WASHINGTON, DC - The Organic Trade Association (OTA) honored eight individuals for their longstanding commitment to advancing the organic movement during last night’s annual leadership awards event. Held at OTA’s annual Organic Week conference, the award ceremony recognized leaders for driving and sustaining the growth of the organic industry on farms and in their communities, while prioritizing the benefits to people and the planet.

The distinguished 2025 Organic Leadership Award Honorees are:

• Organic Champion: The Honorable Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture
• Organic Lifetime Achievement: Albert Straus, Straus Family Creamery; and David Lively, Organically Grown Company
• Organic Farmers of the Year: Chris and Marcie Baugher, Baugher Ranch Organics
• Organic Environmental Leadership: Charlotte Vallaeys, Principal, Vallaeys Consulting LLC
• Organic Trailblazer: Nicole Atchison, CEO, PURIS
• Organic Social Impact: Tony Bedard, CEO, Frontier Co-op

“This esteemed list is a testament to the inspirational leadership and innovation abundant in the organic industry, and we are extremely grateful for the unwavering passion and commitment of these award recipients,” said Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO of Organic Trade Association, in a recent release. “We are proud to celebrate their significant achievements and look forward to their future contributions to drive the organic movement.”

The Honorable Russell Redding - Organic Champion Award

The Organic Champion Award recognizes and honors individuals in government who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing organic agriculture and trade. This year’s recipient is Russell Reading, Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture, recognized for his decades of service to farmers and his leadership in strengthening organic agriculture both regionally and nationally. A lifelong public servant and Pennsylvania native, Redding’s deep connection to agriculture began on his family’s dairy farm and continues through his crop farm to this day. He has dedicated his career to supporting farmers, expanding market opportunities, preserving farmland, promoting conservation, and building a more resilient, diverse agricultural economy and community.

Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership, Redding led the creation of the PA Preferred Organic brand and the Organic Center of Excellence and has championed public-private partnerships to grow the organic sector across the Commonwealth. His legacy reflects a deep commitment to innovation, sustainability, and ensuring a strong future for all of agriculture in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Albert Straus - Organic Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement award recognizes trade association members who have dedicated their careers to the furtherance of organic agriculture and trade by providing a broad vision, successful solutions, and the labor and leadership required to bring the mission into reality. Albert Straus and David Lively are examples of just those qualities.

A second-generation farmer, Albert is a pioneering force in sustainable organic dairy farming. Having spent more than three decades producing award-winning organic dairy products, Albert has helped transform the food system through ecological practices, farm viability, community preservation, and climate innovation. In 1994, he transitioned his family’s Straus Dairy Farm to become the first certified organic dairy west of the Mississippi and founded Straus Family Creamery, the nation’s first 100% certified organic creamery.

On the farm, he was among the first in California to install a methane digester and the first to develop a carbon farm plan on a U.S. dairy. Today, Straus Dairy Farm is advancing a carbon-neutral organic dairy farming model, aiming for net-neutral emissions across all 13 of Straus Family Creamery’s supplying farms by 2030. Named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business, Albert continues to lead with a visionary, farmer-first approach to building a regenerative food and agriculture system.

“I am truly honored to receive this award. My lifelong mission is to create a replicable organic dairy farming model that sustains family farms, fosters the next generation of farmers, and revitalizes rural communities — all made possible by producing high-quality, delicious organic products that nourish people and positively impact our planet.”

See the full list of honorees here.

WASHINGTON, DC - International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show, taking place October 16–18 in Anaheim, CA, will feature the largest global buyer presence in the event’s history.

Retail, foodservice, and wholesale leaders from around the world will be on the show floor, connecting with suppliers, discovering new products, and forging strategic partnerships.

“We’re seeing unprecedented interest from global buyers this year, and it's a clear signal that the world is looking to the Global Show as the event to do business,” said Jessica Keller, IFPA’s Vice President of Global Industry Relations, in a recent release. “Beyond deal-making, retailers are bringing larger global teams to explore innovation, branding, marketing, and best practices. It’s all about building relationships, aligning strategies, and shaping the future, and IFPA is proud to provide the platform.”

Among these powerhouse buyers is Costco, with representatives from eight of its global divisions attending.

“Costco finds the IFPA Global Show to be extremely valuable," said Bob Huskey, VP GMM, Fresh Foods, Costco. "We strive to go to market as one global entity, and the event provides an ideal platform for this. We meet internally to align on global strategies while also engaging with our suppliers as a unified, global team.”

See Who’s Attending

A full list of buyers attending this year’s show can be found on IFPA’s website.

IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show connects more than 20,000 attendees across the fresh produce and floral supply chain, with 1,100+ exhibitors and decision-makers from over 70 countries. The world’s largest fresh produce and floral expo is the premier destination for business growth, innovation, and global connections in the industry.

Registration for the Global Show is available on IFPA’s website.

WASHINGTON, DC - Equitable Food Initiative, the capacity-building and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, and retailers, is proud to mark Hispanic Heritage Month by spotlighting the vital contributions of Hispanic people throughout the agriculture sector.

