ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Ahold Delhaize announces that its great local brand Delhaize in Belgium has completed the acquisition of Delfood NV.

This acquisition comprises 303 stores in Belgium consisting of all louis delhaize stores and those supplied through Delfood, as well as logistics services and the Belgian headquarters.

The transaction consolidates Delhaize’s position in the Belgian retail market—particularly in the convenience segment— and expands its network to a total of 1,109 stores across Belgium and Luxembourg. The transaction received approval from the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA), subject to conditions, including that six Delfood proximity stores and one Delhaize Shop & Go are to be divested.

“This acquisition represents an important step in deepening our presence in the Belgian convenience market. By bringing Delfood and the louis delhaize stores into the Ahold Delhaize family, we are expanding a network that is deeply rooted in local communities and backed by 150 years of heritage. I am excited about the opportunity to offer customers even more accessible, fresh and reliable shopping experiences,” said Claude Sarrailh, CEO Ahold Delhaize Europe & Indonesia, in the recent release.

LEAMINGTON, ON - Dedicated to uplifting Southeast agriculture, Pure Flavor^® is a natural fit at the upcoming Southern Exposure. Touting a new addition to its portfolio and strategic expansions, the company is excited to head to Orlando, Florida, next month and share with the industry what it means to be a member of the Southeast farming community.

“Driven by our Georgia farm expansion and the opportunity to showcase what we grow right here in the Southeast, Pure Flavor is excited to introduce the newest addition to our Georgia-grown portfolio, Organic Long English Cucumbers, at Southern Exposure,” shared Matt Mastronardi, Executive Vice President. “Grown in a protected greenhouse environment, these cucumbers offer crisp texture, peak freshness, and a ‘Georgia Grown’ callout, with the consistent quality retailers expect.”

Pure Flavor will also be sharing new items and crowd favorites, including Cherry Picked^™ tomatoes, a premium medley of hand-picked specialty varieties such as sweet red cherry Azuca Tomatoes, tropical Tiki Tomatoes^®, and blushing, citrusy OMG Tomatoes^™.

“Rocco Reds™, known as The Chef’s Tomato^®, bring bold color and robust flavor, while Cloud 9^® grape tomatoes, one of our sweetest award-winning varieties, add juicy sweetness and vibrant appeal,” Matt added.

In addition to its impressive portfolio, Pure Flavor continues to invest in the Southeast, most recently through a 25-acre expansion of its Southern Flavor Farms greenhouse in Peach County, Georgia.

“As truly Southeast growers rooted in the region, we are proud to be part of the local farming community, supporting jobs, strengthening regional agriculture, and growing food close to where it is enjoyed. This investment gives Southeast retailers greater capacity and reliable year-round access to fresh, premium vegetables,” Matt shared. “With additional acreage planned, Pure Flavor remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and strategic growth to meet the increasing demand for fresh, flavorful, and consistent high-quality produce that builds shopper loyalty.”

SEPC’s dedication to providing meaningful networking opportunities for retailers, distributors, and suppliers to come together is part of the reason Pure Flavor is so excited about the show.

“As farmers who grow in this region, Southern Exposure allows us to connect face-to-face with local retailers, share our story, exchange insights, and listen closely to customer feedback. These relationships help guide our innovation, strengthen partnerships, and support our continued growth in the Southeast,” Matt concluded.

Pure Flavor is bringing a large group to the show, including members of our leadership and sales teams. Attendees will include Matt Mastronardi, Executive Vice President; Tiffany Sabelli, Senior Director of Sales; and Mike Glass, Director of Sales, so be sure to stop by booth #125 to say hello!

SANTA PAULA, CA - Deepening customer partnerships and amplifying avocado category growth is top of mind for Calavo heading into Southern Exposure. The event, held in Orlando, Florida, from Thursday, February 26, 2026—Sunday, March 1, 2026, will be a premium spot for Calavo to highlight what it can offer to industry partners.

“Our goal is to collaborate on data-driven category strategies, supply confidence, and sustainable programs that deliver long-term results,” Anna Kirsch, Director of Business Development, tells me, diving right into the company’s strategic showcase. “We are excited for the upcoming California Avocado Season. Our country is turning 250 this year, and for almost half of that time, Calavo has been proud to support domestic growers.”

With a history of innovation at its core, Calavo knows how to leverage its portfolio to drive year-round demand.

“Consumers are increasingly treating ‘Food as Fuel,’ and Calavo is delivering,” Anna asserts. “We’re celebrating 102 years by showcasing our most diverse lineup yet: the finest avocados, premium guacamole, grab-and-go convenience products, a robust tomato program, and tropical Hawaiian papayas.”

Following the company’s recent successes, it has a bounty of insights to share with attendees.

You won’t want to miss out, so be sure to stop by booth #729 to learn how Calavo’s brand of category expertise will drive growth for your business.

UNITED STATES & MEXICO - The winter storm that sent temperatures plummeting has delayed bell pepper production in Florida, causing a spike in prices that is expected to be tempered by shipments from Nogales, Arizona, and McAllen, Texas.

The Source noted that there is still a potential freeze risk over the weekend, “keeping the market cautious. Nogales/McAllen is seeing heavy volume and good quality under clear skies, helping to keep markets steady to slightly lower and balance Florida supply.”

We see this reflected in the National FOB Review from January 28, 2026, which noted that “cold weather continues to affect crop maturity in Northern parts of Florida.” The Mexico crossing through Nogales reports yellow and orange bells in light supply, with a moderate demand for green bells, and the market is slightly lower.

The Source went on to note that “while current volumes are good, frost, wind, and bloom drop could tighten future supply, and rising demand for red peppers calls for careful monitoring.”

