WASHINGTON, DC - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced the slate of new officers and directors for the 2026 IFPA Board of Directors. These volunteer leaders will be confirmed by a ballot shared with the membership and begin their board service at the 2025 Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show, October 16-18, in Anaheim, California.

The IFPA Board of Directors is guided by the Executive Committee, which will be led in 2026 by current Chair-Elect Patrick Vizzone, Founder and Managing Partner of AgroNovare. Current Board Chair Tammy DeBoer, President of Harris Teeter, will assume the role of Past Board Chair. During the Global Produce & Floral Show, Vizzone and DeBoer will share their reflections on year one of IFPA’s strategic plan, announced in October 2024, among other topics.

Joining the Executive Committee are 2026 Chair-Elect Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms; Treasurer Mohammed Abbas, EVP & COO, Del Monte Fresh Produce; at-large Executive Committee member and incoming US Council Chair Steve Grinstead, CEO, FreshEdge; and at-large Executive Committee member and incoming Sustainability Council Chair Adriëlle Dankier, CEO of Nature’s Pride.

“Across the globe, the fresh produce and floral industry makes a vital contribution to health, sustainability, and economic growth. Yet barriers remain that limit our industry’s full potential. Removing those barriers is central to IFPA’s mission — whether through advocacy, delivering insights and market intelligence, or uniting our community to solve shared challenges,” said 2025 Chair-Elect Patrick Vizzone in the recent release. “This work would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteer leaders on the IFPA Board of Directors. It is an honour and a privilege to serve as Chair in 2026, and I look forward to working with IFPA staff and this esteemed group to fight for fresh and deliver meaningful impact for our industry and the world.” 

The new Board slate for 2026 is:

• Australia-New Zealand Advisory Board Chair: Dean Gall, COO, Premier Fresh Australia
• Food Safety Council Chair: Jeff Priebe, Vice President of Quality Assurance & Food Safety, Danaco Solutions
• Foundation for Fresh Produce Chair: Jin Ju Wilder, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Vesta Foodservice
• South Africa Council Chair: Adolf Kievet, Managing Director, FreshWorld
• U.S. Council Chair: Steve Grinstead, CEO, FreshEdge

At-Large Representatives:

• Bernado Calvo, CEO, Sun World International
• Jim DiMenna, President, Red Sun Farms
• Nicolas Moller, Chairman, Hortifrut
• Carlos Oramas, CEO, The Gems Group
• Shawn Peery, Vice President of Produce, Albertsons

Board directors completing their service in Anaheim are:

• Aribel Aguirre Beck, CFO/CAO, Naturipe Farms, LLC
• John Anderson, Chairman, CEO & Managing Partner, The Oppenheimer Group
• Richard Byllaardt, Chairman, Citrus Australia
• Paulina Criticos, CEO, EMEA, Westfalia Fruit (Pty) Ltd
• Bret Erickson, Executive Vice President, Little Bear Produce
• Dwight Ferguson, Director, Nourse Farms
• Stefanie Katzman, CEO, Katzman
• Clint Lewis, CEO of AgroFresh Solutions, Inc.
• Karen Nardozza, CEO, Moxxy Marketing
• Jaco Oosthuizen, CEO, RSA Group
• Jennifer Pulcipher, Director of Food Safety & Compliance, North Bay Produce
• John Simko, President & CEO, Sunshine Bouquet Company

All six continents are represented with a strong diversity of sectors and business focus.

MANTECA, CA - Van Groningen & Sons Inc. has rebranded some of its tastiest pumpkins in the patch, highlighting their culinary appeal and dual usage with the launch of its new “I’m Edible” label.

“We are starting with four of our most desired varieties when it comes to cooking and showcasing their unique flavors and different uses for them in dishes,” says Jeanna Hoff, Saleswoman for Van Groningen & Sons, in the recent release.

The new I’m Edible label will have a scannable QR code linking customers to a page on their website dedicated to that specific pumpkin.

“Our goal is to bring awareness to our customers and educate them on the different uses of our products. This will help with less waste for the consumer as well, when they can find a dual purpose for our items,” added Hoff.

The four varieties to look out for with the new label are their Fairytale Pumpkin, Mini Fairytale, Pie Pumpkin, and Asian Heirloom.

Alongside this, their “Pamper’d Posse” painted pumpkin line has added some new faces this year.

