FRESNO, CA - As high school graduates prepare to begin their college careers this fall, eight students from the table grape growing regions of California will be aided with scholarships awarded by California table grape growers.

Growers awarded two $25,000 field worker scholarships to students attending a four-year college or university. Three $14,500 field worker bridge scholarships were awarded to students attending two years of community college and transferring to a four-year college or university. In order to be eligible for a field worker scholarship, applicants, a parent, or a guardian must work in the California table grape harvest. Three $25,000 agricultural scholarships were awarded to students attending a four-year California college or university and planning to pursue an undergraduate degree in a field of study pertinent to the table grape industry.

Since 1985, California table grape growers have awarded more than 200 scholarships to help students in the grape growing regions of California attend college. “Maintaining a scholarship program for 40 years is an exciting milestone and a testament to California table grape growers’ continued investment in the community that surrounds the California table grape industry,” said Ian LeMay, commission president, in a recent release. “At the same time, it illustrates why choosing California grapes is important in that it helps fuel support for all those working in the industry and their families,” said LeMay.

$25,000 Field Worker Scholarships

Ms. Alexa Yvette Ruiz Rios graduated at the top of her class from Roosevelt High School with a 4.32 GPA and will attend the University of California, Irvine to study business administration and political science. Alexa studied law and policy, and business finance at The Center for Advanced Research and Technology. Alexa’s involvement in a number of extracurriculars, including Health Youth Corps, Youth Court, and the Californians for Justice Club, has well prepared her for her upcoming journey to become a corporate lawyer. Hear Alexa in her own words here: https://youtu.be/pQ-MBdaJTA0?si=l_8ivYGWHnfzHx3K.

Ms. Daisy Sanchez Fernandez graduated from Delano High School with a 4.38 GPA and will attend the University of California, Berkeley to study political science as she starts her journey in becoming an immigration lawyer. Daisy was awarded the 2025 Migrant Honor Student of the Year and served as the soprano section leader in choir. Daisy was an active member of multiple school clubs and organizations, including the service club, math club, mock trial, choir, and Future Business Leaders of California. Hear Daisy in her own words here: https://youtu.be/aeR7Z7IDpXI?si=mZveEY0Zdm9fq9YY.

See the full list of winners here.

SALINAS, CA - Syngenta Vegetable Seeds will officially launch its new Romaine campaign, For Every Season. Every Field, at the highly anticipated Future of Veg Field Day in Salinas on August 12 and 13, 2025. The event will spotlight Syngenta’s comprehensive Romaine portfolio, developed to deliver reliability, flexibility, and market-ready performance for growers facing increasing complexity in the field.

Held in the heart of California’s lettuce-producing region, Future of Veg Field Day draws growers, shippers, and dealers from across the industry for an up-close look at the latest innovations in leafy greens. Producers will see firsthand how Syngenta’s Romaine lineup delivers proven performance across growing windows, geographies, and end-use markets.

Through in-field demonstrations and side-by-side comparisons, attendees will be able to walk the fields and evaluate how Syngenta varieties perform under real conditions. Syngenta’s breeders, researchers, and commercial team will be on site to answer questions, share slotting strategies, and offer insights into variety development.

“This campaign is about showing growers that they can rely on Syngenta for a complete solution,” said Walkyhr Macy, West & Wholesale Customer Experience Specialist at Syngenta Vegetable Seeds, in the recent release. “We’ve built this portfolio not only to perform across regions and conditions, but to support growers who want confidence, flexibility, and consistent value in every acre they plant.”

“Our breeding approach focuses on solving real problems our growers experience, whether it's slotting challenges, disease pressure, or market shifts,” said Justin Goodwyn, West Leafy and Brassica Product Specialist at Syngenta Vegetable Seeds. “The Romaine portfolio is a result of years of field testing and grower input, and we’re proud to showcase it where it matters most: in the field.”

