COCHISE, AZ - Building on a year of brand expansion and category innovation, Plant Grow Harvest (PGH) heads into SEPC Southern Exposure with exceptional new crop performance, meaningful infrastructure investment, expanded organic production, and the debut of new additions to its growing Digs® portfolio.
As a forward-thinking leader in fresh produce marketing and sustainable agriculture, PGH continues to redefine what’s possible in the potato category by pairing proprietary seed development, premium flavor profiles, and thoughtful brand strategy. Following the successful retail debut of Tasty Little Digs earlier this year, a vibrant collection of petite, flavor-forward Creamers, Fingerlings, and Organics celebrated for their convenience and versatility, the company is accelerating momentum across both product innovation and supply.
Harvest of PGH’s Southern California crop began in January under ideal growing conditions. Early test digs show strong yields and outstanding overall quality, highlighting strong commitment to consistency from field to fork. The favorable season positions PGH with a high-performing crop as retailers continue prioritizing premium, reliable potato programs.
“Our focus has always been to build strength from the ground up — starting with seed development and ending with a differentiated retail experience,” said Dave Yeager, Chief Sales Officer of Plant Grow Harvest, in the recent release. “This year’s crop performance, combined with our recent infrastructure investments and expanded organic acreage, gives us the confidence to support our retail partners with consistent supply while continuing to introduce innovative, high-impact products that drive category growth.”
Supporting that commitment, PGH recently completed a multimillion-dollar equipment upgrade in December, to enhance processing capabilities and long-term scalability. The investment improves operational efficiency, expands packing capacity, and strengthens the company’s ability to serve both conventional and organic segments year-round, a strategic move aligned with rising consumer demand for premium fresh offerings.
Beyond infrastructure, PGH has remained focused on disciplined, research-driven expansion. Recent initiatives include a European sourcing trip to explore new creamer potato varieties, advancements in packaging development to better meet retail merchandising needs, the launch of a comprehensive consumer research project to inform future product strategy and expanded organic acreage and packaging options to support evolving market demand.
At SEPC Southern Exposure, PGH’s innovation will be on display through two product additions under the Digs® brand:
- Tiny Little Digs®, available in conventional and organic varieties, featuring one-bite sizing with bold flavor and elevated convenience
- Crawfish Boiler Bags, offered in red and yellow varieties, developed for entertaining and seasonal gatherings, a ready-to-boil solution designed to create incremental merchandising opportunities.
PGH enters the upcoming season with clear momentum. The company remains intentional in its innovative roadmap, balancing thoughtful brand growth with long-term category leadership.
To learn more, visit the PGH, Digs booth at SEPC Southern Exposure in Orlando, FL, Booth #506. The team looks forward to connecting with others and showcasing its commitment to premium, flavor forward potato innovation.
CHELSEA, MA - Olivia’s Organics, the number one organic salad brand in the Northeast and State Garden’s premier organic brand, proudly announced the launch of its new Olivia’s Organics Greenhouse Grown product line. The announcement comes as Olivia’s Organics celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking the culmination of two decades of commitment to raising the bar for freshness and quality in organic greens.
The new organic greenhouse line represents a breakthrough moment for regional agriculture, delivering organic local farming in the Northeast every month of the year, without compromising flavor, integrity, or growing standards.
“Our new organic greenhouse varieties represent a milestone once thought impossible – locally grown, certified-organic greens in the Northeast, available 12 months a year,” said Mark DeMichaelis, State Garden’s President and CEO, in the recent release. “This 20-year pursuit has been powered by persistence, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to our customers and communities.”
This new offering makes Olivia’s Organics one of the first companies to provide greenhouse-grown products that are 100% organic. Developed to raise the bar for what greenhouse-grown organic produce can be, the new line marries incredible taste, crunch, and leading food safety practices. The new greenhouse-grown blends include Organic Green Leaf and Organic Red and Green Leaf products, complementing Olivia’s Organics’ full line of organic tender leaf salads and blends, butternut squash, celery, and more.
“Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching Olivia’s Organics grow from a vision into a trusted brand for families across the Northeast,” said DeMichaelis. “One of my longstanding career goals has been to deliver what our customers have consistently asked for – truly local, certified-organic greens grown year-round in the Northeast. This strengthens our commitment to the region – supporting local grower networks, their families, and the communities and charities that have been part of the Olivia’s story for two decades. This milestone represents both a promise kept and a dream realized.”
Olivia’s Organics Greenhouse varieties unite rigorous food safety standards with trusted organic integrity, including the use of no natural or synthetic pesticides. Two varieties are currently available:
- Organic Green Leaf: With a natural buttery bite and gentle crunch, this certified-organic, greenhouse-grown lettuce offers a mild, clean flavor while supporting the health of our planet. Carefully grown, this versatile flavor is a must-have for salads, wraps, fresh dishes, and more.