According to the National Center for Farmworker Health, 78% of agricultural workers self-identify as Hispanic, a figure that underscores the central role they play in sustaining the food systems that feed our nation. Hispanic Heritage Month has been recognized annually from September 15 – October 15 since 1988, when President Ronald Reagan expanded the weeklong celebration to a full month to “properly recognize the significant contributions Hispanic/Latino Americans have made in the United States.”

During the celebratory month, EFI is encouraging agricultural companies to emphasize the rich cultures, traditions, and histories of Hispanic communities, while also deepening public understanding of the everyday labor, challenges, resilience, and leadership of Hispanic agricultural workers.

EFI has assembled a number of resources and stories to amplify Hispanic voices from the fresh produce industry and raise awareness of Hispanic and Latino heritage in agriculture, including:

• Video conversations with Hispanic agricultural professionals sharing their personal stories of challenge and triumph, from the field and the packing shed to supervisory roles and marketing;
• Profiles and features that highlight how workers of Hispanic and Latin American descent contribute their expertise, skills, cultural knowledge, and stewardship to agriculture;
• Social media graphics and celebratory ideas for companies, farms, and community organizations to engage meaningfully with Hispanic and Latino employees, promoting inclusive practices, workplace equity, and cultural awareness.

“This month is an opportunity to honor the dedication, innovation, and spirit of Hispanic and Latino communities that make the agricultural industry thrive,” said Alexandra Martinez, EFI’s senior digital marketing and sales associate, in the recent release. “This not only includes those who grow, pack, and ship the food we eat every day, but also the educators, managers, decision-makers, innovators, and so many others shaping the industry.”

EFI invites farms, agribusinesses, retailers, and industry stakeholders to join in the celebration by sharing their workers’ stories, integrating cultural education, or strengthening policies that support the safety, dignity, and well-being of Hispanic workers.

For more information and to view EFI’s Hispanic Heritage Month resources and worker stories, visit equitablefood.org/HHM.

ST. LOUIS, MO - Todd Schnuck, Chairman and CEO of Schnuck Markets, Inc. announced the 1939 Group, Inc.’s definitive agreement to purchase 100% of the shares of the Wisconsin-based parent company of Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, Inc. The purchase includes shares held by Mark Skogen, CEO of Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, Inc, as well as the shares in the trust held by associates in their Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

The 1939 Group, Inc. (1939 Group) is owned by the family that owns Schnuck Markets, Inc., whose name honors the year the family’s matriarch, Anna Donovan Schnuck, opened the first store in St. Louis, a press release stated.

Skogen’s Festival Foods’ and Hometown Grocers’ 51 stores are located throughout Wisconsin. Forty-two stores operate under the Skogen’s Festival Foods banner, while Hometown Grocers includes nine banners: Dave's County Market, Denny's Supervalu, Don's Quality Market, Lake Mills Market, Lakewood Supervalu, Super Ron's Food Center, Thompson's County Market, Thorp Supervalu and Wittenberg Sentry Foods. Upon the sale’s closing, the 1939 Group is committed to maintaining the stores’ existing banners, all of which are well-known and respected in the communities they serve.

“Our family is honored to be entrusted with the Skogen family legacy, one that began serving Wisconsin communities in 1946 and continued for decades under the leadership of Dave and Barb, and later, under Mark as CEO,” said Todd Schnuck. “Schnucks, Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers share a strikingly similar set of core values, tracing our success to decades of consistently focusing on the communities we serve, the values we share and the ongoing quest for excellence in grocery retail. With this combination, we’re welcoming more than 8,000 associates to our family, unifying two family legacies and redefining what it means to be a regional grocer.”

Upon closing of the purchase, Todd Schnuck will become Chairman and CEO of the newly-formed 1939 Group, and will also lead a workforce of more than 19,000 as Chairman and CEO for Schnuck Markets, Inc., Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers.

“It’s been a privilege to serve Wisconsin communities and continue the legacy my grandparents began in 1946,” said Mark Skogen, outgoing CEO of Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, Inc. “Our focus has always been on treating every customer like a guest, supporting the growth of our associates who make that experience possible and giving back to the communities we serve. With Schnucks’ shared commitment to nourishing lives, this transition will help expand our impact and continue our tradition of community support across the Midwest.”

Upon completion of the purchase, Schnucks, Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, Inc. will maintain their existing corporate headquarters and operate as separate, sister companies with shared support by the 1939 Group. The 1939 Group and Schnucks are based in St. Louis, Missouri, and Skogen’s Festival Foods’ and Hometown Grocers’ offices are located in Onalaska and Green Bay, Wisconsin. The closing is anticipated to be completed later in October, subject to customary review and approval for these types of transactions.

The establishment of the 1939 Group is a remarkable milestone for Schnucks teammates, as well as the Schnuck family – paving the way for the continued growth, investment and preservation of Schnucks, Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers as thriving, family-owned companies – 86 years and counting.

PORTERVILLE, CA - They may be small in size, but Little Pranksters™ kiwi berries are making a big splash this fall. Homegrown Organic Farms is officially kicking off the 2025 season with expanded supply and new top-seal packaging that keeps fruit fresh, eye-catching, and ready for snacking.

