SACRAMENTO, CA - Kiaran Locy, Director of Brand & Industry Communications at the California Prune Board, was elected the new Chair at Buy California Marketing Agreement (California Grown), a partnership between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and commodity organizations representing California’s agriculture industry. Locy follows former Chair Todd Sanders, Executive Director of the California Apple Commission, who led California Grown for two years.

California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Ross said, “Congratulations to Kiaran on her election as Chair of California Grown. I look forward to working with her and the balance of the board as we celebrate California Grown’s 25th Anniversary in 2026. California Grown does important work telling the story of California’s abundant, nutritious, and delicious agriculture commodities. The organization is a strong, recognized marketing asset for California agriculture and I look forward to seeing further growth under Kiaran’s leadership.”

“I am excited to work with Kiaran as Chair of the California Grown Board,” said Cherie Watte, Executive Director of California Grown. “She has been a great asset to the California Grown leadership team for several years. Her approach to both communication and marketing is purposeful and intentional with a focus on results. These qualities will be especially meaningful to California Grown as we evaluate a new five-year strategic plan.”

Kiaran Locy added “I’m honored to serve as Chair of California Grown and to work with our members to champion the connection between the hard work of our farmers and ranchers and the meaning food holds for consumers every day. As a California native and someone who lives and enjoys the best of the California lifestyle, I know firsthand how special this state’s agriculture is. The California Grown program is vital to building pride, visibility and value for our state’s 400+ specialty crops and I look forward to furthering that story and highlight the unmatched quality and care behind everything grown in our state.”

Kiaran Locy currently serves as Director of Brand & Industry Communications for the California Prune Board where she manages the organization’s domestic marketing program and outreach to growers and handlers, according to a press release. 

Ms. Locy was born and raised in Southern California before moving to Northern California where she graduated from San Francisco State University with a B.A. in Organizational Communications. She currently resides in the Sacramento region with her husband and two boys and enjoys a community of neighborhood gatherings and easy access to restaurants and farms.

SOUTH AFRICA - Early last month, a Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA) vessel, named MSC Lorena, left Cape Town and carried the supplier’s largest shipment to date to the United States. The vessel made its first stop at the Port of Philadelphia before unloading in Savannah, Georgia.

“As a group, we are shipping to the world’s most demanding market, the U.S., and our challenges are real,” Suhanra Conradie, Chief Executive Officer, wrote in a season update. “We are working with a commodity that has an ever-changing lifecycle, which requires many key players to execute this program with excellence.”

The update stated that up until recent years, SCSA has mostly utilized its own dedicated conventional vessels. However, the demand for its product was growing at such a high rate that a container service was also necessary.

“Since 2023, MSC has offered a seasonal container port call into Philadelphia, and every season our business has grown stronger and stronger. In July 2025, we loaded our biggest shipment ever, which was a huge accomplishment for all the key players involved,” Suhanra continued.

SCSA stayed very busy in June and July—to such an extent that the supplier has now loaded roughly 85 percent of its estimated product. Typically, at this time of the year, SCSA would be at roughly 60 percent, the report stated.

“Tariffs continue to hang over our heads, not only for our growers, but for the total supply-chain infrastructure both here in South Africa and the U.S. Based on the demand of the market, some major investments have been made on the U.S. East Coast by 1) the port, either by the state or the two privately operated marine terminals in Philadelphia, and 2) the major importers involved with repacking facilities and distribution centers,” Suhanra concluded. “Furthermore, we are complementing local citrus production by offering U.S. consumers fresh, sweet, delicious citrus in the summer, when otherwise unavailable.”

We will keep an eye out for more citrus updates, so stick with ANUK.

RICHMOND, VA - Flashfood, the leading affordable grocery app, has partnered with the Mid-Atlantic Division of The Kroger Co. to introduce its program across 16 Richmond-area Kroger stores. The rollout offers local shoppers significant savings on groceries while supporting Kroger’s commitment to sustainability, affordability, and healthy food access.

