OVIEDO, FL - As Duda Farm Fresh Foods marks a century of innovation in celery production, it also celebrates its membership in the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) for the last 27 years. Since 1999, the company watched SEPC flourish. Now, as it prepares to attend the upcoming Southern Exposure, February 26—March 2, the time to showcase its legacy of sustainable growth and family farming is more pertinent than ever.

“Duda Farm Fresh Foods is proud of our Florida roots—something we have in common with SEPC. We were an early supporter of SEPC, recognizing the council’s potential to connect growers, retailers, and industry partners across the region in a meaningful and collaborative way,” shared Nichole Towell, Senior Director of Marketing and Innovation, Duda Farm Fresh Foods. “Over the years, Duda team members have volunteered, served, sponsored, and mentored through SEPC initiatives, reinforcing a partnership built on trust and shared purpose. As Duda celebrates 100 years, its legacy within SEPC is a reflection of its legacy within the produce industry itself: steadfast leadership, a commitment to doing things the right way, and a genuine dedication to helping the industry thrive for generations to come.”

Duda stressed that its customers in the Southeast have been a vital part of its growth, and one of the reasons the company looks forward to attending each year.

“A critical priority at every show is to gain insights from buyers and industry peers, whether about consumer trends, sustainability expectations, or operational challenges that help us shape the products and services we offer, ensuring Duda remains a forward-thinking and trusted partner,” Nichole added. “We also look forward to sharing our flavor-first innovation and connecting with partners on what’s next in terms of new product opportunities, packaging advancements, and category insights that support growth at retail and foodservice.”

Duda’s category expertise can’t be overstated. For 100 years, the company reinvented what celery could be, creating the crisp, sweet varieties we know today.

“From pioneering growing practices to setting industry standards, our family's legacy is rooted in innovation and a passion for better-tasting celery,” Nichole said.

Duda remains committed to delivering its customers a strong partnership value that includes:

• Proprietary celery varieties that deliver the crispness and sweetness consumers crave — meaning better flavor, stronger repeat purchases, and higher category performance for our retail partners.
• A comprehensive approach to consumer marketing that ensures our products and brand are known nationwide by shoppers.
• National growing operations and year-round availability, ensuring consistent quality and dependable delivery — reducing risk and keeping your shelves fully stocked, no matter the season.
• Value-added snacking innovation and sustainable packaging solutions that drives category growth.

You’ll want to learn more from the team at the show, so be sure to mark booth #107 as a must-visit.

CHARLOTTE, NC - Fresh off its debut late last year and a flurry of exceedingly positive media, influencer, and consumer reviews, the DOLE® Colada Royale Pineapple has been named a 2026 Best New Product Awards Winner in the 18th annual 2026 Best New Product Awards™, according to a 2026 BrandSpark® survey of shoppers conducted by Newsweek.

Dole’s conventionally bred new pineapple offering distinct notes of coconut, reminiscent of piña colada, was among 43 new food and beverage products awarded by BrandSpark International and Newsweek in 2026, and the only fresh fruit or vegetable to be honored.

Considered one of North America’s most credible consumer-voted awards for new products, the Best New Product Awards asked 10,000 American shoppers to purchase, use, and review products in 112 categories.

The prestigious award comes as Dole Food Company announces plans for its 125th Pineapple Crowning Anniversary in 2026, celebrating its 125 years in the pineapple business, dating back to Jim Dole’s launch on Oahu in 1901.

Gold-to-green on the outside with a lighter cream-colored inside, the non-GMO DOLE® Colada Royale Pineapple was developed over the course of 15 years at Dole’s oldest pineapple farm in La Ceiba, Honduras, to appeal to those seeking the ultimate tropical eating indulgence. In addition to flavor resembling a piña colada, it delivers all the expected health benefits of Dole’s other fresh pineapples—improved digestion, reduced inflammation and protection against chronic diseases—as well as two and a half times more vitamin B per 1-cup serving than other varieties.

According to Bil Goldfield, Dole’s director of communications, the award is acknowledgment of the years of tireless work by Dole’s pineapple R&D breeding team in Honduras led by Roberto Young, a Honduran native who has overseen the program since 1997.

“Our intent was to leverage our century and a quarter of pineapple-growing experience in Hawaii and Latin America to create an exceptional premium pineapple so luxurious in its taste experience it leaves you wanting more,” said Goldfield in the recent release. “Since the Colada Royale has already become one of the most successful launches in Dole Food Company history, it appears we have achieved this goal.”

The Colada Royale was also recognized with the 2026 Best Product Promo Award in the Fresh Ideas Showcase at the International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce and Floral Show.

For information on DOLE® Colada Royale Pineapple, visit the Colada Royale webpage.

WASHINGTON, DC - On March 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed an administrative complaint alleging that Palumbo Foods LLC (Palumbo) of Avondale, Pa. failed to make full payment promptly in the amount of $1,182,521 to nine sellers for multiple lots of produce purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).

