YUMA, AZ - Natural Delights®, with coordination and support from Elephant House PR, hosted back-to-back Harvest Tours last week for retailers, transportation partners, and consumer media in Bard Valley just outside of Yuma, Arizona.

Guests were invited to try their hand at harvesting, guided by the expertise of the brand’s palmeros. The experience offered a firsthand look at the demanding process, which starts at the beginning of the year and culminates with hand-harvesting in September. They also toured the brand’s state-of-the-art facilities, gaining a deeper appreciation for the careful sorting, grading, and packing practices that ensures product quality.

Guests enjoyed an intimate dinner with the growers, prepared by local private chef and influencer Jane Olivia, featuring a Medjool date-inspired menu. The evening’s theme, Under the Yuma Sun, highlighted Mediterranean dishes that showcased Medjool dates as a star ingredient. Throughout the dinner, guests heard stories of the growers’ rich history and family legacies, gaining a deeper appreciation for the families behind the dates they purchase.

“This year’s Harvest Tour gave us the chance to show partners firsthand how much care goes into producing the highest-quality Medjool dates,” said Alexandra Molumby, Senior Brand Manager for Natural Delights, in a press release. “From time in the palms to time at the table, they experienced the full story of our brand and the people who make it possible.”

“One of the most rewarding parts of our work is giving people the chance to go layers deep with the brands they represent - whether they’re retailers, vendors, or storytellers,” said Beth Keeton, President of Elephant House PR. “By experiencing the groves firsthand and seeing how Natural Delights are grown and harvested, guests leave not only surprised by what they learn, but fully equipped to share more meaningful stories and connect more authentically with their own audiences.”

To date, Natural Delights has hosted over 200 guests from all over the world at their annual Harvest Tours, resulting in millions of social views, long-term partnerships, media placements, and much more.

For more information about Natural Delights, visit naturaldelights.com or contact Liam Slavin at [email protected] to place an order.

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Grimmway Produce Group™ announced two key executive appointments effective October 6, 2025. Kirsten Anderberg will join as Chief Financial Officer for GPG, and Katie Diesl has been named President of Organic Vegetable Category.

Five trusted names in fresh produce under common ownership – Grimmway Farms, Cal-Organic Farms, RPE, San Miguel Produce, and Tasteful Selections – are now officially under the new banner of GPG. These appointments reflect GPG’s continued commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and customer value as it unifies capabilities across its legacy brands.

“We are building the future of fresh – rooted in heritage, driven by data, and committed to customer success,” said Jeff Huckaby, CEO of Grimmway Produce Group, in the recent release. "Kirsten and Katie are dynamic leaders with the experience and passion to drive our growth strategy forward. Kirsten brings the financial discipline and strategic lens we need at the enterprise level, while Katie’s deep knowledge of our business and our values make her uniquely suited to lead our organic category in this next chapter.”

Kirsten Anderberg Appointed Chief Financial Officer

As Chief Financial Officer, Anderberg will oversee all financial planning and analysis, accounting and controls, tax, treasury, and IT functions for Grimmway Produce Group. She brings a wealth of experience in strategic financial leadership across the natural, organic, and consumer packaged goods sectors, with executive roles at Fresca Foods, Fantasy Cookie Corporation, and Rudi’s Organic Bakery, among others.

“GPG represents an extraordinary platform in fresh food, combining some of the most respected brands in the industry,” said Kirsten Anderberg, incoming CFO. “I am honored to join the team at such a pivotal time and look forward to supporting GPG’s long-term financial strategy while building the systems and insights that will help fuel future growth.”

Katie Diesl Named President of Organic Vegetable Category

Diesl steps into the role of President of Organic Vegetable Category following a remarkable tenure with Grimmway that began in 2007. Most recently serving as Chief Information Officer and Interim President of the organic division, Diesl has helped guide the company through multiple phases of digital transformation, organizational growth, and structural integration.

In her new role, Diesl will lead the overall performance and strategic growth of the organic category, overseeing profit and loss, operational strategy, go-to-market execution, and cross-functional innovation.

“It has been a privilege to grow alongside this company over the past 18 years,” said Katie Diesl, incoming President of Organic Vegetable Category. “Our organic program is rooted in purpose and progress, and I’m excited to work with our teams to build upon that legacy as we continue to lead the way in organic produce.”

CALIFORNIA - The beauty of Grapes from California is their extended season of promotional potential. While spring signals their arrival, the category continues to thrive with fresh momentum as the fall and winter holidays commence. Supporting global basket sales through Halloween and Thanksgiving and into the December holidays and the New Year’s rush, the period is rich with table grape demand. From merchandising strategies that position grapes as a healthy candy swap at Halloween and convenient on-the-go snacks during fall activities to starring on a charcuterie board during festive celebrations—California grapes are ripe for every occasion.