- Organic Red and Green Leaf: This certified-organic, greenhouse-grown blend offers a light, refreshing crunch with a mild flavor mix of red and green leaves. Naturally delicious and thoughtfully grown, this is perfect for building vibrant salads and everyday meals.
“Unlike many greenhouse-grown options on the market today, Olivia’s Organics Greenhouse Grown varieties are crafted for those with a more discerning palate, offering a bolder, more robust flavor profile that tastes closer to the earth, not engineered away from it,” said Tom Thompson, Chief Revenue Officer at State Garden. “The result is a consistently fresh, crisp product with a satisfying crunch and versatile flavor that pairs well with everything from a light balsamic to a classic, hearty Caesar.”
See the full release here.
SALINAS, CA - Bengard Ranch, a premier vegetable grower/shipper, announces the hiring of Christian Bengard as Sales Executive to further the company’s retail reach and label recognition across the U.S. and Canada.
In this role, which began January 10, Bengard will be supporting sales, business development, and product management with a focus on building customer relationships, activating commercial growth initiatives, and contributing to strategic advancements across key markets.
“We’re pleased to welcome Christian into the sales office,” said Ken Silveira, President of Bengard Ranch, in the recent release. “His perspective as part of the next generation of the family will play an important role as we continue building on the strong foundation the Bengard family has already established.”
A third-generation family member, Bengard has long aspired to work for the family business that’s been rooted in Salinas Valley agriculture since the late 1850s.
He brings over six years of produce sales experience from Well-Pict/Gem-Pack, along with years of exposure within the fresh produce industry.
“The most rewarding part of this role is being able to connect with people who understand and appreciate the agricultural community,” Bengard notes. “I look forward to not only working with the family business but also continuing to build relationships within this industry.”
“It’s exciting to see the next generation carry on this family business,” said Steve Koran, Vice President of Sales. “Christian has a strong reputation in the industry and will be a valuable asset to the team for years to come.”
ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Ahold Delhaize announces that its Supervisory Board intends to propose the reappointment of Jolanda Poots-Bijl as CFO and member of the Management Board at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on April 8, 2026.
The Supervisory Board recommends reappointing Jolanda for a four-year term, recognizing her strong and successful leadership in delivering the company’s Growing Together strategy and strengthening organizational performance.
The Supervisory Board recommends Jolanda’s reappointment one year in advance of the end of her current appointment term, to reinforce leadership continuity and maintain a balanced (re)appointment cycle of the Management Board. Advancing the timing promotes stable and effective governance.
Wiebe Draijer, Chair of the Ahold Delhaize Supervisory Board, stated in the recent release: “We are delighted to recommend Jolanda’s reappointment a year ahead of the conclusion of her current term. As CFO, she has consistently demonstrated strong financial leadership in support of Ahold Delhaize’s strategic goals, she has built strong teams within the Finance function, while keeping customers and associates top of mind.”
Upon the announcement, Jolanda added: “It is a privilege to serve as CFO of this great company, working alongside our colleagues across brands and support functions to deliver healthier, affordable food to our customers every day, while building a strong platform for continued growth and sustainable, long-term value creation. I look forward to continuing on this journey for a second term.”
Jolanda was appointed CFO and member of the Management Board at an Extraordinary General Meeting in 2023. She also serves on the board of Pon Holdings.
More information can be found in the convocation and explanatory notes of Ahold Delhaize’s 2026 AGM, which will be published on February 25, 2026.
IMMOKALEE, FL - Lipman Family Farms will be in booth 638 at Southern Exposure, the annual Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) conference and trade show, February 26-March 1 at Orlando World Center. Lipman is excited to showcase its vertical integration in its home state. With the winter crop currently coming out of their Florida farms, plus a growing fresh-cut lineup that scales nationwide, the company is sharing what is possible when innovation is a family tradition that spans more than 75 years.
Visitors will discover a variety of Lipman solutions that are designed for the challenges of produce buyers, merchandisers and foodservice operators. A highlight is Lipman’s ready-to-use fresh-cut line that offers year-round, freshly prepped produce, including sliced or diced staples like tomatoes, onions and peppers, along with value-add fajita mix and pico de gallo. Every item is freshly picked, freshly cut, and then packaged for maximum shelf life and food safety.
“We're excited about the possibilities that our fresh-cut products bring to our customers,” said Cheryl Hoefs, SVP of Sales & Marketing at Lipman Family Farms. “From our coast-to-coast consistency to packaging innovation, our fresh-cut line is a real showcase for the advanced capabilities we bring to the table.”
Lipman fresh-cut produce reduces knife and slicer use, ensures consistency and limits handling during prep, which lowers cross-contamination risk. Lipman does the work in state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled facilities with continuous monitoring and extensive sanitation and quality measures to ensure uniform product across locations and 100% usable yield per pound.
