader citrus category, which is up 17% year over year in Q1. The March through May availability window allows retailers to sustain citrus performance as early-season mandarins taper.

“Ojai Pixies aren’t just another tangerine,” said Robert Schueller, Director of Public Relations at Melissa’s, in the recent release. “They’re seasonal, they’re grown in California by a small co-op of family farms, and the flavor is second to none. Retailers who highlight that story through our program assets tend to capture the strongest performance during the spring window.”

Grown by a small cooperative of family farms in California’s Ojai Valley, one of the few east-west facing valleys in the world, Pixies benefit from extended daily sun exposure that supports sugar development and balanced flavor. The fruit is naturally seedless, low in acid, unwaxed and easy to peel, offering an exceptional eating experience.

The 2026 crop is forecasted to be lighter due to the variety’s natural alternate bearing cycle, with strength in larger sizes early in the season. Due to warmer winter conditions, some early shipments may show more external green coloration. Melissa’s notes that peel color is cosmetic and not indicative of internal maturity. Eating quality remains strong, and the company is working closely with grower partners to manage grading and supply.

Ojai Pixies are available March through May, offering retailers a defined seasonal citrus program during spring resets and holiday promotions. Recommended merchandising strategies include bulk displays supported by high-graphic grower bins and 1-lb grab-and-go totes that support e-commerce and convenience shoppers.

For availability and promotional support, contact Melissa’s Produce at 800.588.0151.

SALINAS, CA - Naturipe Snacks, a leader in fresh, feel-good snacking, is shaking up the refrigerated produce section once again with the launch of its new SnackBites, a flavorful, high-protein bite that’s as delicious as it is functional. With real fruit at the center of every bite, SnackBites deliver a new kind of snack that prioritizes nutrition, convenience, and wellness.

Each package includes three SnackBites, and each Bite contains 4g of protein and only 100 calories, made with real blueberries and packed with BC30™, a probiotic that supports a healthy gut microbiome and improves digestion and wellness. By combining real fruit, functional ingredients, and protein, Naturipe is raising the bar for what refrigerated snacking can offer.

“We wanted to develop a snack that keeps you energized and tastes great – something you actually look forward to eating,” said Steven Ware, Vice President and General Manager of Naturipe Snacks, in the recent release. “SnackBites hit that sweet spot: real ingredients, satisfying flavor, and a serious nutrition boost. This is a bold new step for Naturipe in functional snacking.”

SnackBites reflects Naturipe’s continued innovation in the better-for-you snacking category, delivering clean, craveable energy without compromise. These protein bites offer a portable, protein-packed solution that fits any lifestyle, whether you’re refueling after a workout, powering through your workday, or looking for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. As a category leader in fruit-forward innovation, Naturipe is uniquely positioned to meet today’s growing demand for snacks that support gut health, sustained energy, and real nutrition.

Naturipe is also continuing to innovate beyond the initial launch, with additional SnackBites packaging and flavors in development, including a dark chocolate-coated concept and another featuring strawberries.

Data shows snacking remains a mainstay of American eating habits, with nearly half of consumers now enjoying three or more snacks daily, a notable increase from last year. This growth is fueled by the increasing availability of health-focused options like fruit and protein bars. Viral trends, portability, and added nutritional functionality are now key factors shaping snack choices, signaling a continued shift toward smarter, more purposeful snacking. New research shows that 55% of consumers snack to satisfy hunger and 50% snack for pleasure, but motivations are broadening as more shoppers seek energy, nutrition, and stress relief throughout the day.

“Snacking isn’t going anywhere anytime soon,” continued Ware. “Naturipe is exceptionally well-positioned to take advantage of this demand and bring nutritious options to consumers. SnackBites are a direct reflection of that mission, putting real fruit, protein, and functional wellness benefits into one convenient bite.”

Demand is also soaring for functional snacks: nearly half of shoppers look for probiotics, high fiber, or digestive support, and GLP-1 users over-index for high-protein and gut-health claims, which makes SnackBites especially well positioned to meet these emerging needs. SnackBites are available now in select retailers nationwide. For more information, reach out to [email protected].