“The fall season is an exciting time for California grapes as there are many celebrations and occasions where grapes can be enjoyed in the U.S. and many export markets,” said Ian LeMay, President of the California Table Grape Commission. “California grapes are delicious, easy to share, and pair well with all sorts of sweet and savory items, making them an excellent fit for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas promotions as well as Dia de los Muertos or the Mid-Autumn Festival.”

As California enjoyed a mild summer to begin the season, and the weather has remained favorable moving into the fall season, harvest is expected to continue into December, which means there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the bounty that comes from California grape vineyards.

“The California Table Grape Commission is committed to supporting retailers in maximizing the promotions of California grapes,” shared LeMay. “As always, the marketing team looks forward to connecting with anyone at the show interested in discussing California grape promotion opportunities.”

KINGSVILLE, ON - Fresh, flavorful, and a little unexpected—Del Fresco Pure® is ready to make a splash at the 2025 Global Floral & Produce Show in Anaheim, California (October 17–19, 2025). This annual event brings together produce and floral pros from around the world to spot trends, spark innovation, and celebrate the future of fresh food.

At Booth #3993, attendees can explore Del Fresco Pure®’s world of flavor, sustainability, and creativity, with exciting product launches, interactive activations, and tastings designed to delight every sense.

Spotlight Event: Logan Moffitt Live at Booth #3993

Fresh and engaging—Del Fresco Pure® is shaking things up this year with Logan Moffitt, the viral “cucumber guy,” on Thursday, October 17, from 12 PM – 3 PM.

“We’re beyond thrilled to have Logan as our brand ambassador,” said Sonia Klinger, Marketing Manager at Del Fresco Pure®. “He has a gift for turning everyday moments into something extraordinary. His playful, authentic style reflects our own spirit of innovation—and shows that even a cucumber can shine in the spotlight.”

From humble cucumber to internet superstar, Logan’s playful-yet-elevated salad series has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of fans everywhere, proving that even the simplest veggie can spark creativity, ignite conversation, and yes—achieve viral fame. His innovative approach transforms everyday ingredients into eye-catching, flavorful creations that are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Attendees at the event will get an exclusive chance to watch Logan in action, learn a few of his signature cucumber hacks, and take-home inspiration to elevate their own kitchen adventures.

“What excites me most about working with Del Fresco Pure® is how much they value creativity with produce,” said Logan Moffit. “At the Global Produce and Floral Show, I’m looking forward to sharing how everyday veggies—like cucumbers—can become the star of the show when you add a little imagination.”

Join Logan at the booth and explore fresh, creative ways to enjoy produce—whether it’s adding a little flair to everyday meals or turning simple ingredients into something unexpectedly delicious.

Product Innovations on Display

Del Fresco Pure® is rolling out two major highlights this year:

• Sustainable Heirloom Tomato Packaging – gorgeous heirloom tomatoes in recyclable cardboard trays, cutting single-use plastics while keeping produce fresh and protected.
• Organic English Seedless Cucumbers – a premium organic cucumber line, combining greenhouse expertise with certified organic practices for flavor consumers can feel good about.

A Booth Experience That Pops

The Del Fresco Pure® booth is more than just a display—it’s an experience:

• Custom Heat-Press Bag Station – design a personalized tote to take home.
• Swag + Recharge Station – fuel up your devices and grab some giveaways.
• Delicious Tastings – sample the vibrant flavor of greenhouse grown produce prepared on-site.

Committed to Flavor and Sustainability

“Today’s consumers want more than just fresh produce—they want to know it’s grown with care for both people and the planet,” said Ray Mastronardi, VP of Sales, Del Fresco Pure®, in the recent release. “Our sustainable packaging and organic line reflect that commitment. We’re proud to showcase these innovations at the Global Floral & Produce Show, where creativity and collaboration shape the future of our industry.”

Visit Del Fresco Pure® at Booth #3993

From sustainable packaging to premium organic cucumbers, plus interactive activations and tasty bites, Del Fresco Pure® invites attendees to see how the company is turning fresh produce into flavorful experiences.

SANGER, CA - Kings River Packing is proud to announce the addition of David Denton to its leadership team, where he will play a key role in strengthening and expanding the company’s supply chain operations. Denton, formerly Vice President of Supply Chain at Lyons Magnus, brings deep expertise in forward planning, data utilization, and operational resilience.

Denton’s arrival marks a strategic step in Kings River Packing’s continued investment in building a supply chain that supports year-round citrus programs for its retail, wholesale, and distribution partners. His leadership will focus on enhancing visibility, agility, and long-term planning to ensure seamless execution from field to shelf.

“We’re excited to welcome David to the team,” said Andrew Horn, VP of Sales Operations at Kings River Packing, in the recent release. “His experience in building scalable systems and leveraging tools like Power BI to drive smarter decision-making will be invaluable as we continue to grow and refine our operations.”