Markon Cooperative offered an update regarding bell peppers to its partners on January 27, 2026. As with other reports, Florida production is slow on green bells, although the cooperative reports that Mexico has a steady supply coming from Sinaloa.

The Culiacan region experienced rain earlier, briefly delaying production on red bells. Quality is reported to be good, with growing conditions expected to improve heading into next week.

Keep reading us here at ANUK for updates across categories like this.

ARIZONA & CALIFORNIA - According to recent market insights, Iceberg lettuce prices continue to rise as supplies tighten in the Arizona-California desert region, with Florida lettuce supplies still limited due to cold weather.

According to an update shared by Markon Cooperative on January 28, 2026, heavy rains followed by sustained higher-than-normal temperatures earlier this season have led to tighter supplies in Arizona and California’s desert growing regions, with cool-weather lettuce varieties experiencing the greatest impact. The wet weather experienced during the Thanksgiving season created a planting gap that is contributing to the category's lighter supply. Elevated pricing is expected to last through the Arizona-California desert season.

Mexican stocks crossing into South Texas remain steady, with strong quality due to ideal growing conditions.

The USDA’s National FOB Review for January 30, 2026, reported the following pricing information for Iceberg lettuce:

• South and Central District, California: Supply very light. Demand moderate. Market about steady. Organic cartons 24s film wrapped 26.00-35.00 mostly 30.00-34.00 12s film wrapped
  16.00-23.00 mostly 18.00-22.00
• Imperial, Coachella, and Palo Verde Valleys, California: Demand fairly good. Market slightly higher. Cartons film lined 24s 29.00-37.55 mostly 33.45-34.45 occasional higher and lower 24s film wrapped 30.00-37.55 mostly 34.45-35.45 occasional higher and lower
• Western Arizona: Demand fairly good. Market slightly higher. Wide range in quality and condition. cartons film lined 24s 32.95-40.75 mostly 34.55-37.75 few 41.75 24s film wrapped 33.95-41.75 mostly 35.55-38.75 few 42.75 30s film wrapped 23.75-33.75 mostly 24.75-27.75 few 34.75-39.50, occasional higher and lower
• Mexico Crossings Through Texas: Demand moderate. Market steady. Cartons 24s film wrapped 12.00-15.00 mostly 13.00-14.00 occasional higher

Recent winter storms in the midwest, south, and eastern regions of the United States are expected to create more tight supplies heading into the Valentine’s Day pull.

For more pricing and volume insights, keep reading ANUK.

PRODUCE INDUSTRY - Already one month into the new year, and I’m only now getting used to dating it as 2026. Time does funny things to our day-to-day, often collapsing our moments into a series of transactions, calendar reminders, cups of coffee, and fire alarms. In fresh produce, those timestamps are fortunately not what we’re best known for. In this relationship-driven space, we work through challenges with handshakes and hard conversations, helping keep the lights on in one another’s operations through collaboration, gratitude, community, and connection.

Fresh produce is built on the family we choose, the friends we make, and the partners we go to bat for. It’s built on resilience and a shared commitment to showing up—even when the work is demanding, and the path forward isn’t always clear. In that spirit, this next collection of voices offers a moment of acknowledgment and gratitude from industry friends who understand the power of connection.

Lisa McNeece, SVP Foodservice and Ingredient Sales, Grimmway Produce Group

"The start of a New Year always feels less like a finish line and more like a quiet pause—a moment to reflect and to take stock of who we are, who we've loved, and what we have learned along the way. I'm reminded that growth doesn't always come from big leaps, but from showing up consistently, choosing grace, and staying curious about what's still possible. Here is to another year of learning, loving, laughter, and walking the path together."

Emily Zirkle, Business Development, Rainier Fruit Company

“While I'm not a strict New Year's resolution person, I do use this time to return to back-burner projects, both personal and professional. I love how mercifully quiet the first few months of the year are and the chance they give to reset. This year, I'm working on having more hard conversations, rolling with the punches, and maybe I'll even replace my cracked windshield, which may be approaching its sixth birthday…”

Jami Espinosa, Category Manager, Produce, Wakefern Food Corp.

“A new year brings renewed clarity—about what matters, where we're headed, and how we show up along the way. My focus this year is simple: do meaningful work, support the people around me, and stay open to the growth that comes from change."

Noelle Neary, Category Manager, Produce, Wakefern Food Corp.

“As we step into a new year, I'm reminded that growth—both personal and professional—comes from embracing change and staying curious. This year, I'm committed to fostering collaboration and celebrating the small wins that lead to big impact. Here's to a year of learning, connection, and creating opportunities together.”

Cat Gipe-Stewart, Director of Marketing, Superfresh Growers®

“2026 holds so much promise as the Year of the International Woman Farmer. Women are being highlighted who have never been invited to the table before. Women who fought hard for an equal seat are finally being recognized, and their stories are being shared. It’s been an incredibly exciting moment to witness. I’m also deeply grateful for the male allies who recognized the need for this moment—for women to be in the spotlight, for their voices to be heard, and for that visibility to be lifted up intentionally. Alongside them are so many incredible female colleagues across the industry who continue to make agriculture stronger every day.

The Year of the International Woman Farmer is about more than simply highlighting women. It’s an opportunity, and a practice, for all of us to reflect on how we show respect, equity, and celebration for the women in our industry. It’s a time to ask real questions: How many women are sitting at decision-making tables? If representation isn’t equitable, why not? Whose stories are being told, and whose voices are being shared? And if female voices aren’t being elevated, if women aren’t at the table in equal measure with men, is there something you can do to change that?”

Thank you, Cat, Lisa, Emily, Jami, and Noelle—your words mean so much to us all!