TRAVERSE CITY, MI - A comprehensive rebrand centers on North Bay Produce’s greatest asset: the farmer. The farmer symbol represents the heart and soul of the company and underscores its commitment to connection, cooperation, and global reach. As it prepares to spotlight the rebrand to the industry at the upcoming Southern Exposure, I spoke with Brian Klumpp, Director of Marketing, and Nick Osmulski, President, about this important milestone.

“Our farmers’ dedication and work ethic are the driving forces behind North Bay’s sustained success since 1984,” Brian remarked. “By focusing on varietal development and expanding our global farmer-owner portfolio, we continue to elevate our performance and share the compelling stories of our farmer-owners.”

The company emphasized that its farmers are not just the foundation of North Bay’s business—they are the business. To connect consumers with the people who feed their families and the world, the global cooperative brings farmers to life through an augmented reality (AR) experience integrated into the rebranded packaging. With AR labels, viewers are guided through a 3D farm diorama that shares stories of the people bringing their produce to market.

“This AR technology gives us an avenue to tell a story and connect the consumer to where their fruits and vegetables are being grown, how they’re being grown, and new and exciting varieties being grown,” Nick Osmulski, President, shared of the new branding. “This is something that retailers have been asking for, and we’re excited to bring this new storytelling opportunity to our customers’ produce departments for the consumers.”

The rebrand also features a new logo with a farmer icon. The farmer was designed to be timeless, representing the generations of farmers in the company’s history, and also a universal figure, representing North Bay’s diverse men and women farmers from every corner of the globe.

“We are tremendously proud of this work,” added Brian. “A great deal of planning and thought went into all elements of this project, and we believe it will resonate with our customers.”

The emphasis on its people cannot be overstated, as both Nick and Brian expressed their gratitude to the people who make it possible.

“Between the great group of farmers that make up North Bay and the team of employees around the world, it’s truly an amazing group of people working together every day that drives the success of the company,” Nick noted.

“North Bay is thriving, and this moment gives us the opportunity to emphasize what’s behind that success—our people,” Brian added. “While we’ve long been a quiet and humble company, we now embrace the chance to modestly yet clearly share why our story is worth knowing.”

Set to debut the rebrand at Fruit Logistica in Berlin next month, North Bay Produce is also looking forward to showcasing the new packaging at the upcoming Southern Exposure.

“We look forward to the show as an opportunity to showcase our rebrand, connect with partners, and spotlight the importance of our farmers,” Brian told me. “Our new booth will feature updated berry packaging with a new logo and AR technology, enhancing consumer engagement and sharing the stories at the heart of our cooperative.”

You won’t want to miss stopping by, so make sure to mark booth #303 on your must-see list!

PHOENIX, AZ - Sprouts Farmers Market has announced it will open its first location in New York in Centereach, Long Island on Friday, January 30 located at 1934 Middle Country Rd. A ribbon-cutting will take place on Friday at 6:45 a.m. and the doors to the store will open at 7 a.m.

Throughout grand opening weekend in Centereach, Sprouts will host a series of giveaways and onsite activities, including opportunities to taste seasonal produce. The first 200 shoppers on Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31 will receive a free reusable goodie bag filled with special products and samples. Throughout the grand opening weekend, shoppers can receive 20% off their purchase when they sign up for a Sprouts Rewards account.

As one of the largest and fastest-growing specialty retailers of fresh, natural and organic food in the United States, Sprouts helps people live and eat better. Stepping into Sprouts, shoppers can expect an experience rooted in freshness, quality and wellness -- with delicious discoveries down every aisle. From everyday essentials to specialty finds, Sprouts makes healthy living accessible and affordable with:

• Fresh Produce – Sprouts new Centereach location offers the season's freshest, most delicious produce at the heart of the store, sourced in partnership with local and regional farmers such as Eastern Fresh Growers, Flaim Farms, Nardelli Bros. Inc. – Lake View Farms, and Sunny Valley International – The Jersey Fruit Company to source local produce. Through Sprouts’ Food Rescue program this store will donate groceries that are no longer fit for sale but remain perfectly edible and nutrient rich to Long Island Cares and Island Harvest.
• Healthy Proteins – Sprouts sells a wide variety of protein offerings, including No Antibiotics Ever chicken, 100% grass-fed beef, sustainably-sourced seafood and vegetarian and vegan offerings for the widest assortment of high-quality protein.
  Fast, fresh lunch solutions including:
• $5 Sushi Wednesdays – Sprouts rolls fresh sushi daily in-store and offers $5 sushi specials every Wednesday.
• Famous $5 Sandwiches – Sprouts’ Deli features build-your-own and grab-and-go sandwiches starting at just $4.99 featuring Sprouts Brand Deli Meats that are free from preservatives, nitrates and sliced daily. The Deli also offers convenient ready-to-eat meals and heat and eat prepared foods.
• Sprouts Wellness Bowls – Fresh, flavorful and ready-to-eat meals made daily in-store, packed with protein and perfect for a quick, healthy meal, starting at just $8.99.
• Wellness Products – An assortment of more than 7,000 vitamins, supplements and wellness products awaits you at Sprouts with wellness experts in every store offering a wealth of knowledge to guide customers on their health and nutrition journeys.
• Sprouts Bulk Department – our bulk department features hundreds of bins and barrels brimming with freshly roasted coffee beans, rice, nuts, dried fruits, granolas, trail mixes, baking essentials, spices and sweets; scoop up as much or as little as needed. All bulk products are free from artificial colors and artificial flavors.
• Sprouts Rewards – Sprouts Rewards makes shopping more rewarding! Members earn points on every in-store and online purchase, unlock exclusive events and offers, and enjoy more ways to live and eat better. The program is free to join, points start after your first purchase, and it’s available at all Sprouts locations nationwide.

