GLENDALE, AZ - Vallarta Supermarkets, California's beloved family-owned Latino grocer, is making history with its first-ever store outside of California, opening in Glendale in January 2026. The landmark expansion introduces Vallarta's award-winning food departments and authentic Mexican flavors to Arizona for the very first time, marking a milestone moment for both the company and the community.

Known for its authentic Mexican flavors, freshly-made foods, and community-focused culture, Vallarta Supermarkets has been a household name across California for over four decades. The Glendale opening represents a major milestone for the family-owned grocer and a significant addition to the city's retail landscape, meeting a demand for authentic Latino food and immersive shopping experiences.

"This is more than just a store opening, it's the next chapter in Vallarta's story," said Lizette Gomez, Vallarta's Director of Marketing, in the recent release. "We've built our reputation on authenticity, quality, and community, and we're proud to bring that to Arizona for the very first time."

In support of their new community and appreciation for the residents, Vallarta Supermarkets will be hosting a grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration, donating $7,500 to local charities and schools in the Glendale area and giving away reusable grocery bags filled with groceries to the first 300 customers.

"I'm excited to welcome Vallarta Supermarkets to Glendale," said Glendale Mayor Jerry P. Weiers. "With their rich history on the west coast, they chose our city as the home for their very first Arizona location, and that's a big win for us. This new store will not only bring quality products and unique flavors to our community, but it will also create jobs and help boost our local economy. It's a perfect example of growth that benefits everyone."

Located at 5836 W. Camelback Rd, Glendale, AZ 85301, spanning more than 49,000 square feet, and bringing up to 200 jobs to the city, the Glendale store is designed to be an immersive experience, alive with the colors, aromas, and sounds of Latin American culinary tradition. From the moment shoppers step inside, they will be greeted by the scent of warm tortillas from the in-house Tortillería, the rich aroma of the chain's iconic Carne Asada, and the sight of hand-decorated cakes and pan dulce in the Panadería.

The store will feature all of Vallarta's signature departments, highlighting:

• Made-Fresh Daily Foods: From warm corn and flour tortillas crafted in-house, to hand-decorated cakes and pan dulce in the Panadería, and fresh ceviches prepared in small batches throughout the day, Vallarta's signature freshness is front and center.
• Authentic Flavors at the Heart of the Store: The Carnicería, home of Vallarta's famous Original Carne Asada™, offers premium cuts of meat marinated in signature spices. Nearby, the Cremería showcases traditional cheeses like queso fresco and cotija, while the Pescadería and in-house Cevichería deliver ocean-fresh seafood, aquachiles, and more.
• Grab-and-Go With a Cultural Twist: Shoppers can stop at La Cocina for hot, ready-to-eat meals inspired by Mexico and Central America, sip aguas frescas straight from traditional vitroleros at the Juice Bar, or personalize their guacamole at the made-to-order station. For a sweet finish, the Dulcería offers candies, piñatas, and celebration essentials.
• Global Meets Local: Alongside staples of Latin American cuisine, Vallarta brings variety with hand-rolled sushi, fresh-pressed juices, fruit bowls topped with Tajín and chamoy, and a wide selection of organic produce sourced both locally and worldwide.
• More Than Groceries: The Florería brightens every occasion with vibrant flower arrangements and potted plants, rounding out the store as a true community destination.

With the Glendale store as its first outside of California, Vallarta Supermarkets plans to continue expanding its footprint while staying true to its roots: serving communities with authentic, high-quality food and creating a gathering place for families to connect over culture and tradition.

Vallarta Supermarkets is just a few taps away! Get your favorite grocery essentials and La Cocina hot, ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door through all major delivery services, including DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart. From fresh produce to delicious carnitas tacos, enjoy the best of Vallarta anytime, anywhere.

For more information about Vallarta Supermarkets and the grand opening of its Glendale, AZ, location, visit vallartasupermarkets.com or follow @vallarta.supermarkets on Instagram.

MONTEREY, CA - The highly anticipated 2025 Organic Grower Summit (OGS) is set to bring together the brightest minds, innovative technologies and actionable insights in organic agriculture. Scheduled to take place on Dec. 3-4, 2025, in Monterey, California, this year’s summit promises an engaging lineup, including a welcome keynote and a wide variety of seminars.

The event kicks off on Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 8 a.m. with Sylvia Tawse, founder and chief fresh officer at the Fresh Ideas Group. Her welcome keynote, “Unsung Heroes in Organic — How to Apply Their Legacies to Your Organic Success,” will explore the challenges and triumphs that have paved the way for the industry's $71 billion success today.

After the keynote, growers can choose from a dozen educational seminars throughout the morning, which will occur at 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

"The Organic Grower Summit is more than just an event — it’s a platform for collaboration, innovation and solutions," said Mike Wilson, senior executive editor at Farm Progress, in a recent release. "This year’s seminars tackle the most pressing challenges in organic agriculture, from labor shortages to sustainability, while showcasing cutting-edge technologies and strategies that empower growers to thrive in an ever-changing industry.”

Highlighted Seminars

"Food Safety vs. Biodiversity: Can Organic Farms Have Both?" - Moderated by Joelle Mosso of Western Growers Association, this seminar will explore the delicate balance between food safety regulations and biodiversity practices. Panelists include Traci Roberts (D’Arrigo California), Daniel Karp (UC Davis) and Eric Morgan (Rooted Ag). Attendees will gain practical strategies for managing conservation efforts while meeting strict safety standards.

"Unlock the Power of Marketing for Organic Produce!" - Led by Todd Linsky, CEO of Todd Linsky Consulting, this interactive seminar will provide actionable tools to enhance organic marketing efforts. Panelists such as Karen Nardozza (Moxxy Marketing), Sandi Kronick (Happy Dirt) and Reyna Graves (Sprouts Farmers Market) will share insights on leveraging USDA Organic certification, storytelling promotions and consumer demand trends.

"Coming Soon: Advanced, Cost-Effective Robotics for Enhanced Organic Farming Profitability" - This forward-looking seminar, moderated by Danny Bernstein (The Reservoir), will showcase how robotics and AI are transforming organic farming. Panelists include Tim Bucher (Agtonomy), Kristen Smith-Eshaya (JV Smith Co.) and Nishan Moutafian (Driscoll’s) who will discuss real-world applications of ag tech to address labor shortages and improve efficiency.

"Organic + Regenerative: Growing Stronger Together?" - Christopher Gergen of the Regenerative Organic Alliance will moderate a lively discussion on the synergies between organic and regenerative farming. Confirmed panelists include growers Blake Alexandre and Scott Park, as well as Anders Lundberg (Lundberg Family Farms), who will share their experiences in advancing soil health and biodiversity.

Find the full seminar schedule and the speaker lineup on the official website.

Produced by Farm Progress with the Western Growers Association serving as the 2025 Presenting Sponsor, this two-day event offers comprehensive access to educational seminars, trade show exhibits and networking opportunities. The summit team extends special appreciation to John Deere, serving as the Grower of the Year Sponsor, and Organic Grower Magazine for their valuable support. Complete registration details are available at www.OrganicGrowerSummit.com. Special grower pricing is available for Western Growers Association and California Certified Organic Farmers members. Reach out to their membership teams for a registration code.