CORONA, CA - Veg Fresh Farms started a modest fall program focused on traditional carving pumpkins about 5 years ago. Today, that program has rapidly expanded into a robust and diversified offering, distinguishing itself with unique heirloom varieties and custom-tailored mix-and-match bins designed to meet evolving consumer demand.

Veg Fresh Farms’ innovative approach includes offering creative, specialized mixes—like the popular Autumn Mix Bin—featuring sought-after heirloom pumpkins such as the Blue Doll and Marina di Chioggia, along with other unique varieties.

“Pumpkins and gourds have become more about fall decorating and not just for Halloween," says Chris Jacoby, Sales Director at Veg Fresh Farms, in the recent release. "More retailers are selling pumpkins earlier, even around late August or early September, to meet this demand.”

“The growth of the pumpkin program extends beyond traditional grocery stores, with non-traditional retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot, as well as foodservice customers. This expansion is fueled by consumers' willingness to spend a little more on uniquely shaped, colorful, and decorative pumpkins and gourds. The versatility of items like pie pumpkins continues to grow with their expanding use in cooking and other creations,” also adds Chris Jacoby.

To support this demand, Veg Fresh Farms has expanded its growing program in both Southern and Northern California.

"Continuing to diversify our offerings is critical to our relationships with our customers," explains Dino Cancellieri, General Partner. "Our customers rely on vendors like Veg Fresh Farms to provide unique and differentiated items that excite consumers and drive traffic to their stores. Chris Jacoby has been instrumental in spearheading this program, working closely with seed companies and growers to curate the perfect mix for each fall season.”

"We only see upwards potential as this program continues to grow," adds Dino Cancellieri.

Check out the Veg Fresh Farm Pumpkin video: https://youtu.be/pC6JVwbsz00

MCALLEN, TX - Globalmex International Inc., grower of the Magic Sun brand of greenhouse tomatoes and bell peppers, is proud to announce the upcoming launch of its first-ever Organic Roma tomato harvest this September. The Organic Romas will complement the company’s existing lineup of Organic Tomatoes-on-the-Vine, Organic Beefsteaks, and Organic Grape Tomatoes, further solidifying Magic Sun as a trusted supplier of premium greenhouse produce.

The Organic Roma program will debut at Globalmex’s CEICKOR greenhouse in Querétaro, Mexico, a state-of-the-art facility that is also home to CEICKOR University, one of the leading agricultural training centers in Latin America. The tomatoes will be available in 25-pound bulk boxes or 12x1 lb bagged formats, catering to both retail and wholesale needs. Distribution will be managed through Globalmex’s established warehouses in McAllen, TX, and Nogales, AZ, ensuring efficient service to North American customers.

“Consumer demand for organic produce continues to grow, and our retail partners have been asking specifically for Organic Roma tomatoes,” said Anthony Otto, Sales Manager at Globalmex International, in the recent release. “We’re excited to deliver on that request with a product that meets the same high-quality standards customers expect from Magic Sun. The addition of Organic Romas strengthens our position as both a reliable supplier and an innovator in the greenhouse category.”

While Globalmex continues to focus primarily on conventional tomatoes and bell peppers—which account for approximately 75% of the company’s total production—the expanded organic program reflects the company’s commitment to evolving with customer and consumer trends.

With the introduction of Organic Romas, Magic Sun customers can now access a broader portfolio of organic tomato varieties, backed by the same consistent supply, food safety, and customer service for which the brand is known.

MARLBOROUGH, MA & WARNER ROBINS, GA - BJ’s Wholesale Club announced that its club in Warner Robins, Georgia, will open on September 12.

The club, located at 6201 Watson Blvd, will feature an on-site BJ’s Gas location, with everyday low fuel prices and potential extra savings through BJ’s Fuel Saver Program. The gas station will open on Wednesday, August 27, at 6:30 AM.

BJ’s offers unmatched value on everyday essentials in a convenient one-stop shop. Members save on fresh foods, produce, full-service deli items, fresh bakery goods, household essentials, home décor, pet supplies, toys, consumer electronics, and more. BJ’s members love the true treasure-hunt shopping experience, finding new and exciting items with every visit.

“We’re looking forward to taking care of the families who depend on us in our newest community,” said Stacey Ann King, Club Manager, Warner Robins BJ’s Wholesale Club, in the recent release. “We’re bringing unbeatable value, assortment, and convenience to Warner Robins, and we know our members will love saving up to 25% off grocery store prices every day.”

BJ’s has a longstanding commitment to nourishing its communities. For over 15 years, it has worked with Feeding America and its network of food banks, providing more than 155 million meals for those in need. In Warner Robins, BJ’s is partnering with Middle Georgia Community Food Bank by regularly donating produce, meat, dairy products, and more to support the community.

“We’re thrilled to welcome BJ’s Wholesale Club as a partner in our community,” said Kathy McCollum, President and CEO at Middle Georgia Community Food Bank. “With their support, we’ll continue to help our neighbors thrive by providing equitable access to nutritious food.”

