JACKSONVILLE, FL - Southeastern Grocers, LLC (SEG), parent company and home of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, has been named one of America’s Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces®. The recognition, featured in the Wall Street Journal, highlights SEG’s people-first culture grounded in trust, inclusion and purpose – the latest in a growing list of national accolades celebrating the neighborhood grocer’s commitment to its associates, customers and communities.

Anthony Hucker, Chairman and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said in the recent release, “Our associates embody what it means to lead with heart. Every day, they show up with kindness, care and an unwavering commitment to nourish and enrich the communities we call home. They bring our purpose to life in every store, every department and every role across our company. I’m proud to be in their service and to champion a people-first culture that empowers them to grow and make a lasting impact. Together, we ensure our neighbors are fed with quality food at affordable prices, and that’s what makes our people extraordinary.”

SEG’s commitment to associates and communities continues to earn accolades that highlight its culture of inclusivity and social responsibility. Forbes included Winn-Dixie on its 2025 Best Brands for Social Impact list, recognizing its impactful charitable giving and community engagement. SEG was also named one of 2025’s Most Loved Workplaces® for LGBTQ+ and was recognized as one of the Best Companies to Work For Overall by U.S. News. These accolades affirm the grocer’s dedication to inclusivity and creating a supportive environment where associates feel valued.

The grocer’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and a rewarding shopping experience has also earned widespread recognition from national publications. This year, Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket were named among America’s Best Loyalty Programs by Newsweek, while Winn-Dixie also earned a spot on USA Today’s America’s Best Loyalty & Rewards Programs. Shoppers can access the award-winning Rewards programs through the Winn-Dixie and Harveys apps or by signing up online, giving them exclusive deals and digital coupons to help save on everyday groceries. Winn-Dixie was further honored as one of America’s Best Stores by USA Today, highlighting its century-long tradition of service as the grocer celebrates its 100^th anniversary.

Additionally, SEG’s reliability and consistent value have been recognized on a national scale with inclusion on Newsweek’s list of Most Trustworthy Companies in America, reflecting its focus on providing everyday savings and a robust Own Brand portfolio. This year alone, SEG’s private label products have earned 45 industry awards across a variety of categories – clear proof that customers can count on both quality and affordability every time they shop.

Together, these national recognitions affirm SEG’s role as a trusted neighborhood grocer. By helping customers save, supporting associates and giving back locally, SEG continues to shape a modern, people-first grocery experience that blends tradition with innovation.

CARLISLE, PA - The GIANT Company announced that its new Allentown, Pa. store, located within the South Mall Shopping Center at 3300 Lehigh St., will officially open its doors Friday, Nov. 21 at 8 a.m. The new 68,000 square foot store and on-site fuel station replaces the company’s current store and fuel facility at 3015 West Emmaus Ave., which closes for business on Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. The new store will operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

“At GIANT, exceeding the expectations of our loyal customers is at the forefront of everything we do, and it starts with accommodating their changing grocery needs,” said John Ruane, president, The GIANT Company, in the recent release. “Our new store in Salisbury Township is bigger and offers a wider product assortment that enhances the overall shopping experience for our customers, while continuing to showcase what we’re known for - delivering value, freshness, and kindness.”

Mike Ramos, an 18-year grocery veteran, will continue serving as store manager. Team members and community leaders will gather for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 21. As part of the celebration, the first 200 customers will receive a GIANT reusable shopping bag filled with product samples and other grand opening savings.

“Just in time for the holiday season, my team and I are excited to welcome our neighbors inside and show them what we’ve been working on,” said Ramos, Salisbury Township GIANT store manager. “Customers will also see many familiar team members from the West Emmaus Avenue store as well as some new faces as we added more than 75 new full- and part-time jobs to the store.”

Salisbury Township customers will find GIANT’S signature fresh departments expanded with wider product assortment across the store, including a large, market-feel produce department with dedicated space for organics, meat and seafood, service deli with pre-sliced meats and cheeses, dairy, bakery, full-service floral, a large beer and wine area, and in-store pharmacy. The Salisbury Township store also features a hot food bar which includes smoked and barbeque meats, pre-pack salad offerings in the deli, specialty cheese case, and an in-store sushi chef.

To accommodate busy customers, the new Salisbury Township GIANT store offers a larger on-site fuel station with 10 fuel positions and double the amount of GIANT Direct parking spaces for easy store pick-up of a customer’s online grocery order.

SPRING HOPE, NC - Farm Pak Products, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of its newest brand, Francie’s Finest, rolling out this month in celebration of the first birthday of Francine “Francie” Barnes, daughter of company president Josh Barnes. Named in her honor, Francie’s Finest reflects both the rich heritage and bright future of the Barnes family farm. As the fourth generation, Francie represents the family’s ongoing commitment to growing quality sweetpotatoes with sustainable, safe practices.

Already, Francie enjoys the farm’s signature crop: sweetpotatoes. While she’s still too young to decide if she’ll one day join the business, the family looks forward to her sharing in the same memories that have shaped their farm life for generations.

“Francie’s Finest is more than a name, it’s a promise,” said Josh Barnes, president of Farm Pak, in the recent release. “Our family eats these sweetpotatoes every day because they’re delicious, nutritious, and grown using sustainable farming practices. We’re proud to share them with families everywhere under a brand that celebrates our future.”

“Farm Pak has been a dependable name for years, but Francie’s Finest allows us to share a moment on the dinner table from our family to yours. People connect with people. We’ve seen that with our Bethany’s Best watermelon brand, named after my sister Bethany, and now we’re doing the same with Francie. This brand shows that we’re a family who cares deeply about the same things our consumers do—feeding our children safe, nutritious food. Our sweetpotatoes are exactly that.”

With the same trusted quality as the Farm Pak brand, Francie’s Finest introduces a refreshed look that celebrates family, tradition, and the future of farming.

Francie’s Finest products include 3-pound and 5-pound conventional sweetpotato mesh bags, individually wrapped microwaveable sweetpotatoes, and 3-pound and 5-pound organic sweetpotato mesh bags.

“Francie’s Finest is a beautiful way to celebrate both where we’ve come from and where we’re going.”

BURLINGTON, ON - In a move to expand its Idaho footprint, EarthFresh has appointed Dick Thomas as Senior Vice President of Procurement, Idaho Division. Tom Hughes, EarthFresh's Chief Executive Officer, released the following statement:

"We’re excited to announce that Dick Thomas has joined EarthFresh as Senior Vice President of Procurement, Idaho Division. This strategic addition reflects our continued commitment to strengthening the EarthFresh presence in Idaho and expanding our focus on Idaho potatoes as a key part of our portfolio. 

"As part of this growth, EarthFresh will establish a new office in Idaho, enabling us to deepen relationships with growers and partners in the region.

"We’re excited for the expertise, experience, and local insight he brings to the EarthFresh future in Idaho!"