Through the partnership, Richmond-area customers can purchase fresh groceries in surplus or nearing their best-by date—including meat, dairy, produce, and baked goods—at big discounts through the Flashfood app. Items are then picked up from designated Flashfood zones inside participating Kroger stores.

“Kroger’s leadership in operational excellence makes them an incredible partner to demonstrate what Flashfood can deliver when executed at scale,” said Jordan Schenck, CEO of Flashfood, in the recent release. “We’re thrilled to be kicking off this partnership and to support Kroger’s impactful Zero Hunger, Zero Waste program. Together, we’re not only expanding access to fresh, affordable groceries in Richmond – we’re also demonstrating how innovation can leverage surplus and end-of-life food to serve communities, support retailers, and keep good food out of landfills.”

In its recently published 2024 Impact Report, Flashfood demonstrates the role food waste plays in today’s affordability, health, and nutrition crisis. In a 2025 shopper survey, 70% of Flashfood shoppers reported a healthier diet since using Flashfood, and 65% reported eating more fruits and vegetables.

This is a powerful health outcome, and the partnership with Kroger is an important step to achieving the availability required. It’s a tech-driven, scalable solution that drives value on both sides of the marketplace.

“At Kroger, we’re always looking for innovative ways to serve our communities, reduce our environmental impact, and move closer to our Zero Hunger Zero Waste goals,” said Mid-Atlantic Division President Kate Mora. “Our partnership with Flashfood helps us achieve all three. This app is another resource for customers who are looking for affordable options to feed their families while also keeping perfectly good food out of landfills. It’s a win for our community and the planet.”

With this expansion, Flashfood is now available in more than 2,000 stores across North America. To date, the program has diverted over 140 million pounds of food from landfills and saved shoppers more than $355 million on groceries.

For more information, including a list of participating Kroger locations and to download the app, visit www.flashfood.com.

MONTEREY, CA - Before a single dish is plated in a bustling restaurant or a school lunch is served to eager students, a network of unseen hands has already been at work—planning, growing, sourcing, and delivering. Each year, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) brings together the most innovative and committed companies in the foodservice space to learn about and discover the best of the best in what the industry has to offer. The 2025 Foodservice Conference promised to deliver just this, and this it did.

“The foodservice community really showed up in Monterey, once again! Over 1,000 buyers, with new operators and colleges and universities joining us, innovation and consumer trends were front of mind as we collaborated on shaping our plates,” said IFPA Chief Executive Officer Cathy Burns. “We are humbled to be associated with an industry that has consumers' health in its hands. From our littlest ones to college students about to enter 'adulting' and restaurants and hospitals, nutritious food unites us all. This community stands ready to fight for fresh and ensure our products are at the center of the plate, always.”

From the business of school nutrition to Navigating the New Foodservice Frontier and a bustling Women’s Fresh Perspectives Reception, the Monterey Marriott and Monterey Conference Center opened its doors wide for a determined and passionate group of attendees who sought solutions to today’s challenges and the opportunities to address them.

“The IFPA Foodservice Conference is where relationships are forged and strengthened. It’s not just about products—it’s about partnerships, trust, and innovation,” Julie Olivarria, Vice President, Produce, Sysco, shares. “We come together with vendors who truly understand our needs, discover cutting-edge solutions, and connect with others who share a commitment to elevating foodservice. This event creates a unique space where collaboration thrives and the bar for excellence is raised collectively.”

Also helping buyers from across the foodservice sector inform their strategies was the Fresh Ideas Showcase, which brought the next big ideas and fresh products and services in the sector straight to the viewing pleasure of showgoers.

During Thursday’s General Session titled “Health on the Menu: Navigating the New Foodservice Frontier,” David Henkes, Senior Principal and Head of Strategic Partnerships for Technomic, took us through an engaging presentation of health-forward trends influencing menus, consumer behavior, and operational strategy—particularly in light of emerging factors like GLP-1 medications. He then continued by moderating a panel discussion on how these new findings and influences can be executed and harnessed at the foodservice table.