Syngenta’s top-performing Romaine varieties like Duquesne will be on display, along with standouts like Boronda and Cardinal, each bred to meet growers’ evolving performance and market requirements. The latest innovations will also be on display, giving attendees a look at Syngenta’s continuous innovation and commitment to long-term return on investment.

“Duquesne and other top performers in our lineup continue to set the standard for yield potential, uniformity, and downstream performance,” added Nick Barnes, Syngenta Vegetable Seeds West Commercial Unit Head. “We're constantly working to build on that success, without disrupting what growers already trust.”

The Romaine portfolio reflects Syngenta’s approach to long-term partnership: performance today, and adaptability for tomorrow. With a full range of varieties for hearts, cartons, and processing, the company offers both multipurpose and purpose-bred solutions, delivering high yield potential, slotting precision, and quality uniformity across applications. To explore the full Romaine campaign and portfolio, visit our website for more information.

Growers, dealers, and industry partners are invited to the Syngenta Future of Veg Field Day to learn more about Syngenta’s robust leafy greens offerings and connect with Syngenta experts in the field. Find out more and register online.

Event Details:

• Syngenta Future of Veg Field Day
• August 12 - 13, 2025
• Salinas, California
• Syngenta Future of Veg Field Day Registration

OXNARD, CA - Mission Produce, Inc., a world leader in sourcing, producing, and distributing fresh Hass avocados, announced that Juan Wiesner, Mission’s President of Central and South America, will retire from the Company effective November 1, 2025, following 14 years of dedicated leadership. As part of the Company’s strategic succession plan, Simón González, a 13-year Mission veteran, will be promoted to Senior Vice President, International Farming, upon Wiesner’s retirement from the Company.

During his tenure, Wiesner led the Company’s growth across Central and South America, playing a pivotal role in the development of Mission’s vertically integrated and international farming operations. Most notably, he launched and scaled Mission’s Peruvian operation and expanded the Company’s international footprint into Guatemala, strengthening Mission’s ability to meet global demand with a consistent, high-quality supply of the World’s Finest Avocados™.

“Juan has been an integral part of Mission Produce’s global growth,” said Steve Barnard, Chief Executive Officer, Mission Produce, in the recent release. “When the Company first established operations in Peru, he brought our vision of vertical integration to life with determination and a deep commitment to excellence.”

“As I step into the next phase of my career, I do so with deep gratitude for the journey I’ve had at Mission Produce,” said Wiesner. “When I joined Mission, vertical integration in Peru was only an idea — and today, I am proud to leave behind a thriving operation spanning more than 6,500 plantable hectares of avocados, mangos, and blueberries across Peru and Guatemala. I express my deep gratitude to Steve Barnard for his trust and support, to the Board of Directors, and to the exceptional team I’ve had the privilege of working with these past 14 years.”

As Mission looks to the future, leadership will pass to González, a trusted executive with deep roots in the organization. With more than 20 years of agribusiness experience, González holds an MBA from Emory University, a degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University, and a LEAD Program Certificate from Stanford University. He currently leads the Company’s post-harvest and packing operations and has been instrumental in executing key strategic initiatives across Peru and Guatemala. In his expanded role as Senior Vice President, International Farming, González will oversee agricultural production and packing operations for avocados, blueberries, and mangos in both countries.

“As we approach a new chapter of Mission’s long-term global growth strategy, the Company has been diligently preparing for this transition,” added Barnard. “With Simón’s deep expertise, proven leadership, and commitment to operational excellence, we are confident that he will continue to drive the Company’s international success and deliver on our strategic vision.”

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA - FiveStar Gourmet Foods™, home of Simply Fresh, the leader in fresh, innovative meal solutions, announces the expansion of its operations team with the appointment of three experienced executives. Key leadership hires include Paul Harrison as Senior Vice President of Operations, Michael Cheung as Vice President of Supply Chain, and Danny Gutierrez as Director of Operations.

The strategic appointments support FiveStar’s goal of accelerating national production. The company recently opened a new, state-of-the-art facility in Southern California, its flagship hub for innovation, production, and nationwide distribution of its SF-360 fresh food solutions.