LAKELAND, FL - Publix’s sales for the three months ended Dec. 27, 2025 were $16 billion, a 2.8% increase from $15.5 billion in 2024. Comparable store sales for the three months ended Dec. 27, 2025 increased 0.7%. The company estimates the increase in sales for the three months ended Dec. 27, 2025 compared to the three months ended Dec. 28, 2024 was 1.3% lower due to the impact of Hurricane Milton in October 2024. Excluding the impact of the hurricane, sales for the three months ended Dec. 27, 2025 would have increased 4.1%.

Net earnings for the three months ended Dec. 27, 2025 and Dec. 28, 2024 were $1.2 billion. Earnings per share for the three months ended Dec. 27, 2025 decreased to $0.36 per share, down from $0.37 per share in 2024. Excluding the impact of net unrealized gains on equity securities in 2025 and 2024, net earnings for the three months ended Dec. 27, 2025 would have been $1 billion, compared to $1.1 billion in 2024, a decrease of 8.8%. Earnings per share for the three months ended Dec. 27, 2025 would have been $0.31 per share, compared to $0.34 per share in 2024.

Publix’s sales for the fiscal year ended Dec. 27, 2025 were $62.7 billion, a 5% increase from $59.7 billion in 2024. Comparable store sales for the fiscal year ended Dec. 27, 2025 increased 3.5%.

Net earnings for the fiscal year ended Dec. 27, 2025 were $4.7 billion, compared to $4.6 billion in 2024, an increase of 2.1%. Earnings per share for the fiscal year ended Dec. 27, 2025 increased to $1.46 per share, up from $1.41 per share in 2024. Excluding the impact of net unrealized gains on equity securities in 2025 and 2024, net earnings for the fiscal year ended Dec. 27, 2025 would have been $4.2 billion, compared to $4 billion in 2024, an increase of 3.9%. Earnings per share for the fiscal year ended Dec. 27, 2025 would have been $1.30 per share, compared to $1.23 per share in 2024.

These amounts are based on audited financial statements that will be filed today with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and made available on the company’s website at corporate.publix.com/stock.

Effective March 1, 2026, Publix’s stock price decreased from $20.40 per share to $19.65 per share. Publix stock is not publicly traded and is made available for sale only to current Publix associates and members of its board of directors.

“Our greatest asset is our associates,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy in the recent release. “I’m proud of their dedication to continuous improvement and commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.”

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to reporting financial results for the three months and fiscal years ended Dec. 27, 2025 and Dec. 28, 2024 in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the company presents net earnings and earnings per share excluding the impact of equity securities being measured at fair value with net unrealized gains and losses from changes in the fair value recognized in earnings (fair value adjustment). These measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, GAAP. The company excludes the impact of the fair value adjustment since it is primarily due to temporary equity market fluctuations that do not reflect the company’s operations. The company believes this information is useful in providing period-to-period comparisons of the results of operations.

See the full release here.

FULLERTON, CA - Recognizing the growing impact of women in agriculture worldwide, the United Nations has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The resolution, led by the United States and supported by 123 countries, is backed by the California Avocado Commission as part of its ongoing commitment to leadership and sustainability in the produce industry. Further support of women’s advancement across all fields is highlighted through International Women’s Day (March 8), which celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

Within the California avocado industry, women are playing an increasingly influential role across production, handling, sales, marketing and strategic leadership. Their expanded presence reflects a broader shift toward diversified leadership and forward-looking business practices that support reliable supply, sustainability, and continued category growth for retail and foodservice partners alike.

In recognition of both International Year of the Woman Farmer and International Women’s Day, CAC is highlighting a few of California’s female avocado growers to showcase the role of women in the industry.

Rachael Kimball Laenen

Rachael is the Commission’s current board of directors chair and is the first woman to hold this position within the organization. She is the sixth generation of her family to farm in Ventura County and the fourth to nurture locally grown California avocados. Before her farming career, Rachael worked in international motorsport, managing global sponsorships for some of the world’s most valuable brands, as well as delivering high-level events and hospitality. She then returned to California to work alongside her father, growing avocados on 150 acres between Santa Paula and Fillmore. Their grove was devastated by the Thomas Fire in 2017 and she shepherded ranch recovery and manages ongoing operations. Very active in the avocado industry, Rachael previously held other positions on the CAC board and its marketing committee, sustainability taskforce and succession taskforce, as well as serving as a member of the Hass Avocado Committee. She is also a graduate of the Hass Avocado Board BOLD program and the California Agricultural Leadership Program.