In his new role, Denton will focus on leveraging data and proactive planning to anticipate and mitigate potential supply disruptions—ensuring consistent delivery and program continuity for customers.

“I’m honored to join Kings River Packing and contribute to a company that values both innovation and tradition,” said Denton. “I look forward to building out the supply chain team and creating systems that support long-term success for our growers, partners, and consumers.”

This strategic hire reflects Kings River Packing’s broader commitment to investing in people, technology, and processes that uphold its legacy of excellence while preparing for the future.

CALEXICO, CA - Altar Produce, a leader in the production and marketing of fresh asparagus and vegetables, will officially present its new corporate image during the Global Produce & Floral Show 2025 (GPFS) in Anaheim, Calif.

Recognized for its vertically integrated model From Our fields to Your Table, the company seeks to strengthen its core message through the slogan: We Are The Grower, reaffirming its commitment to quality, innovation, and the trust it has built with clients worldwide.

At its booth, Altar Produce will engage visitors with three main activations:

• Altar Coffee Bar, to allow attendees to experience the hospitality experience that has become a tradition.
• Mobile charging stations, an exclusive service for visitors and buyers.
• Lauch of new Altar Produce mascots, with fun claw machines plush figures that reinforce the brand’s renewed identity to reach all consumers generation.

The company will also showcase its full product portfolio and highlight its steady growth across North America, Canada, Europe, and Asia, reflecting the strength of its global operations.

“With this new image, we want to convey what has always defined us: we are integrated growers, close to the land and to our customers,” Manuel Ochoa, Marketing manager, said in the recent release.

“More than a visual change, it is a statement of our vision and the trust we have built with buyers around the world,” Altar Produce’s executive team said.

Altar Produce will be located at booth C-1873 and will also be present at the Mexico Pavilion at Hall D-575 reinforcing Mexico’s role as a strategic supplier for the international market.

ST. LOUIS, MO - Save A Lot, one of the largest value-focused grocery chains in the U.S., recently celebrated the return of the Save A Lot brand in 27 stores across Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, after the stores had been improperly re-branded in 2024. Working to re-establish both high operational and financial standards, the stores once again offer local customers Save A Lot’s outstanding value on an assortment of fresh, affordable, healthy foods, along with 50+ high-quality, award-winning private label brands.

Throughout July and August, the stores hosted grand reopening events including special giveaways and sale pricing on popular items. To demonstrate its commitment to the community, Save A Lot donated $15,500 to regional charities. “We’re delighted to reintroduce Save A Lot to these markets and support the community,” said Bill Mayo, Save A Lot Chief Executive Officer, in a recent release. “Save A Lot is committed to provide high quality food and outstanding value to our customers.”

Save A Lot believes all neighborhoods should have access to fresh, high quality food options. Stores focus on offering everyday low prices on great tasting, high quality private label brands as well as national brand products, USDA-inspected meat cut fresh in store, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, and other non-food items.

The stores that have reopened include:

• Ohio
  • Akron
    • 3333 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH 44319
    • 1400 S Arlington St, Akron, OH 44306
    • 25 W Miller Ave, Akron, OH 44301
    • 530 E Tallmadge Ave, Akron, OH 44310
    • 1375 Copley Rd, Akron, OH 44320
    • 544 Canton Rd, Akron, OH 44312
    • 205 N Wooster Rd, Barberton, OH 44203
    • 204 High St, Wadsworth, OH 44281
    • 8005 State St, Garrettsville, OH
  • Columbus
    • 3434 Cleveland Ave, Columbus, OH 43224
    • 1254 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
    • 4930 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43228
  • Dayton
    • 1026 Patterson Rd, Dayton, OH 45420
    • 4233 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45405
    • 2152 N Gettysburg Ave, Dayton, OH 45406
  • Toledo
    • 2626 W Laskey Rd, Toledo, OH 43613
    • 657 E Manhattan Blvd, Toledo, OH 43608
    • 1703 Airport Hwy, Toledo, OH 43609
  • Galion
    • 845 Portland Way N
• Indiana
  • Indianapolis
    • 3739 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46201
    • 2930 E 38th St, Indianapolis, IN 46218
    • 8101 Pendleton Pike, Indianapolis, IN 46226
  • Fort Wayne
    • 840 Bluffton Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46809
    • 3310 E Paulding Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46816
  • Peru
    • 25 Broadway Plaza
• Pennsylvania
  • Erie
    • 2026 Broad St, Erie, PA 16503
    • 2209 W 12th St, Erie, PA 16505

Customers can learn more by visiting SaveALot.com.

