NEWARK, NY - Crunch Time Apple Growers, a cooperative of more than 160 apple growers, is kicking off the 2025 harvest of SnapDragon apples. Known for their Monster crunch, sweet and spicy flavor, and vibrant red skin, SnapDragon apples – the official apple of the Buffalo Bills – are being picked at peak quality and will soon be in stores.

“This year’s crop of SnapDragon apples is exceptionally crisp, juicy, and absolutely bursting with flavor,” said Jessica Wells, Executive Director of Crunch Time Apple Growers, in the recent release. “Year after year, we hear from shoppers who count down the days – literally! – until SnapDragon apples are back. Our growers take enormous pride in delivering a premium, high-quality apple that’s perfect for snacking at home and on-the-go.”

A product of the apple breeding program at Cornell University, SnapDragon apples are a cross between Honeycrisp and a variety that was never released, creating a sweet, refreshing apple with a Monster Crunch unlike anything else on the market. They’re especially loved by active consumers, who take them on hikes, enjoy one before the gym, or use them to fuel up for a day while they’re on the move.

Harvested starting in mid-September, SnapDragon apples retain their Monster Crunch and mouth-watering flavor for months. In fact, their sweetness and complexity only deepen as the season goes on, making late winter and early spring some of the best times to enjoy them.

“We’re especially excited to share that this season is a big one – it’s our largest harvest yet,” said Wells. “For retailers who haven’t previously considered carrying SnapDragon, this is the year to give it a try! Thanks to our volumes, there will be enough apples to carry us through fall and beyond.”

This season, SnapDragon apples will be available in thousands of stores across more than 40 states. For recipes, store locator, and more information, visit https://snapdragonapple.com/.

BOISE, ID - Albertsons® Companies, Inc. announced that Jim Donald, Chair of the Board, has elected to retire from his role and from the Board. Kim Fennebresque has been elected as the new Chair, and David Zinsner, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Intel Corporation, will join the Board as an independent director. Allen Gibson has also retired from the Board.

Mr. Fennebresque has served as an independent director since 2015, providing leadership and insights on financial strategy, strategic initiatives, and risk management. He serves as the Chair of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Audit Committee. He is also the Chair of the Supervisory Board of BAWAG P.S.K., one of Austria’s largest banks, and he serves on the board of Ally Financial and as the Chair of BlueLinx Holdings. He served as a senior advisor to Cowen Group Inc., a diversified financial services firm, from 2008 to 2020, and as its Chairman, President, and CEO from 1999 to 2008.

Mr. Zinsner has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Intel Corporation since 2022, where he leads the company’s global finance organization, including accounting, reporting, tax, treasury, internal audit, and investor relations. He brings over 25 years of financial and operational experience in the technology and semiconductor industries, having held executive leadership positions at Micron Technology, Analog Devices, Intersil Corp., and Affirmed Networks.

“At this important time for both Albertsons Cos. and the industry, I am honored to take on the role of Chair of the Board,” said Mr. Fennebresque in the recent release. “I am also pleased to welcome David to the Board and look forward to benefiting from his insights and experience as we continue guiding the Company’s path to long-term value creation. With technological and digital improvements grounding our Customers for Life strategy, David’s deep expertise in finance, technology, and AI will be a tremendous asset as we chart the course for the future.”

“With this exciting moment in the Company’s history, I am pleased to join the Board. I have long admired Albertsons Cos. and the customer-driven commitment that is core to its culture,” said Mr. Zinsner. “I look forward to working with Kim, Susan, and the rest of the Board and management team to accelerate the Company’s digital transformation progress, drive innovation to enhance the customer value proposition, and create value for shareholders.”

“On behalf of the entire Company, I extend our gratitude to Jim for his distinguished leadership, mentorship, and guidance as Chair of the Board over the years, and I thank Allen for his valuable service,” said Susan Morris, CEO of Albertsons Companies. “I am excited to work with Kim in his new role and pleased to welcome David to the Board. David’s deep expertise with technology transformation and experience helping organizations manage complexity, drive growth, and innovate will help take our Customers for Life strategy to the next level.”