“We are going back to the basics with some timeless Halloween classic designs offering a clean and modern look,” Hoff said. “This silhouette style design is aimed at capturing the appeal of all audiences. They are fun and whimsical for the kids, but also look chic on any mantel,” Hoff added.

These fresh faces include designs ranging from the traditional Jack O’ Lantern face to black cats and sugar skulls. They are offered on both orange and white pumpkins of varying sizes.

To learn more about our company, along with our Pamper’d Posse line of painted pumpkins and our other flavorful varieties of pumpkins with specially curated recipes, please visit our website at www.vgandsons.com.

CHARLOTTE HALL, MD - Weis Markets will celebrate the opening of its new Charlotte Hall, MD, store with a media preview event and ribbon cutting on Wednesday, August 20. The new store, located at 30015 Three Notch Road, is the 51st Weis Markets location in Maryland and will open to the public on August 21.

Elected officials from St. Mary’s County will be in attendance, alongside local community members and Weis Markets executives, including Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Weis and Chief Operating Officer Bob Gleeson.

In celebration of the grand opening and to thank the community for the warm welcome, Weis Markets will present $1,500 donations to local organizations, including Charlotte Hall Veterans Homes, Chopticon High School, and Mechanicsville Fire Department. A $10,000 donation will also be made to the Maryland Food Bank in support of its efforts in St. Mary’s County.

The new 60,000+ square-foot store is one of the company’s most state-of-art stores, including an expansive produce department with a wide selection of organic produce; full-service seafood department; full-service meat and seafood departments; sushi prepared in-store daily; a deli offering a wide selection of sliced meats and cheeses along with a heat and serve meal section; Starbucks kiosk offering offer a variety of hot and cold beverages, bakery items, mugs, and whole and ground beans; a wide selection of organic and natural foods; a full-service drive-thru pharmacy; and a six-pump Gas N’ Go fuel center where customers can redeem their Weis Rewards points. The store will also feature energy-efficient LED lighting and CO2 refrigerated cases, which use significantly less harmful refrigerants than those in most supermarkets.

Additionally, the store will offer Weis 2 Go Online ordering with curbside pick-up and delivery, through which customers can order online and have their groceries handpicked by trained personal shoppers for pick-up or home delivery through DoorDash, Instacart, Shipt, and Uber Eats.

• When: Wednesday, August 20, 2025, 11:00 a.m.
• Where: Weis Markets, 30015 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622
• Who: Local dignitaries and representatives from Weis Market, including:
  • Weis Markets Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Weis
  • Weis Markets Chief Operating Officer Bob Gleeson
  • Representatives from St. Mary’s County
• Key Visuals:
  • Ribbon cutting and check presentation
  • Representatives from Weis Markets, local dignitaries, and nonprofit organizations

WENATCHEE, WA - Four decades ago, Stemilt began growing its apples and cherries further south and east in Washington state, but there’s one fruit that planted its roots and never left. For generations, Stemilt has grown its pears in two optimal growing regions, the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys. Tate Mathison, Stemilt’s fifth-generation owner and Vice President of Sales and Marketing, shared his family’s story of how they came to recognize the land’s unique qualities that make their Rushing Rivers® pears World Famous.

“Understanding which growing conditions pears thrive in comes from the eyes of observant farmers,” explained Mathison in the recent release. “My grandfather was this kind of farmer who took notice of the differences between growing regions, and which fruits grew well there. Our family started growing pears around 1914 on Stemilt Hill in Wenatchee, Washington. Today, they remain on the hill, and in our two favorite places to grow pears, the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys.”

Mathison went on to elaborate that pears have preferences that differ from the other two fruits that the company grows, apples and cherries. Pears require a climate where mountains protect from wind, substantial air flow cools the fruit, and low humidity levels keep the skin of the pears dry. These factors, compiled with nutritious, clay-like soil and accessibility to an ever-flowing water supply of the Columbia River and its tributaries, create the ideal growing location for pears. An ideal climate, like that found in the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys.

“If Mother Nature could pick a place to grow pears, it would be the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys,” Mathison expressed. “A generation or two ago, most Washington apples, pears, and cherries were grown along the Columbia, Wenatchee, and Okanogan Rivers. This was because there weren’t dams like we have now, and back then, water was so critical to bring to the land. Over time, my grandfather saw the tracks of irrigation expand to Grant, Douglas, and Adams counties. We moved some apples and cherries out in those regions, but we kept our pears right where they were always meant to grow.”