Lipman staff are onsite to share how Lipman’s national reach and end-to-end operations deliver just-in-time produce with appetizing reliability. Lipman R&D, breeding programs, custom packs and tailored products, along with logistics and distribution, provide a unique advantage that enhances a buyer’s own reputation for quality.
“We’re growers at heart,” said Hoefs, “but our business extends far beyond farming. With our vertically integrated business, nobody is better equipped to deliver in-season freshness at any time of the year. We’re excited for Southern Exposure to experience over 75 years of Lipman innovation.”
Learn how Lipman can drive sales and simplify operations for your business. Make booth 638 a must-see at SEPC Southern Exposure. For more information, visit lipmanfamilyfarms.com.
PROVIDENCE, RI - At its 2026 Spring and Summer Selling Show in Orlando, Fla., United Natural Foods, Inc. brought more than 3,400 retailers and suppliers together to explore innovative products and help customers create value for their shoppers this spring and summer selling season.
“As the grocery industry rapidly evolves, UNFI is focused on helping retailers identify and scale emerging trends across our broad network of suppliers,” said Louis Martin, President of Conventional Grocery Products and UNFI Chief Commercial Officer, in the recent release. “We’re partnering with our customers to offer compelling value, unique product assortments, innovative merchandising programs, and services that help them stand apart from the competition.”
Five Trends Shaping Spring & Summer 2026*
- Perimeter gains ground – Increased adoption of GLP-1 medications and updated USDA guidelines are driving shoppers to seek healthier, attribute-forward foods. More shoppers are moving toward the perimeter in search of fresh, nutrient-dense options.
- Private brands accelerate innovation – The rising popularity of private brands, now found in roughly 90% of households, is fueling a wave of new product development(1). Private brands are driving innovation and loyalty as shoppers seek more value for every dollar.
- Protein breaks traditional boundaries – While poultry, eggs, dairy, and meat remain dominant, consumers are broadening their protein sources—with growth in protein shakes, powders, bars, and fortified everyday items(2).
- Gut health goes mainstream – More than 80% of consumers say gut health matters, and over half expect to prioritize it even more in the next few years — putting fiber rich products on a similar trajectory to protein enhanced foods(3).
- The return of simplicity – Shoppers are rediscovering the appeal of simple, minimally processed foods and traditional fats, gravitating toward shorter ingredient lists, familiar formats, and a back-to-basics approach to nourishment.
“Serving our community means leaning into emerging trends and evolving with our shoppers’ needs,” said Saj Kahn, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, Nugget Market, Inc. “As we prepare for the spring and summer selling season, UNFI’s data-driven insights, broad assortment, and tailored merchandising solutions are helping us bring in the innovative products our shoppers are looking for.”
During its Spring and Summer Selling Shows, UNFI showcased nearly 50 new private label products that lean into the latest shopper trends – from healthy snacking to high-protein and fiber-rich options.
Recent innovations from UNFI’s Woodstock brand include new Banana Water flavors (Strawberry, Blueberry and Chocolate), Frozen Fruit Bars and Chocolate Dipped Fruit Bites. New products from UNFI’s Essential Everyday brand include Frozen Breakfast Bowls and Sandwiches, Frozen Protein Waffles, Protein Instant Oatmeal, and expanded Zero Sugar Juice flavors.
*Sources:
1) Numerator “Private label trends tracker”
2) Mass Market Retailers “Protein trend reshapes grocery aisles”
3) McKinsey & Company “The trends defining the $1.8 trillion global wellness market in 2024”
SALINAS, CA - At Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Exposure 2026, Fresh Express will be showcasing its latest innovation designed to drive category growth and re-energize the salad experience. Attendees will get a first look at new salad kit flavors launching later this spring, inspired by global cuisines and restaurant-quality flavor profiles, bringing bold, craveable tastes to the fresh aisle.
“These new offerings reflect our continued focus on consumer-driven innovation, premium ingredients, and making it easier for shoppers to enjoy exciting, chef-inspired salads at home,” Fabian Pereira, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation, International, began telling me. “Attendees will be able to sample what’s next and experience firsthand how Fresh Express is continuing to evolve the category to meet today’s flavor-seeking, time-pressed consumer.”
Fabian pointed out that there is no substitute for in-person connection, and SEPC offers a unique space to build relationships and have meaningful conversations that help shape what’s next for the salad kit category.
“We’re looking forward to meaningful conversations with our retail partners and industry peers, to not only share what’s new from Fresh Express, but also to listen and understand how we can continue to deliver value at shelf and beyond,” Fabian expressed.