“It has been a privilege to serve on the Board, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together,” said Mr. Donald. “I want to thank my fellow directors, Susan, and her terrific management team for their continued strong leadership and dedication.”

ORLANDO, FL - As families settle into the busy back-to-routine season, Fresh Express® is bringing inspiration to the table with its new Expression is in Session campaign, running September 10–30.

The campaign encourages consumers to get creative with Fresh Express® salad kits and blends, showing how easy it is to add color, crunch, and flavor to everyday meals. With pre-washed greens and chef-inspired chopped kits, Fresh Express® takes the prep work out of the kitchen, making quick, delicious lunches and dinners a reality for busy families.

Regarding the recent release, Fabian Pereira, Fresh Express’ Vice President, Marketing, Innovation, International, said: "Back-to-routine season can be busy, so we’re making it simple for families to enjoy fresh, flavorful meals with our salad kits. With Expression in Session, we’re giving fans the chance to win fun prizes through our national sweepstakes and further encouraging creativity in the kitchen along the way.”

From vibrant salads to unexpected twists on weeknight favorites, Fresh Express® makes it simple to turn mealtime into a moment of self-expression.

The program features a national sweepstakes with prizes valued at nearly $3,000, including:

• 1 Grand Prize Winner: $500 gift card, three months of Fresh Express® salads (48 free coupons), and a Fresh Express® swag bag (apron, oven mitt, pot holder).
• 10 Runner-Up Winners: $50 gift card, one month of Fresh Express® salads (16 free coupons), and a Fresh Express® swag bag.

Fans can enter at freshexpresscontest.com now until September 30.

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on Lucero Produce LLC, of Denver, Colo., for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). These sanctions include barring the business, the principal operator of the business, and any ‘responsibly connected’ persons, as defined in the PACA, from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

Lucero Produce failed to pay $126,626.50 to 14 sellers for produce purchased, received, and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from June 2022 to Sept. 2022, in violation of the PACA. Lucero Produce has been barred from operating in the produce industry until July 8, 2027, and then only after it applies for and is issued a new PACA license by USDA, along with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

The company’s principals, Jose Silvestre and Kristen Waller, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee until July 8, 2026, and then only with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

USDA is required to publish the finding that a business has committed willful, repeated, and flagrant violations of PACA as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business during the violation period. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.

By issuing these penalties, USDA continues to enforce the prompt and full payment for produce while protecting the rights of sellers and buyers in the marketplace.

For further information, contact the PACA Division’s Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or [email protected].

SALINAS, CA - The California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) announced the release of its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting the organization’s continued work to strengthen food safety standards for leafy greens.

Guided by its mantra, Always Advancing, Always Improving, the report reflects the latest evolutions within the LGMA program and outlines steps being taken to further protect public health.

“We know the best way to advance food safety is through collaboration with industry, regulators, and buyers,” said Tim York, CEO of the California LGMA, in the recent release. “This report is not only a record of progress—it is also an invitation to continue an open, two-way dialogue with all of our partners and stakeholders.”

The annual report highlights key initiatives over the past year, including updates to science-based food safety practices, enhanced audit systems, and expanded opportunities for industry training and engagement.

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the report and see how ongoing engagement and collaboration help drive meaningful improvement across the leafy greens industry.

The full report is available here.

SANTA CLARA, CA & SEATTLE, WA - RedLine Solutions, a leader in produce traceability and inventory management systems, and iFoodDS, a pioneer in food traceability quality and food safety software, announced a strategic integration between MyProduce™ and iFoodDS Trace Exchange™.

This collaboration enables produce suppliers to easily collect, manage, and share Critical Tracking Events (CTEs) and Key Data Elements (KDEs) across the supply chain – meeting both customer requirements and the FDA’s Final Food Traceability Rule – while increasing operational efficiency.

Transforming Traceability Through Collaboration

The integration links the robust data capture and labeling capabilities of RedLine’s MyProduce™ with iFoodDS Trace Exchange’s secure data-sharing platform. Together, they eliminate the need for manual data re-entry, reduce the risk of human error, and provide real-time access to essential traceability records.