“We are transforming FiveStar Gourmet and its brands into bold, fast, and uncompromising global category leaders. Achieving these outcomes requires leaders who are experienced, hungry, hands-on, and fully committed to our mission,” said Tal Shoshan, CEO of FiveStar Gourmet Foods, in the recent release. “Paul, Michael, and Danny each bring a track record of operational excellence and the grit and vision to help take FiveStar and Simply Fresh to the next level.

Paul Harrison, Senior Vice President of Operations, brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the fresh food industry. He previously held positions at Calavo Growers and Renaissance Food Group, where he gained recognition for driving operational efficiencies, ensuring food safety, and enhancing team performance across multi-site operations.

“FiveStar’s momentum and passion for excellence are contagious,” said Harrison. “This is a company that moves with purpose, and I’m honored to help lead its next phase of operational growth.”

Michael Cheung, Vice President of Supply Chain, joins FiveStar after his successful tenure at Bonduelle Fresh Americas. With extensive expertise in procurement, logistics, and ERP implementation, Michael will oversee the company’s end-to-end supply chain strategy, emphasizing material availability, vendor optimization, and cost control.

“I’m excited to join a team that values innovation, speed, and execution,” said Cheung. “FiveStar is redefining what supply chain excellence looks like in the fresh food industry, and I look forward to building a best-in-class network that supports that vision.”

Danny Gutierrez, Director of Operations, also joins from Bonduelle Fresh Americas, where he held multiple leadership positions overseeing high-volume manufacturing. At FiveStar, Danny will concentrate on online efficiency, labor optimization, and daily plant execution to support the company’s rapid growth and national distribution.

“FiveStar’s commitment to quality and innovation is unmatched,” said Gutierrez. “It’s exciting to be part of a company where operational discipline and creative energy go hand in hand.”

This enhanced leadership team reinforces FiveStar’s commitment to delivering fresh, safe, and high-quality food at scale while maintaining operational discipline and culinary excellence at every stage of the process.

To learn more about FiveStar Gourmet Foods and Simply Fresh, visit here.

KEASBEY, NJ - Wakefern Food Corp. announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase Morton Williams stores in the New York metro area. The acquisition combines the grocery expertise of the family-owned cooperative and the Morton Williams family, which has owned and operated its stores for three generations.

New Jersey-based Wakefern will retain the Morton Williams name. A wholly owned subsidiary of Wakefern will operate the 17 stores in the tradition New Yorkers have come to expect, with special emphasis on fresh prepared foods, produce, and Wakefern’s award-winning private label brands. The Food Partners (TFP), headquartered in Washington, D.C., served as financial and strategic advisor to Wakefern during the transaction.

“We are very excited to welcome Morton Williams to our Wakefern family of supermarket banners. This acquisition is an incredible opportunity to continue the legacy of a storied New York City grocer while building on the business and adding even more product offerings, value, and quality for shoppers,” said Wakefern President Mike Stigers in the recent release. “Wakefern is committed to honoring the traditions of Morton Williams by bringing high-quality fresh foods and groceries to residents of one of the greatest cities in the world.”

“The acquisition is part of Wakefern’s aggressive growth strategy to expand both its market share and wholesale distribution reach,” added Wakefern Chairman Sean McMenamin. “Wakefern’s leadership team and Board of Directors have a vision for our cooperative that is transformative. We are positioning Wakefern for sustainable, lasting growth that will impact future generations of our Membership.”

Like Wakefern, Morton Williams is family-owned. The company was founded in 1952 by brothers Joe and Irving Sloan. Joe’s sons Morton and William later built upon the business and expanded to supermarkets in the New York City area. They would go on to reinvent the business again in the 1970s, when they began opening new, reimagined markets in Manhattan. They changed the name of the new stores to Morton Williams and opened locations with kitchens, chefs, and a focus on fresh prepared foods for customers on the go.