Maureen Lamb Cottingham

Maureen Lamb Cottingham brings executive leadership experience and deep agricultural roots to her role as an avocado grower and industry advocate. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a degree in agricultural business, she previously served as executive director of the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance. Today, Maureen manages her family’s avocado and lemon groves, first planted fifty years ago. She is deeply invested in steering every aspect of the business, from operations to financial management, ensuring the farm thrives for generations to come. She is proud that their avocados are ethically sourced and that their farm is committed to sustainable practices. Her family’s legacy in Ventura County runs deep. Her great-great-grandfather is credited with establishing and naming the city of Camarillo in the early 1900s. An engaged industry leader, Maureen serves as treasurer of CAC’s board of directors and has also contributed to its marketing committee and succession taskforce. She is a graduate of the Hass Avocado Board BOLD leadership program and serves as a grower member of the ACP-HLB Taskforce.

Catherine Pinkerton Keeling

Catherine grew up on her family’s farm in Santa Paula, where they have been growing California avocados for more than half a century, but that didn’t make her a farmer. After college Catherine volunteered for the Peace Corps in Costa Rica, helping women become economically independent as part of a rural development program. She later became a licensed clinical social worker in the Midwest. In late 2017, when the devastating Thomas Fire destroyed her parents’ home and about 70% of their avocado ranch, Catherine felt a calling to help her family rebuild their farm. A passionate advocate for California avocados and sustainable agriculture, Catherine has served as an alternate on the CAC board of directors and serves on the board of directors of the United Water Conservation District.

“Women are a driving force in California agriculture, serving as growers, business owners and stewards of multi-generational farms,” said Ken Melban, CAC president, in the recent release. “In the California avocado industry, female farmers play a vital role in advancing sustainable growing practices, driving operational excellence and preserving family farming legacies. Their contributions are essential to the continued growth and prosperity of our industry.”

As the Commission celebrates the women helping shape the future of California avocados, the industry is also entering the heart of the 2026 harvest season with optimism.

With improving market conditions, California avocado harvesting is now ramping up. While some growers began bringing fruit to market in January and February, the majority of this year’s locally grown and sustainably farmed crop is expected to ship from April through August. The Commission currently estimates the 2026 California avocado crop at approximately 330 million pounds. At peak harvest, the Commission anticipates promotable volumes ranging from 10 to 15 million pounds per week, providing retail and foodservice partners with a steady supply of premium California avocados during key spring and summer demand periods.

CORAL GABLES, FL - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., one of the world’s leading producers, marketers, and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit, is serving up a refreshing treat for pro tennis fans as part of its return as the official sponsor of the Miami Open, now in its 41st year. From March 15 through March 29 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., attendees of the prestigious tennis tournament can indulge in three one-of-a-kind smoothie combinations, including its newest Grand Slam Green Smoothie, available at Fresh Del Monte’s Courtside Smoothie experience at the event’s Sunset Terrace.

Fresh Del Monte Serves Up Refreshing Courtside Smoothie Lineup at the Upcoming Miami Open

“Going into year three of our partnership, we’re excited to serve up a refreshing, courtside experience that provides Miami Opening attendees with three tried-and-true, nutrient-packed smoothie blends,” said Danny Dumas, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Product Management for Fresh Del Monte, North America, in the recent release. “These refreshing blends offer rapid hydration and instant energy in a convenient, portable cup, for a quick way to cool down courtside.”

Fans can experience the following smoothie varieties at this year’s tournament:

• Grand Slam Green Smoothie: A rally of bananas, pineapple juice, spinach, kale, pineapple, and coconut milk
• Pinkglow® Sunset Serve: A blend of mango, Pinkglow® Pineapple, banana, and coconut water, with a splash of orange juice
• Match Point Smoothie: A winning combination of fresh mango, papaya, orange juice, and lime juice

Fresh Del Monte will take over the videoboards throughout the tournament and run on-court activations during six select matches in the main stadium. Fans can participate in giveaways on the brand’s social media channels ahead of the tournament for a chance to win match tickets and try Fresh Del Monte’s Courtside Smoothies for themselves.

For more information on Fresh Del Monte, including products, recipes, and promotions, please visit DelMonteFresh.com. Follow @DelMonteFresh on social media at Instagram, Facebook, X, Pinterest, and YouTube.