The day surged ahead with a dynamic foodservice expo—alive with inventive products, beloved staples, bold new services, and reimagined strategies—all sparking spirited dialogue and culminating in a moment that felt like a true inflection point for the industry.

Each year, some of foodservice's best stand out and are recognized for their exceptional show presence. This year’s winners include:

Best in Show: J. Marchini Farms – Joe’s Premium

Runner Up: Melissa’s

Best Product Promo: Coosemans LA Shipping/Essential Mixology

Chef’s Choice: Rijk Zwaan—compressed yellow watermelon

I could go on, but I thought I would let the changemakers in our industry speak for themselves and the IFPA Foodservice event they so cherish:

Nichole Towell, Senior Director of Marketing and Packaging Procurement, Duda Farm Fresh Foods

"The IFPA Foodservice Conference is a valuable opportunity for us to connect directly with our customers and showcase what sets Duda Farm Fresh Foods apart—especially the exceptional taste and quality of our celery. While celery remains our signature product, we’re proud to offer a diverse product line designed to help our partners maximize truckloads and streamline sourcing. With strategically located growing regions across the country, we ensure a reliable, year-round supply of corn, radish, Iceberg lettuce, leafy greens, broccoli, and cauliflower to meet a wide range of foodservice needs. One of the highlights of the conference is hosting field tours of our fresh-cut celery harvest, which allows us to share the story behind our brand and offer a closer look at the people, processes, and passion that drive the Duda Difference."

Lisa McNeece, Vice President of Foodservice and Industrial Sales, Grimmway Farms

“The IFPA Foodservice conference is truly a one-of-a-kind event. The smaller, more intimate setting encourages real connection, fresh thinking, and impactful conversation with longtime partners as well as new customers looking for innovation. I particularly looked forward to the K-12 segment of this program, which provides dialogue with school foodservice directors across the country, focusing on nourishing the next generation.”

Hannah Roehl, Purchasing Manager, Denny’s

“The IFPA conference is a priority for me as a Purchasing Manager because it offers access to growers, suppliers, and industry experts. It’s an efficient way to strengthen existing relationships, vet new potential partners, and learn more about what is going on in the industry. With challenges of quality consistency, cost stability, and supply chain disruptions, attending IFPA helps me make more informed purchasing decisions.”

Nelia Alamo, Vice President of Marketing, Markon Cooperative

“Markon looks forward to the IFPA Foodservice Conference in Monterey each year. The relaxed setting promotes meaningful connections with foodservice operators from across the country. It’s an ideal venue to share our membership story, product value, and distribution model. Being in Monterey makes it especially convenient for our Salinas-based team to attend, learn, and engage. I’ve attended more years than I care to admit—and it never disappoints.”

Loree Dowse, Director of Marketing, Church Brothers Farms

“For Church Brothers Farms, IFPA Foodservice is a far cry from your standard trade show; it’s an opportunity to show our customers who we are and how we operate. From field and plant tours all week long to our legendary Ranch Party the night before the show, we like to think that customers leave with a deeper understanding of what makes the Salinas Valley—and what we grow here—so magical.”

Gloria Downing, Program Sales Manager, Charlie's Produce Seattle

“IFPA is so important to be able to connect with our current clients, vendors, and potential ones. It’s honestly one of my favorite conferences to attend because everyone is welcoming, and it feels like a family reunion. The sessions are amazing. This year's K-12 was impactful, and I’m excited to see what we can do to help our schools. The Women’s Fresh Perspectives networking event was great. Being around such powerful women and getting advice and insight from them when I am still growing in my career is so valuable. I always feel like my cup has been filled when I come home from this event and look forward to the next year's!”

Every time a plate is placed before me, I’m reminded that it holds more than nourishment, flavor, or freshness—though it offers all of these in abundance. It carries the stories of families, individuals, and companies who rise each day with a singular mission: to feed the world, one exceptional bite at a time.