Key benefits include:

• Automated Data Flow: Seamlessly transfer traceability data from MyProduce™ to iFoodDS Trace Exchange without duplication of work.
• Regulatory Compliance: Simplify Food Traceability Rule compliance with accurate, complete, and timely data sharing.
• Enhanced Visibility: Gain instant access to traceability records for faster investigations and better decision-making.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamline workflows with validated data entry, reducing administrative burdens and accelerating reporting.

“This partnership is a significant step forward for the produce industry”, said Todd Baggett, CEO of RedLine Solutions, in the recent release. “By combining RedLine’s MyProduce™ data collection capabilities with iFoodDS’s advanced traceability platform, we’re giving our customers a faster, easier, and more reliable way to meet regulatory requirements and strengthen food safety.”

“Together, iFoodDS and RedLine Solutions are simplifying the data-sharing requirements of the Food Traceability Rule,” said Andrew Kennedy, Chief Traceability Officer for iFoodDS. “This partnership provides produce suppliers with a seamless, automated traceability solution that meets the requirements of the rule and downstream customers.”

KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO - Attendees of the 2025 Global Produce & Floral Show will get an up-close look at a range of new product innovations, revamped packaging, and so much more at the Mastronardi Produce® booth. With an expansive, premium lineup in tow, the greenhouse innovator is taking to the event with much to share.

“Mastronardi™ is thrilled to be spotlighting a variety of new and exciting product innovations driven by consumer trends at this year's GPFS. From new innovations in snacking to premium organic products and sustainable packaging, there's something for everyone,” explains Geoff Kosar, Vice President of Marketing, ahead of the event. “It's always great to connect with our customers, partners, and friends in person at the show, and to see all the innovation, creativity, and growth on display. We also love the opportunity to get creative with our marketing and showcase new and exciting ideas and initiatives.”

Mastronardi Produce will feature its new Summer Blast™ Blueberry Snacking Cup, the Organic WOW® Joyberry Blueberry, the new Backyard Farms® Green Leaf Lettuce Paper Bag, and the exciting new redesign of its Angel Sweet® tomato packaging.

“In addition to the new and exciting showcase lineup, we'll also have the unique Mastronardi™ Tomato Branch on display, perfect for adding something special to any charcuterie board or tablescape,” Geoff adds. “The recently launched Secilia® tomato will be ready to transport visitors to the Mediterranean with its sweet summer flavor, and our newest addition to the popular BOMBS® lineup, BOMB Squad®, will also be on display. There's so much to see and taste!”

The greenhouse grower is launching an exclusive LinkedIn video series ahead of the GPFS to build excitement. Be on the lookout for 'Next Stop Flavor' on LinkedIn in the coming weeks!

“Mastronardi is always pushing the envelope on flavor, quality, and innovation. As pioneers of the industry, we continue to harness this spirit in everything we do,” Geoff shares before diving into today’s most prominent consumer trends.

Transformations in the produce department are being driven by health-conscious consumers, sustainability, and convenience, Geoff tells me. With consumers seeking simple, real ingredients that deliver on flavor and freshness, retailers can highlight SUNSET products with in-store displays focused on healthy eating and viral social media recipe trends.

“When it comes to healthy eating, people are also looking for convenience. Grab-and-go products are growing in popularity, and retailers can capitalize on both these trends with the SUNSET Summer Blast Blueberry Cup,” he notes. “These individual portions of blueberries are ready to toss in a bag or lunchbox for on-the-go healthy snacking, and feature the flavorful blueberry varietals consumers crave.”

Items like the brand’s new Backyard Farms® Green Leaf Lettuce Paper Bag are also great for retailers who want to meet consumer demands for more sustainable products. The new paper bag format uses 65 percent less plastic than a traditional PET tray, while keeping the lettuce crisp and delicious just as long as a plastic tray.

“Health-conscious, sustainability-driven consumers are also driving increased consideration for organic products, and we're excited to help meet this demand with the launch of our Organic WOW Joyberry Blueberries. These berries offer a standout flavor experience for consumers seeking something special,” Geoff continues. “Demand for premium products remains strong, and we're excited to provide this deliciously premium blueberry option throughout the winter months.”

Get a closer look at all the greenhouse provider has to offer with a stop by booth #4157 at the show. For more event updates and highlights, keep clicking back to AndNowUKnow.