Carrying on the legacy, Morton Williams is now guided by the third generation -- Avi Kaner, Morton Sloan’s son-in-law; David Sloan, his son; and Steven Sloan, the son of William Sloan.

“Like Wakefern, which was founded by neighborhood grocers, we are also a family business and proud of the company we’ve built over the decades. Supermarkets are an important part of the fabric of the neighborhoods they serve. Wakefern understands that,” said Avi Kaner, speaking on behalf of the Sloan and Kaner family. “We know our company, its team members, and loyal customers are in good hands as it moves into the future under Wakefern’s leadership.”

Kevin McDonnell, currently president of Wakefern’s wholly owned subsidiary PRRC, Inc., will serve as the Wakefern executive leading Morton Williams. PRRC, Inc. operates stores under the Price Rite Marketplace banner. “I look forward to working with the team at Morton Williams to ensure we continue delivering the service and quality the brand is known for and at the same time offering greater value that comes from being part of a cooperative,” noted McDonnell. “The buying power of the cooperative, which has more than 360 stores in nine states, and the legacy of Morton Williams' service is a winning combination.” McDonnell is a 40-year supermarket industry veteran with broad experience in store operations, merchandising, marketing, and management, as well as extensive experience in operating stores in the New York City area.

Morton Williams offers online shopping and operates 15 stores in Manhattan, a store in the Bronx, and another in Jersey City at the following locations:

• 130 Bleecker Street
• 278 Park Avenue South (22nd Street)
• 311 East 23rd Street (2nd Avenue)
• 908 Second Avenue (48th Street)
• 1031 First Avenue (56th Street)
• 140 West 57th Street (between 6th & 7th Avenues)
• 917 Ninth Avenue (59th Street)
• 15 West End Avenue (Corner of 60th Street)
• 1066 Third Avenue
• 2015 Broadway (68th Street)
• 1331 First Avenue (71st Street)
• 1251 Third Avenue (Corner 72nd Street)
• 1565 First Avenue (81st Street)
• 1211 Madison Avenue (87th Street)
• 2941 Broadway (115th Street)
• The Bronx: 15 East Kingsbridge Road (Jerome Avenue)
• New Jersey: 105 River Drive - Jersey City

YAKIMA, WA - The Washington State Tree Fruit Association (WSTFA) released its forecast for the 2025 Washington state fresh apple crop. The crop is estimated at 142 million standard forty-pound boxes of fresh apples. While the forecast would match the previous record harvest for the fresh apple crop, growers reported that labor shortages and market conditions may drive down the actual number of harvested apples.

Growers faced a record drought in the state to deliver a high-quality crop across all varietals. Cosmic Crisp (WA-38), developed by Washington State University specifically for Eastern Washington's growing conditions, continues its meteoric rise in popularity just five years after its introduction in 2020. For the first time, it enters the forecast as one of the top five varietals.

"This year Washington has experienced favorable growing conditions and good fruit sizing despite drought conditions in the state that curtailed water supplies to some orchards," said Jon DeVaney, WSTFA President, in the recent release. "Growers anticipate a large crop with great eating quality. However, challenging economic conditions, including concerns about labor supply during harvest, mean that many growers will be more selective in what they pick. As a result, there is a high probability that the final harvested crop will be smaller than the potential reflected in this forecast."

The WSTFA forecast includes interesting changes in the five most popular varietals. Gala is number one at 18% of production, followed by Honeycrisp at 15% (for the first time moving ahead of both Red Delicious and Granny Smith), Granny Smith at 14.7%, and Red Delicious at 12%. Cosmic Crisp makes its first appearance in the top five at 9.6%, up from just 1% in 2020 and 6% in 2023.

Fuji is forecast to be nearly 9.1% of the forecasted crop, Cripps Pink is projected at 6.4%, with Envy and Golden Delicious both at approximately 3.5%, and Ambrosia at 1%. All other varieties represent about 7%.