“Little Pranksters™ were a hit last year, and we’re thrilled to bring them back with more supply and a packaging upgrade,” said Stephen Paul, Deciduous Category Director for Homegrown Organic Farms, in the recent release. “The new top‑seal format improves merchandising, reduces plastic, and keeps fruit protected without hiding its vibrant appeal.”

Little Pranksters kiwi berries are fuzz-free and bite-sized, making them the ultimate grab-and-go snack. They pack the sweet-tart punch of a kiwi in a snackable size that doesn’t require peeling. But true to their playful name, they come with one important trick: they’re sweeter when ripe. Firm fruit can fool you with a tart taste, but once they soften, they deliver the burst of sweetness that makes them irresistible.

They’re loaded with vitamin C, rich in fiber, and full of essential nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin E. With higher antioxidant levels than traditional kiwifruit, they’re as good for your body as they are for your taste buds.

Little Pranksters are offered in both organic and conventional programs, anchored by two standout varietals. The proprietary Tahi, exclusive to Homegrown Organic Farms, is available only in conventional programs and valued for its larger berries, smooth green skin, and naturally sweet flavor. The Ana varietal is available in both programs, giving retailers added flexibility while delivering the same playful taste consumers have come to love.

Little Pranksters™ are grown in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where cool nights and warm days produce exceptional flavor. AgriCare, the sister company to Homegrown Organic Farms, oversees the growing and harvesting of the crop. “This season we’ve seen excellent fruit quality thanks to the region’s conditions and the dedication of our team. We’re proud to bring Little Pranksters to market at a scale that meets growing demand,” said Gunnar Avinelis, CEO of AgriCare.

The season runs from September through November, with fruit shipping from both Sheridan, Oregon, and Kingsburg, California. This year, consumers will find Little Pranksters in 6 oz consumer packs and 16 oz top seal options for bulk and club programs. The top-seal packaging not only enhances shelf appeal but also supports sustainability goals by reducing plastic use by 25%.

“From growers to packers to our creative team, everyone rallied to deliver a bigger, better season,” said Scott Mabs, CEO of Homegrown Organic Farms. “What excites us most is the opportunity to continue growing the Little Pranksters brand and introducing more consumers to this playful fruit.”

WENATCHEE, WA - Communicating a message to consumers can be difficult, but some companies, like CMI Orchards, make it look easy. Recently honored with the 2025 Besties Award for Best Merchandising Concepts, the supplier’s ability to deliver strong messaging in visually striking formats continues.

I spoke with Rochelle Bohm, Vice President of Marketing, to hear more about CMI’s award-winning strategy.

“Our merchandising philosophy is rooted in one simple belief: flavor should lead the way, and innovation should follow closely behind,” Rochelle told me. “We see every display, package, and retail tool as an opportunity to tell the story of our growers, our communities, and the unmatched eating experience of our fruit.”

Inspired by both tradition and forward-thinking creativity, CMI Orchards designs merchandising solutions that simplify the retailer’s job while sparking shopper curiosity. Whether that’s through interactive programs like Apple Crush, patriotic campaigns like American Dream, or regenerative seals that connect consumers to the planet-positive practices behind its produce—more on this to come—CMI strives for simplicity while not being afraid of testing tactics to bring hype and excitement to produce.

“Merchandising is where vision meets reality: it’s where our fruit comes alive in the hands of shoppers. For our team, it’s personal because it represents the bridge between orchard and table, grower and consumer,” Rochelle added. “Professionally, it’s significant because we know the right merchandising can drive trial, encourage trade-up to premium varieties, and ultimately lift the entire category. Effective merchandising can make or break a sale, and we know that with the ever-diminishing attention span of our shoppers, we always have to be on the lookout for creative ways to stand out and push apples, pears, and cherries to the top of mind for shoppers.”

The company’s investment in retail solutions has reinforced CMI’s broader goals of not only growing the tastiest fruit but also ensuring it gets the attention it deserves on the shelf.

“Our merchandising work has evolved alongside the industry, consumer expectations, and new technology, too,” Rochelle added. “Early on, it was about simple POS tools like posters and 7x11 cards; today, it’s about delivering immersive, story-driven experiences that compete for attention in a crowded marketplace. Challenges such as changing consumer habits, sustainability demands, and digital integration have prompted us to innovate, whether through recyclable packaging, QR-enabled storytelling, or utilizing apps and various media to communicate with shoppers. That evolution reflects CMI’s broader growth: we’re not just adapting, we’re leading.”

Each challenge offers CMI a chance to sharpen its creativity, reinforce its commitment to retailers, and position CMI as a marketing partner as much as a fruit supplier.

A heartfelt thank you to our Besties Committee for your time, dedication, and insight. Your contributions are deeply valued. Each year, our team compiles the Besties ballot with nominations across all award categories, and our committee votes to determine the winners.

This year, the committee voted on every category except Snack Storyteller, Retailer of the Year, Best Marketer to Work With, and the Lifetime Achievement Award—three honors selected by our leadership team due to their special significance.

Another round of applause for CMI Orchards on this incredible achievement!