The new Centereach location will be open daily from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. For more information and to sign up to win a $500 Sprouts gift card, visit www.sprouts.com/centereach.

“The arrival of Sprouts Farmers Market is a great win for Centereach,” said Councilman Neil Manzella in the recent release. “Our community has been in need of a supermarket, and Sprouts not only meets that need but does so with a strong focus on quality and community involvement. It’s clear they have great people behind this project, and I’m excited to see the positive impact they’ll have and the success they’ll achieve here.”

Sprouts Farmers Market is invested in serving the communities where it operates. The Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation recently announced a $325,000 donation to the Middle Country Library Foundation to expand hands-on nutrition education, garden and wellness programs offered at the library.

At the center of the partnership is a first-of-its kind, 600-square-foot educational greenhouse, designed as a year-round learning hub where children, families and community members can participate in workshops that connect gardening, nutrition and environmental education. The greenhouse will increase access to fresh food knowledge and create new opportunities for experiential learning that support lifelong healthy habits. Together, the Middle Country Public Library and the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation will deliver seasonal events and year-round programming, including the Let’s Eat: Farm to Table Exhibit (opening February 21), Spring and Fall community festivals, hands-on gardening and nutrition workshops, and Green Teens volunteer opportunities.

For more information on the upcoming events at Middle Country Public Library, visit www.mcplibrary.org, or for more information on the Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation visit www.sprouts.com/foundation.

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - On the heels of several pivotal program expansions, Oppy is hitting the Southern Exposure 2026 show floor with a diverse mix of products, taking advantage of an ideal platform to highlight its latest developments and core categories.

“ENVY™ apples will be a key feature, as this season marked Oppy’s exclusive offering of ENVY grown in New York, alongside the brand’s recent rebrand,” shared Business Development Representative Moriah Lingenfelter. “With new display bins debuting at the show, it’s the perfect opportunity for attendees to experience the refreshed look and grab an apple while walking the floor.”

The company will also be prominently featuring its full berry set of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries during the show. Following its integration with Dole Diversified North America, this past year marked Oppy’s first season offering strawberries from Florida.

In addition, Oppy will highlight Zespri® Ruby Red™ kiwifruit, new to the East Coast this spring, along with Zespri green and SunGold, and offer a look at the current import season, with plums and nectarines on display. Microgreens, one of Oppy’s newest offerings in partnership with UP Vertical Farms, will also be showcased, featuring seven unique varieties. Avocados—one of Oppy’s fastest-growing categories—will be spotlighted for its ability to support strong, vertically integrated, year-round programs with consistent quality from multiple countries of origin.

"We’ll also be talking up the last remaining pole tomato producer in California, Oceanside Pole, who grow the most flavorful vine-ripened tomatoes and brought its first bell peppers to market last season," says Moriah.

Alongside these staple fruit categories, Oppy will be drawing attention to another advantageous opportunity in the produce department through its partnership with Blue Diamond Growers.

“Blue Diamond Almonds bring something unique to the produce aisle with a protein-forward, better-for-you snacking nut line,” Moriah adds. “Dry roasted with no added oils or artificial flavorings, Blue Diamond is supported by a recent rebrand and the momentum of National Almond Day on February 16. As the import season begins, pears will take the spotlight, supporting a smooth seasonal shift for customers.”

Rounding out the produce maven’s robust showcase, grapes from Chile and Peru will take center stage during this high-volume February window, supporting two leading brands—Ocean Spray and Dole—as part of Oppy’s year-round grape program.

“With more than 165 years in the business, Oppy uses global sourcing power to help retailers win shoppers, not just stock shelves,” says Business Development Manager Sydney Schutkowski. “By offering trusted brands like Dole and Ocean Spray, we bring the high-quality fruit consumers are seeking out. Backed by an integrated supply chain and enduring grower relationships, Oppy delivers consistent quality as its retailer’s long-term partner focused on driving category growth.”

With its dynamic fresh fruit portfolio in tow, Oppy is harnessing Southern Exposure as an opportunity to strengthen industry relationships while uplifting several key categories.

“Southern Exposure has a unique ability to foster an environment where conversations naturally flow in a deeper way, creating meaningful connections with business partners that may have never transpired without the warm and welcoming atmosphere that embodies this particular show,” Moriah explains.

This event comes at a vital period of growth for the company, as it continues to build on the foundation established by its recent integration with Dole Diversified North America.

“For the remainder of the year, Oppy is focused on its integration with Dole Diversified North America, allowing us to deliver more consistent quality and supply through peak seasons while bringing a broader portfolio of grapes, citrus, cherries and berries to market,” Sydney concludes. “At the same time, we continue to invest in branded and proprietary offerings that stand out on shelves—from the continued momentum of our Blue Diamond produce launch, to first-of-their-kind, eye-catching items like Pink Cosmo blueberries and Zespri Ruby Red kiwifruit—and bring excitement and differentiation to the produce department.”

Visit the Oppy team and get a closer look at each of these premium brands at booth #300 during this year’s Southern Exposure!