The sun rises in the east and sets in the west in the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys, continued Mathison. Because there’s early and late morning sun, and the rows of trees fit north and south, it provides the right amount of morning and afternoon sun, allowing for a nice, long day. The East and West valleys are naturally equalizing for pears, with gentle breezes and dry air. These attributes produce pears with less russet and a higher chance of having smoother, cleaner skin.

“The first of our pears to come off the tree this fall are Bartlett and Starkrimson,” said Mathison. “Bartlett is one of those well-known varieties with a soft and buttery texture, and classic pear flavor. Starkrimson is a beautiful red pear with a pleasant, sweet, and floral aroma. Our pear volume for the 2025/2026 season is going to be up about 130% in volume compared to a down crop last year, so we’re very excited to go to market with pears coming from pristine growing regions in Washington state.”

Stemilt expects promotable volumes of pears and a heavy focus on quality from the orchard to retail to spark consumer interest this season. The grower has experienced preferable weather, which lends to the development of sweet, complex flavor in pears. Bulk fruit options and Lil Snappers® kid-size fruit will be in ample supply and poised for fall promotions as supply begins to fill store shelves.

“Growing up in the fruit business, you can take for granted this precious fruit and the river valleys they grow in,” says Mathison. “Our homes for pears in the Wenatchee and Entiat River Valleys optimize all the natural gifts the land has to offer. On cold slopes, near fresh, running water, and where sunny mornings help pears develop sweet sugars, we can’t forget about them. We hope every bite of a Stemilt Rushing Rivers pear brings people back to that first unforgettable, juicy moment, one that feels as natural and right as a pear thriving in the place it was always destined to grow."

WATSONVILLE, CA - Cultivating trust with retail partners, foodservice operators, and consumers is a difficult line to walk, but it’s one that Monterey Mushrooms does with ease. Recently honored with the 2025 Besties Award for Best Educational Videos, the provider’s enthusiasm for telling our industry’s story is woven across its strategy.

Lindsey Occhipinti, Marketing Manager, took a moment to share some comments with me about the company’s educational marketing strategy.

“We’re passionate about educating our customers and consumers about the unique aspects of our business that often go beyond what’s commonly known,” Lindsey remarked. “By sharing insights into our processes, we aim to build stronger relationships and greater trust with everyone who enjoys our products.”

In 2024, Monterey Mushrooms updated its video library with two new educational videos. The videos were the passion projects of Lindsey and Bruce Knobeloch, the former Vice President of Product Development and Marketing. Through collaboration, the two researched the ideas that brought the following to life based on their belief and commitment that we have a global recycling problem, worthy of solving.

The first video dove into the ways in which Monterey Mushrooms is enhancing the recyclability of its mushroom packaging. The use of 100% post-consumer recycled PET (rPET) with near-infrared (NIR) sortable colorant helps reduce plastic waste and support a more circular economy. Not only did this change ensure that Monterey Mushrooms’ packaging would be efficiently sorted and recycled, but it also reflected the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The second video was an interview-style video between Jeremy Glenn, the General Manager of Madisonville Mushroom Farms, and Lindsey, in which the fascinating world of mushroom cultivation was brought to life.

“We dedicate resources to research and development so we can continually raise the bar in every area of our work—from product quality to sustainability and transparency,” Lindsey added. “Our commitment means you can count on us to deliver the very best mushrooms while also caring for our planet and openly sharing how we do it. We believe that well-informed customers make better choices, and we’re proud to be part of that journey.”

As the company has shared in the past, it cultivates more than just a meal; it’s nurturing a sustainable future.

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 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.

I raise my hat to Monterey Mushrooms for its well-deserved win and look forward to what the company will bring to market next!

MODESTO, CA - Following the success of the first Modesto location, Vallarta Supermarkets, one of California's largest Latino-owned grocery chains, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its second Modesto location. The new store will reinforce Vallarta's mission to provide fresh, authentic, and affordable food to communities across the state. Located at 2401 E. Orangeburg Ave., Modesto, California 95355, the new location will celebrate with a Grand Opening Ceremony for the community on August 27, 2025, at 7:15 AM.