USDA and Palumbo entered into a Consent Decision and Order in which Palumbo agreed to pay the unpaid produce sellers listed in Appendix A to the Complaint and to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $50,000. Palumbo has satisfied the terms of the Consent Decision and Order and the finding that it committed repeated and flagrant PACA violations has been permanently abated without further process. The case has been closed.

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

MIAMI, FL - Kapi Kapi Growers, a leading global grower-shipper of sustainably grown pineapples, bananas, and plantains, announces the addition of Lawrence Danielka as Business Development Manager. Danielka joined the Kapi Kapi team on January 5 and will support the company’s continued growth by identifying new business opportunities and strengthening customer partnerships across key categories.

Danielka brings extensive retail and sourcing experience to Kapi Kapi, with a background rooted in category management, analytics-driven decision-making, and supplier collaboration. Most recently, he served as Fresh Sourcing Analyst at Ahold Delhaize, where he supported sourcing strategies across multiple retail brands, negotiated supplier performance metrics, and partnered closely with category teams on assortment planning, specifications, and margin management.

In this role, Danielka worked at the intersection of commodity markets, data analysis, and supplier strategy—helping retail teams navigate market volatility while maintaining competitive advantages through timing, execution, and analytics. His experience also includes sourcing, profitability analysis, and private label development roles with Family Dollar and Dollar Tree, where he managed supplier relationships, led strategic sourcing events, and supported merchandising and replenishment initiatives across multiple categories.

“I’m excited to join Kapi Kapi at a time of growth and opportunity,” said Danielka in the recent release. “I look forward to helping the company expand by identifying new banana and pineapple leads and leveraging data and analytics to further enhance customer support and decision-making.”

Sofia Acon, president of Kapi Kapi Growers, added, “Lawrence brings a strong combination of retail experience and category expertise that will be incredibly valuable as we continue to grow. His analytical mindset and deep understanding of sourcing, margin management, and customer needs make him a great addition to our business development team.”

SALISBURY, NC - Food Lion has nourished the Greensboro, N.C., community with access to fresh and affordable foods for more than five decades, and today, on Feb. 11, it will open a new location at 3501 N. Elm St. The store will become Food Lion’s 14th location serving the Greensboro area, highlighting the company’s continued investment in the community.

The Greensboro opening is part of Food Lion’s continued growth and investment across its footprint that also strengthens local economies, creates jobs, and reduces food insecurity. As the brand looks ahead to 2026, Food Lion plans additional new store openings and remodels, building on strong performance and its commitment to fresh food at affordable prices.

The new store reflects Food Lion’s commitment to providing an easy, fresh, and affordable omnichannel shopping experience in the towns and cities it serves. Designed with customers in mind, the location offers a wide selection of fresh, high-quality foods and affordable private brand products, along with the convenience of online ordering. The store also supports the local economy by creating jobs, reducing food insecurity, and strengthening the community through Food Lion Feeds, the retailer’s hunger relief program.

Unique store features include a CO₂ refrigeration system to help products stay fresh as well as separate innovative chillers that use chilled water to cool the store, reducing energy use and supporting a more environmentally friendly approach to air conditioning. In addition, the store offers an easy-to-shop layout, an expanded assortment, pickup and delivery through the Food Lion To Go website or app, and a modern décor inspired by customer feedback. From fresh produce and quality meats to ready-to-eat meals and everyday essentials, the new Food Lion is built to help families nourish their households with confidence and value.

“We’re thrilled to open Food Lion’s newest store here in Greensboro and welcome our neighbors into their new store to experience fresh and affordable groceries,” said Ken Mabe, Store Manager of the new Greensboro Food Lion, in the recent release. “Having spent my entire life in the Triad and nearly 29 years with Food Lion, I’m proud to offer an easy-to-shop store with quality products and services designed around our customers’ needs.”

Grand Opening Celebration

The store held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:45 a.m. on Feb. 11th. Afterward, the first 100 customers in line received a mystery gift card valued up to $200 and a free reusable shopping bag. The store will be open daily from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. Learn more about specific services the store offers and the weekly ad flyer.

Good things are in-store for neighbors

The new Greensboro Food Lion offers:

• A wide assortment of products, including ready-to-eat, ready-to-cook, and ready-to-heat meal solutions; fresh produce; quality meats; and a variety of organic, gluten-free, and plant-based items.
• A walk-in garden cooler, ensuring the freshest produce available, in-store prepared cut fruit, freshly made sushi, and a self-service wing and hot favorites bar.
• Convenience and choices for shoppers by providing Food Lion To Go Pickup and/or Home Delivery options. Online orders may be placed on the Food Lion To Go website or through the app. The convenient service allows customers to place an order with the click of a button while experiencing the same low prices and fresh food items they receive in the store.
• Self-checkout lanes are alongside traditional cashier-assisted checkout for a more efficient and flexible shopping experience.
• Nature’s Promise®, Food Lion’s affordable brand offering organic options alongside a variety of wholesome products made without artificial flavors, preservatives, or synthetic colors.
• A wide variety of regional items through its Local Goodness program are sourced from local growers or manufacturers who provide products that are the heart and soul of the community. A list of additional North Carolina-based suppliers that may be featured in the store can be found online.

See the full release here.