WESTLAKE, VILLAGE, CA - Bold flavor and multicultural appeal is elevating the produce department in the form of a strategic new alliance. Giving consumers an exciting new way to enjoy salads, soups, and other fresh-forward dishes, Fresh Gourmet and Tajín have unleashed a lineup of ready-to-use Chile Lime Croutons, Pepitas, and Masa Strips, all seasoned to perfection with Tajín® Clásico, the top-selling chile lime seasoning.

“At Fresh Gourmet, our innovation pipeline is rooted in two pillars: emerging culinary trends and consumer data. The collaboration with Tajín was sparked by both,” shares Brad Pinkerton, Senior Marketing Director. “We saw a compelling overlap in consumer behavior—59 percent of Tajín households are also purchasing salad toppings. That signaled a clear opportunity: these flavor-seeking shoppers were already bundling Tajín’s signature bold seasonings with crunchy toppings like croutons, strips, and seeds. By creating Fresh Gourmet Toppings seasoned with Tajín, we captured an existing cross-category habit and brought it together right where it matters most—in the produce section.”

With Tajín already a household name in flavor, and Fresh Gourmet ranking as the No. 1 brand in salad toppings, the two brands are a natural fit.

“In fact, Fresh Gourmet is already the leading topping brand among Tajín shoppers, making us their ‘crunch partner of choice,’” Brad adds. “That synergy brings real power to the shelf.”

This advantageous crossover signals some compelling opportunities for retailers, as Tajín shoppers typically spend 17 percent more on salad toppings and 30 percent more on croutons when purchasing Fresh Gourmet products.

“The collaboration helps drive trade-up behavior, lifting the dollar value of the basket,” Brad explains. “Even a small shelf placement of Fresh Gourmet Tajín Toppings has delivered outsized dollar returns thanks to high brand awareness and natural category affinity. And importantly, this partnership provides retailers with an exclusive alliance competitors can’t replicate. It’s a unique differentiator that brings incremental dollars to the produce department, while surprising and delighting shoppers with a flavor-forward twist on salad toppings.”

Recently hitting shelves nationwide, the new Fresh Gourmet toppings seasoned with Tajín were designed with the modern, flavor-seeking shopper in mind, tapping into several intersecting trends reshaping how consumers approach meals and snacks. For retailers, this presents a clear opportunity to:

• Drive basket expansion by encouraging add-on purchases that enhance home cooking
• Attract younger and more multicultural shoppers with relevant flavor profiles and formats
• Capture incremental sales through impulse-driven toppings that feel exciting and fresh

“At Fresh Gourmet Company, our mission is simple: turn fresh produce into craveable meals. Shoppers are more likely to purchase fruits and vegetables when they know what to do with them—and that’s where our toppings come in,” says Brad. “The new Tajín-seasoned croutons, pepitas, and masa strips make it easy for consumers to build exciting meals with fresh ingredients. Whether it’s a salad, grain bowl, lettuce wrap, or veggie-forward snack, these toppings bring taste, texture, and inspiration—which in turn drives more frequent produce purchases. By giving shoppers a flavorful reason to use more produce, we’re not just selling toppings—we’re elevating the entire perimeter of the store.”

By harnessing Fresh Gourmet and Tajin’s collaborative innovation, retailers can not only transform the salad set but also encourage experimentation with fresh produce by pairing it with exciting, trusted flavors. The cross-merchandising opportunities are endless!

Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we cover the latest produce launches spicing up the fresh produce sector.

SALINAS, CA - Are you Global Produce & Floral Show-ready? As the event quickly approaches on October 16–18, attendees are mapping out their itineraries and marking off the must-see booths to visit on the show floor. Among those must-see booths is The Nunes Company, which is displaying a lineup of conventional and organic products, along with the recently integrated Fresh Leaf Farms value-added items.

I spoke to Stephanie Cantero, Communications and Marketing Coordinator, ahead of the show to learn more.

“We will be spotlighting our conventional and organic products at the show, along with our Fresh Leaf Farms value-added items, including Arcadian Harvest®, Better Burger Leaf®, and Simply Singles®,” Stephanie shared. “We have witnessed the rising demand for organically grown produce and year-round availability. Retailers and foodservice operators can harness Foxy Organic produce and Fresh Leaf Farms' organic value-added items to meet this increase in demand.”

Both Foxy-branded and Fresh Leaf Farms produce is available year-round, ensuring consumers can get their hands on their favorite products no matter the season. The International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show presents the opportunity to place these year-round lineups in a well-deserved spotlight.

“The Global Produce & Floral Show provides the opportunity to interact with industry professionals across the fresh produce and floral supply chain,” Stephanie added. “As an exhibitor, we have the added benefit of highlighting our year-round product offerings, consisting of Foxy and Foxy Organic produce, along with our Fresh Leaf Farms value-added items.”

The Nunes Company will showcase these advantageous lineups at booth #1165 in the Grower-Shipper Pavilion.

For more updates in the lead-up to this exciting show, keep clicking on that little apple logo!