This newest addition builds on the momentum of Vallarta's first Modesto location, which opened earlier this year at 3900 Pelandale Ave, and drew overwhelming support from the community. According to the recent release, the store alone brought 227 new jobs to the region, marking a significant boost to the local community. Now, with the opening of this second Modesto store, Vallarta continues that commitment, adding 194 more jobs and transforming a 49,800 sf retail space into a vibrant hub of culturally rich, high-quality groceries. Together, both locations have generated a combined total of 421 new jobs in Modesto, solidifying Vallarta's role as a major economic driver in the Central Valley.

As part of Vallarta Supermarkets' ongoing commitment to innovation and customer experience, the latest store design blends the vibrant culinary spirit of Mexico City with the relaxed, coastal charm of Puerto Vallarta. Emphasizing transparency, open views into many of the departments invite customers to witness the food-making process, from masa prepared in traditional nixtamal tanks to custom cakes and freshly made ceviche. Warm, colorful, and textured finishes create a modern space rooted in Mexican and Latin food culture, designed for communities to linger, discover traditional ingredients, explore new flavors, and share in the joy of food.

In addition to this new look, the new Modesto store will offer the signature departments Vallarta is known for, including:

• Fresh Produce: The freshest produce from local U.S. growers and premium farms worldwide, offering a wide selection of certified organic and ethically farmed options at the best prices. From every necessity, seasonal Latino favorites, exotic fruits from around the world, along with all of the latest and newest items on the market today, we have it all.
• Carniceria: The heart of its stores, known as the Home of the Original Carne Asada™, customers can find premium cuts like Ranchera—a thinly sliced flank steak available unseasoned or marinated in Vallarta's signature spice blend. It has everything needed to bring family and friends together around the grill.
• Pescaderia: The pescaderia features fresh and frozen seafood from around the world, with expert fishmongers available for custom prep as well as an in-house Cevicheria that offers 12 varieties of freshly made ceviches and spicy ajií, prepared in small batches throughout the day for peak flavor.
• Guacamole & Pico de Gallo Station: Made to order using 100% Hass avocados and the freshest ingredients, guests can personalize their guacamole with Pico de Gallo, tailored precisely to their taste.
• Omari Sushi: Premium, hand-rolled by master sushi chefs, rolls made daily with the finest ingredients at the sushi station. With multiple options to choose from, it's perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack.
• Juice Bar: Bringing vibrant, fresh flavors to customers with its signature aguas frescas, served straight from traditional vitroleros. Available in a variety of flavors—including horchata, strawberry, and jamaica—these refreshing drinks all have an authentic taste. Customers can also enjoy freshly pressed fruit and vegetable juices, and boost their wellness with shots of wheatgrass, turmeric, or ginger root.
• And more!

See the full release here.

LAKEWOOD, CO - Natural Grocers®, the nation's largest family-operated natural and organic retailer, is proud to promote a new short film in its Meet Your Farmer film series: The Fruits of Our Journey.

Fruits of Our Journey

The Fruits of Our Journey shares the Kropp family's unique path to organic farming. Following a personal loss that prompted them to research the dangers and challenges of conventional agriculture, the family embraced organic practices — healing their bodies, souls, and land in the process. Over time, they became true stewards of the land and watched their blessings multiply.

By replenishing the soil, avoiding synthetic pesticides, and practicing organic land stewardship, the Kropps saw their farm, family, and community flourish. Today, they take pride in providing nourishing, organic fruit to people across the country.

"This video is a story of love, purpose, and finding meaning and fulfillment in working with nature, not against it," said Raquel Isely, Vice President of Marketing at Natural Grocers, in the recent release. "The Kropp family's journey has culminated in something greater than themselves — they've created lasting change through organic farming and by providing organic fruit that nourishes others. We are proud to carry their produce at our stores."

The company will promote the film online and in stores with printed and digital educational materials through October.

The Meet Your Farmer Series

Natural Grocers' Meet Your Farmer series gives a voice to farmers and ranchers who are changing the way food is produced to ensure a livable, healthy tomorrow. Viewers meet organic growers, grassroots farmers, and regenerative ranchers with an unwavering dedication to the land, their animals, their communities, and the planet.

Each film invites consumers to pause, question the status quo of food production, and embrace an uplifting message of hope and transformation. Customers and followers on social media can expect more films to be added to the series in the future.