MAITLAND, FL - The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association has honored BJ’s Wholesale Club with its 2025 Customer of the Year Award. The award was presented during FFVA’s 81^st annual convention at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes.

The annual award recognizes the important role that food service and retail merchandising play in the promotion and sale of fresh Florida produce. It is given to a valued partner that has worked with producers to promote Florida products.

“BJ's Wholesale has been a staunch supporter of Florida grapefruit for over 20 years,” said Steven B. Callaham, CEO of Dundee Citrus Growers Association and chair of the FFVA, in the recent release. “BJ’s continues to promote Florida products, and the positive ripple effect of their strategies from corporate down to store level is felt all the way through the supply chain.”

Founded in 1984, BJ’s is headquartered in Marlborough, Mass. In the last two decades, BJ’s Wholesale Club has expanded its physical presence in Florida and the Eastern United States while simultaneously deepening its commitment to Florida growers through strategic product placement and communication with their suppliers. BJ’s Wholesale Club operates the highest number of physical locations in New York and Florida, totaling more than 40 clubs in Florida alone.

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association is an agricultural organization whose membership represents the majority of fruit and vegetable production in the state. Follow FFVA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

CINCINNATI, OH - The Kroger Co. reported its second quarter 2025 results, updated guidance, and shared progress on key priorities in this recent release.

Comments from Chairman and CEO Ron Sargent

"Kroger delivered another quarter of strong results, which demonstrates the clear and measurable progress we've made on our priorities – to simplify our organization, to improve the customer experience, and to focus on work that creates the most value."

Second Quarter Financial Results

Total company sales were $33.9 billion in the second quarter compared to $33.9 billion for the same period last year, which included $718 million from Kroger Specialty Pharmacy sales. Excluding fuel and Kroger Specialty Pharmacy, sales increased 3.8% compared to the same period last year.

Gross margin was 22.5% of sales for the second quarter compared to 22.1% for the same period last year. The improvement in gross margin was primarily attributable to the sale of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy, lower supply chain costs, lower shrink, and decreased fuel sales, partially offset by the mix effect from growth in pharmacy sales, which has lower margins, and price investments.

The FIFO gross margin rate, excluding rent, depreciation and amortization, fuel, and adjustment items increased 39 basis points compared to the same period last year. The improvement in rate was primarily attributable to the sale of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy, lower shrink and lower supply chain costs, partially offset by the mix effect from growth in pharmacy sales, which has lower margins, and price investments.

The LIFO charge for the quarter was $62 million, compared to a LIFO charge of $21 million for the same period last year.

The Operating, General and Administrative rate, excluding fuel and adjustment items, decreased 5 basis points compared to the same period last year. The decrease in rate was primarily attributable to improved productivity and a favorable comparison to prior year, which included certain non-recurring charges, partially offset by the sale of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy.

See the full release here.

UNITED STATES, MEXICO, & PERU - The asparagus market is holding steady in South Florida while easing across Mexican crossings, as fairly light supplies meet moderate to light demand. According to the USDA’s September 9, 2025, National FOB Review, Peru’s imports are supporting consistent movement on the East Coast, while Mexican shipments remain limited to prior commitments and reflect lower spot market pricing.

At South Florida ports of entry, Peruvian imports continue to arrive by boat with some additional air shipments. Demand is moderate, keeping the market about steady. Green 11 lb cartons are quoted at 42.85–48.75 for jumbo, mostly 46.00–48.00. Extra large is 42.50–48.75, mostly 42.50–44.50, while large is moving at 34.00–37.50. Standard sizes are 29.00–34.00, mostly 30.00–32.00, with small, ranging 28.00–32.95, mostly 30.00–32.00. A wide range in quality and condition is noted.

In Mexico, crossings through Arizona, California, and Texas reflect lighter demand and lower markets. Most shipments are tied to previous commitments, with few spot sales reported. Green 11 lb cartons and crates are quoted at 34.75–36.75 for jumbo, with large at 30.75–34.75, mostly 32.75–34.75. Standards are softer at 28.75–32.75, mostly 28.75–30.75.

Overall, asparagus supplies remain fairly light from both Peru and Mexico, though pricing pressure is evident on western crossings, while Florida imports maintain steadier conditions.

Stay with ANUK for continuing insights into category movement and market activity.

UNITED STATES - The potato market is steady overall, with moderate demand across key producing regions. Supplies remain consistent from Idaho, Washington, Colorado, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, according to the USDA’s September 9, 2025, National FOB Review. Russet Norkotahs continue to set the tone in Western states, while red and yellow varieties are providing additional volume from the Midwest.

In the Upper Valley and Twin Falls-Burley District of Idaho, Russet Norkotah U.S. One prices are holding steady. Baled 5 10-lb film bags (non-size A) are quoted at 4.00–5.00, mostly 4.50, while baled 10 5-lb film bags are 5.00–6.00, mostly 5.50. Mesh sacks are slightly higher, with 10 5-lb bales at 5.50–6.50, mostly 6.00. Carton sizes remain steady, with 40s through 70s priced at 10.00–11.00 and 80s at 9.00–10.00. Larger 90s and 100s are lower, at 8.00 and 7.00, respectively. U.S. Two 50 lb sacks range from 5.00–6.00 for 6 oz minimum, while 10 oz minimum is higher at 8.00–11.00, mostly 8.00–10.00.

In the Columbia Basin of Washington and Umatilla Basin of Oregon, the Russet Norkotah market is steady with moderate demand. Baled 5 10-lb film bags (non-size A) are 3.00–5.50, mostly 3.50–4.50, and baled 10 5-lb film bags range from 4.00–7.00, mostly 4.50–6.00. Larger cartons show strength, with 40s through 70s priced consistently at 12.00–13.00. Mid-size 80s are moving at 8.00–12.00, mostly 10.00, while 90s and 100s are slightly lower at 8.00–10.00, mostly 8.00–9.00, and 7.00–9.00, mostly 8.00.

In the San Luis Valley of Colorado, moderate supplies support steady markets. Russet Norkotah baled 5 10-lb film bags are priced at 7.00–8.50, mostly 8.00, while 10 5-lb film bags hold at 9.00–10.00. Carton sizes show firmness: 40s through 60s are 12.00–15.00, mostly 15.00, while 70s are 15.00 with occasional lower trades. 80s are 13.00–15.00, while 90s and 100s range from 10.00–13.00.

In the Big Lake and Central District of Minnesota, round red potatoes remain about steady. Baled 10 5-lb film bags (size A) are priced at 11.00–12.00, with occasional lower trades. Sacks of 50 lb size A are at 9.50–10.00, and size B is stronger at 13.00–16.00. Creamer potatoes command a premium at 25.00–30.00. U.S. Two sacks are softer, with size A mostly 6.00–7.00 and size B at 9.00–12.00.

In Central Wisconsin, both round red and Russet varieties are moving steadily. Round red baled 10 5-lb film bags (size A) are 13.00–14.00, while 50 lb sacks of size A are 10.00–12.50 and size B stronger at 14.00–19.00, mostly 14.00–15.00. Russet cartons show strength, with 40s through 70s priced at 16.00–18.00 and 80s slightly lower at 14.00–18.00, mostly 14.00–16.00. Yellows are also active, with baled 10 5-lb film bags (size A) at 14.00–17.00 and sacks of size A at 13.00–16.00.

Overall, steady demand and moderate supplies are keeping the potato market balanced across growing regions, with larger cartons holding firm in Western states and red and yellow varieties providing supplemental strength in the Midwest.

Stay with ANUK for continuing insights into category movement and market activity.