When attendees walk away from the Fresh Express booth, the team hopes they understand that Fresh Express isn’t just keeping up—it is a category leader. The company’s focus is on delivering bold, relevant innovation that reflects how consumers eat today, from globally inspired flavors to restaurant-driven concepts that elevate everyday salads.
“We want visitors to walk away confident in our ability to help drive growth through compelling product innovation, strong consumer and category insights, and activation that resonates with today’s shoppers. Whether it’s our chopped salad kits or the thinking behind what’s coming next, the takeaway should be clear: Fresh Express is shaping where the category is headed,” Fabian stated.
He explained that Fresh Express is heading into 2026 with strong momentum, fueled by consumer-led innovation, loyal shoppers, and a renewed focus on brand building. At SEPC, Fresh Express is not just showcasing products but sharing a vision for how salads can continue to stay relevant, exciting, and inspiring.
“One element we’re continuing to build is our Fresh Expressionist influencer program, which brings together a diverse group of culinary creators who help bring our salads to life through creativity, global inspiration, and personal expression,” Fabian continued. “We’re expanding the program this year to further celebrate flavor exploration and the many ways consumers enjoy Fresh Express. We can’t wait for attendees to stop by, engage with our team, taste what’s new, and see how Fresh Express is shaping the future of fresh.”
As we look toward the rest of 2026, Fresh Express is certainly a partner the buy-side will want to include in their produce programs. We hope to see you at the booth!
SWEDESBORO, NJ - Fresh-Link Produce is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary Narducci as the company’s sourcing expert, leading a newly established division designed to support continued expansion across retail, foodservice, and end-user markets.
Gary brings more than 25 years of experience in the produce industry, beginning his career in 1998 and developing a well-rounded foundation across transportation, operations, and procurement. Prior to joining the company, he held multiple leadership roles at Bix Produce in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he most recently spent over 11 years in procurement, building strategic partnerships with growers and shippers, with a strong emphasis on local programs and family farms.
“Joining Fresh-Link represents an incredible opportunity to build something impactful,” said Gary Narducci in the recent release. “I’m excited to partner closely with the sales team to drive strategic growth by delivering strong contracts, competitive market intelligence, and unique, high-quality produce supply programs. I look forward to creating value for our customers and helping the company continue its upward trajectory.”
The creation of this new sourcing division comes in response to the company’s rapid growth. By centralizing procurement strategy, gathering real-time market pricing, and strengthening grower partnerships, Fresh-Link aims to expand its commodity offerings and increase contract business.
“We are thrilled to have Gary Narducci join Fresh-Link,” said Garry Rowe, CEO of Integrated Fresh Solutions, parent company of Fresh-Link Produce. “His decades of expertise in purchasing, contract management, and supplier relationships are a welcome addition as we continue to grow at an accelerated pace.”
NEW ZEALAND - Zespri has released its final forecast for the 2025/26 season with forecast per hectare returns at record levels for all fruit categories.
Forecast per tray returns have increased from the November forecast for Zespri Green, Organic Green and Organic SunGold, with returns exceeding the top end of the November ranges. Zespri SunGold, Sweet Green and RubyRed forecast per tray returns remain in line with the November forecast.
CEO Jason Te Brake says strong global demand has allowed Zespri to sell a record crop of around 215 million trays at strong value for growers.
“The forecast reflects strong sales in Europe and North America this season, along with a more positive finish in Asia following earlier season challenges.”
“Our Northern Hemisphere supply season is also performing well, helping maintain shelf space and keep the Zespri brand in front of customers year-round. With volumes up 27 percent, our sales window will extend through to mid-March, around a month longer than last season and with new season New Zealand fruit expected to arrive in market from mid-April, we’re moving closer to closing the supply gap.
“It’s been a collective effort across the industry to deliver such a large crop and meet the growing demand for our fruit, and it’s really pleasing to be on track to return strong value to growers, including a forecast return of $10 per tray for Green growers.”
Mr Te Brake says with early estimates indicating another record crop of around 220 million trays, getting off to a strong season start and managing fruit quality would be key to maximising and maintaining value in market.
“We’re focused on getting our sales programmes up and running early so that we can capitalise on strong demand for our fruit and reduce the end of season quality risk to our markets.
“Selling a large proportion of the crop early in the season will help avoid the late season fruit quality costs we experienced with SunGold last season, with careful inventory management and getting our fruit into the right markets at the right time also critical in optimising grower returns.
“We have plans in place this season to increase our onshore auditing so that we’re keeping any poorer quality fruit out of markets, and work is also underway on an industry-wide quality review, reflecting the collective response we need to deliver fruit that reflects our premium brand.”
The kiwifruit industry will also come together next week in Mount Maunganui for the Momentum 2026 Conference with Zespri set to share its 2035 strategy focused on delivering value back to growers and shareholders through its ambition to become the world’s healthiest fruit brand.
Zespri’s final season results will be published in May.
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