ROSEMONT, IL - US Foods is stepping back from a potential industry-shifting merger, formally ending discussions with Performance Food Group after a two-month review process, according to Transport Topics. The distributor initiated an information-sharing agreement on September 16 to explore the benefits of a possible combination, which would have created a national powerhouse surpassing even Sysco in foodservice reach.

After assessing regulatory risks, operational synergies, and long-term value creation, US Foods announced that the talks have been mutually dissolved.

“We have completed our thorough analysis, including synergies and regulatory considerations, of the potential benefits of a combination with PFG,” said Dave Flitman, Chief Executive Officer of US Foods. “While we are pleased to have engaged in this exploratory process together, our board of directors and the executive leadership team have determined that it is in the best interest of US Foods and its shareholders to terminate discussions.”

The decision keeps the distributor focused on its established long-range plan, which includes disciplined capital investments and a substantial share repurchase program totaling $1.25 billion. It also underscores US Foods’ commitment to strengthening its standalone position as one of North America’s largest foodservice carriers.

The halted talks come as both organizations continue pursuing separate growth paths in a competitive landscape marked by acquisition activity, consolidation pressure, and operational shifts across foodservice distribution.

For the latest insights shaping the foodservice and distribution sectors, keep checking back with ANUK.

SACRAMENTO, CA - There are many things to look forward to when celebrating Thanksgiving. For me, it’s putting on Bob’s Burgers Thanksgiving reruns while I whip up my world-famous onion tartlets and fend off my mother and sister as they try to steal the extras. There’s always a form of chaotic cheer about the holiday, one that pairs best with family and friends.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, ANUK invites you to share your festivities with us through our annual Thanksgiving yearbook.

Produce-forward dishes, creative cooking selfies, or a group photo highlighting the whole family, AndNowUKnow is welcoming submissions from all corners of our industry.

What do you have to do to make the cut? Flash a quick flick of this year’s festivities and send it on over to [email protected]. Be sure to include the names of everyone featured in the photo, so we can shout you out in the caption!

Submissions will be accepted through December 2.

ANUK extends immense gratitude to the folks across our industry for their dedication to getting produce into the hands of more consumers. Happy Thanksgiving!

HOUSTON, TX - Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables directly into families’ hands, is celebrating three years of partnership with Zespri™ Kiwifruit designed to strengthen fresh produce access and education across Brighter Bites’ cities nationwide.

Since the partnership began in 2022, Zespri has made a significant multi-year investment — through direct funding as well as the donation of more than 150,000 pieces of kiwifruit — to support Brighter Bites’ mission of providing fresh produce and nutrition education to families facing food insecurity.

“Zespri’s ongoing partnership and support of Brighter Bites demonstrates more than corporate generosity; it’s a strategic investment in the future of the produce industry,” said Brighter Bites CEO, Rich Dachman in the recent release. “By helping children and families discover and enjoy fruits like kiwifruit early in life, Zespri is helping to build the next generation of produce consumers while promoting long-term health and loyalty to fresh foods.”

This partnership extends beyond produce and monetary support by engaging families through hands-on educational content and creative recipe development. In addition to past initiatives like kiwi art contests and nutrition education fact sheets, Zespri and Brighter Bites continue to inspire families with easy, wholesome recipes including Easy Blender Kiwi Pancakes, Zespri Sungold Kiwi “Shaved Ice”, Zespri Sungold Kiwi Salsa, Zesty Zespri Kiwi Sorbet.

“We are thrilled to be a part of a program that not only provides produce but also engages with its community as Brighter Bites does,” said Jeanne Wilson of Zespri. “This collaboration has been able to drive both social impact and category growth to ultimately reach the goal of increased consumption of fresh produce for all — and we’re proud to contribute with our nutritious and delicious kiwifruit that supports healthy lifestyles.”

As Brighter Bites continues to expand its reach, the organization aims to further collaborate with produce industry partners committed to improving health outcomes and increasing produce consumption nationwide. Since 2012, Brighter Bites has grown to serve families and students in food deserts across nine major metropolitan areas and over 75 million pounds of fresh produce. Zespri’s partnership has enabled the organization to continue providing for under-resourced communities and expand its programming throughout the country.

To learn more about Brighter Bites, visit brighterbites.org, or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, or YouTube.