Washington's growers are keeping up with consumer demand for organic apples. Organics again represent 15% of this year's overall crop, a sign that growers' long-term investment in organics is paying off for them and the consumers they ultimately serve. Washington state produces more than 90% of the nation's organic apples. All organic production is packed and marketed as USDA organic, and WSTFA members continue to work on new strategies and techniques to deliver more organic apples. "Staying in step with consumer demand is something that our growers work hard to accomplish," added DeVaney.

Washington apples are sold around the world and are a strong mover in the domestic grocery market. They are also vital to the state's economy and are Washington's leading agricultural commodity. Apples represented 16% ($2 billion) of the state's total farm-gate agricultural value in 2022. Nearly 30% percent of the harvest is exported.

"Washington apples are truly a signature crop for our state — economically vital and globally recognized," said Derek Sandison, Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture. "This year, even amid unusually warm and dry conditions, growing conditions remained strong overall, and we are expecting another large harvest with high-quality fruit. That's a testament to our growers' expertise and the strength of Washington's apple industry. It's good for our economy, our communities, and consumers everywhere."

The apple forecast is based on a survey of WSTFA members and represents the best estimate of the total volume of apples harvested in 2025 that will be packed and sold on the fresh market. The estimate excludes apples sold to processors. Apple harvest typically begins in August and continues into November. As a result, this forecast is still subject to several months of variable weather, labor supply, and market conditions that can affect the final harvest total.

Video and audio of Jon DeVaney commenting on the 2025 Apple Forecast and B-roll of apple orchards and apple harvesting are available for media use upon request.

ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Ahold Delhaize recently released its second-quarter results. By sticking to its Growing Together strategy and leaning heavily into e-commerce capabilities, the retail giant is making steady moves across the United States and Europe.

"I am pleased to report solid second quarter performance, with strong sales growth supported by positive volumes in both regions. In an environment where customers prioritize value and convenience, our Growing Together strategy stands out as a key strength. Our brands’ unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional customer value has enabled us to maintain or improve our market positions and continue to drive momentum in growth. At the same time, through strong operational execution by our teams and associates, we delivered a healthy and stable underlying operating margin of 4.0% and IFRS operating income of €861 million,” commented Frans Muller, President and Chief Executive Officer, in the press release.

The report outlined several other highlights, which included:

• In the first half of 2025, we already achieved a key milestone by reaching e-commerce profitability on a fully allocated basis. This underscores the strength and scalability of our omnichannel model, which is a key long-term driver of market share growth.
• Q2 net sales were €23.1 billion, up 6.5% at constant exchange rates and up 3.3% at actual exchange rates. Net sales were positively impacted by 3.4 percentage points at constant exchange rates from the acquisition of Profi and negatively impacted by 1.2 percentage points from the closure of Stop & Shop stores and the cessation of tobacco sales in the Netherlands and Belgium
• Q2 comparable sales excluding gasoline increased by 4.0%, up 3.4% in the U.S. and 4.9% in Europe. Comparable sales excluding gasoline were positively impacted by 0.9 percentage points in the U.S. and by 0.7 percentage points in Europe, due to calendar shifts. Europe was negatively impacted by 1.6 percentage points due to tobacco
• Our investments in expanding our omnichannel infrastructure and enhancing our digital loyalty programs are yielding strong results. Ahold Delhaize online sales increased by 14.4% in Q2 at constant exchange rates and 11.8% at actual exchange rates. This was driven by double-digit growth in online grocery in both regions and a strong performance at bol

“During the first half of the year, we already achieved a key milestone by reaching e-commerce profitability on a fully allocated basis,” added Muller. “This underscores the strength and scalability of our omnichannel model, which is an important long-term driver of market share growth. Our improved online profitability is the result of several key factors, including our orientation towards less asset-intensive same-day delivery models, increasing fulfillment capacity, automating operations, and leveraging retail media propositions. It is particularly encouraging to see that, more and more, customers are finding value in the convenience and flexibility of our brands' omnichannel offerings.”

For more details, check out the report here.