BJ’s members can choose from several time-saving options, whether shopping online or in-club. Curbside pick-up, in-club pick-up, same-day delivery*, and standard delivery are available on BJs.com, while members shopping in-club can use ExpressPay** through the BJ’s mobile app to scan products as they shop and skip the checkout line.

Additional member perks include:

• Unbeatable grocery store prices: Members can save up to 25% off grocery store prices every day
• A risk-free membership: Shoppers can try BJ’s risk-free with the company’s 100% money-back guaranteed membership
• BJ’s coupons + manufacturers’ coupons: Members can combine BJ’s coupons with many manufacturers’ coupons for maximum savings
• BJ’s Gas: Members can fill up at any BJ’s Gas® location at low prices. Plus, members can save even more through BJ’s Fuel Saver Program

Local shoppers can join the new club now with limited-time exclusive offers***. New members can sign up for The Club Card Membership at $60 for a 1-year membership with BJ’s Easy Renewal® and get a $40 welcome reward> or The Club+ Card Membership at $120 for a 1-year membership with BJ’s Easy Renewal® and get an $80 welcome reward>. The Club+ Card Membership holders receive 5¢ off/gal.‡ at BJ’s Gas and earn 2% back†† in rewards on most BJ’s purchases.

All BJ’s memberships are subject to BJ’s current membership terms; ask in-club or go to BJs.com/terms.

ROSEMONT, IL - US Foods Holding Corp. – one of America’s leading foodservice distributors – introduced its 2025 class of US Foods Scholars. This year’s class includes 18 outstanding students from 14 schools nationwide, who are pursuing 2- or 4-year post-secondary degrees in culinary arts, hospitality, baking and pastry, or business management. Each US Foods Scholar will receive a $20,000 scholarship to support their continued education, as well as professional development opportunities with US Foods.

According to the National Restaurant Association, the industry is expected to add more than 200,000 new jobs this year. The US Foods Scholars program, launched in 2017, was created to help meet this need by providing financial support and hands-on learning opportunities to culinary and hospitality students pursuing careers in the industry. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $2.4 million in scholarships to more than 120 students, helping them reach their academic goals and enter the workforce. Currently, more than 30 active US Foods Scholars are working toward their degrees.

“As aligned with our commitment to helping our customers and the community ‘Make It’, we are proud to support the next generation of culinary professionals through our US Foods Scholars program,” said Lisa Whitson, Vice President, Corporate Communications at US Foods, in the recent release. “Our newest Scholars represent the future of foodservice, and investing in their growth will benefit operators and the industry at large. We’re excited to celebrate this year’s cohort and the impact they’ll make in the years ahead.”

The 2025 US Foods Scholars scholarship recipients are:

• Josie Anaya, a hospitality management major at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. Hometown: Rockaway Beach, N.Y.
• Justin Boyd, a business management major with a concentration in Hospitality and Food & Beverage at Franklin University in
• Columbus, Ohio. Hometown: Bakersfield, Calif.
• Madison Brown, pursuing an associate’s degree in culinary arts and baking & pastry at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, Calif. Hometown: Laguna Niguel, Calif.
• Allie Harris, a culinary arts major at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Hometown: Springville, Utah.
• Michael Hindley, a culinary arts major at Monroe College in New Rochelle, N.Y. Hometown: Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
• Zoe Holland, a baking & pastry arts major at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, N.C. Hometown: Tucker, Ga.
• Montye Ibokette, a hospitality management major with a focus on Restaurant and Food Service at Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio. Hometown: Columbus, Ohio.
• Brooklyn Jones, a management & leadership and business economics major at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wis. Hometown: Big Bend, Wis.
• Diana Madariaga, a culinary arts major at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Hometown: Midvale, Utah.
• Margaret Mello, a business management major at Providence College in Providence, R.I. Hometown: West Windsor, Vt.
• Natalie Moyer, a culinary arts management major at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Ill. Hometown: Oak Lawn, Ill.
• Keri Okeson, a culinary arts major at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Hometown: West Valley City, Utah.

• Jasleen Parmar, a food business management and nutrition major at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J. Hometown: Middlesex, N.J.
• Westley Penland, a nutrition major at Purdue Global. Hometown: New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
• Shelby Peterson, a culinary arts major at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Hometown: Grantsville, Utah.
• Gavin Preston, an applied food studies major with a concentration in Asian or Mediterranean cuisine at The Culinary Institute of America in Dutchess County, N.Y. Hometown: New Market, Md.
• Simone Robinson, a nutrition and dietetics major at Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio. Hometown: Columbus, Ohio.
• Zoe Wilcox, a hospitality and tourism major with a concentration in event marketing at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Ala. Hometown: Mobile, Ala.

The US Foods Scholars program is administered in partnership with Scholarship America and Careers through the Culinary Arts Program. All US Foods Scholars are selected through a competitive application process that considers academic achievement, financial need, and a personal essay that reflects their passions and goals.

To learn more about the US Foods Scholars program and the newest recipients, visit www.usfoods.com/scholars.

National Restaurant Association: 2025 State of the Restaurant Industry Report