MONTEREY, CA - Hopefully, shoppers are learning and not realizing. This phrase, and all that it implies, has tumbled around in my head since Reyna Graves, Director of Merchandising, National Produce at Sprouts Farmers Market, spoke it on the stage of Monterey’s historic Golden State Theater. Under a decadent ceiling, Scot Olson, President at FreshSource, queried about the retailer’s unique strategy in the organic and grocery spaces.

“We have five pillars—we made it a point to keep it to a low number so we know what to focus on—and one of those five pillars is organic,” Reyna said of Sprouts’ strategy. “How we're doing that is making sure we have an organic-first mindset. That means from an assortment standpoint, that means from a promotion standpoint, that means from a merchandising standpoint, how do we make sure we're trying to make it easy for our customers who are looking for organic to find it; to be able to afford it; to be happy with the quality, the flavor, and to see that first when they walk into our stores.”

This has demonstrably worked for the company in terms of ensuring organic supply. But, Reyna explained it also means an organic foundation upon which Sprouts continues to build.

“Our organic growth continues to grow and grow with a really big penetration into our business, and we hope to keep building on that,” she stated. Part of what makes this work, Reyna emphasized, are events around these attributes so customers understand Sprouts’ intentions. “Organic events where the whole store is behind it, where we're doing cross-merchandising, the ads around organic, so that it's a bigger message than just organic produce. I don't have to try to tell that story with just our department. We're telling it as a store.”

To ensure all are playing off the same sheet of music, as the saying goes. The symphony of Sprouts Farmers Market is one of both education and fun, while ensuring no surprises that might upend the consumers’ understanding of what they are purchasing.

“The messaging really is 'How do we help our customers live better?' So, across the stores, the signage is around ‘How is this healthier?,’ ‘Why buy this?’ and a lot of that education, but we also want to make it fun. We don't want to scare anyone, we want them to know the positives of organic, the positives of eating healthy fruits and vegetables. So we try to have that kind of fun educational purpose spin from a messaging standpoint to get people excited about the events and purchasing organic.”

A little knowledge, a little fun, and, as we began with, the hope shoppers are learning and not realizing, and so are purchasing more organic.

“I think as retailers, our job is to exceed and meet our customers’ demands. We're there to satisfy what our customers are asking for. So what keeps me up at night is the gap between what we can deliver to what they're expecting,” Reyna disclosed.

As for the solution—the dream—it is everything that falls into that gap between perception and true participation in the industry that brings fresh food to market.  

“How do we make sure the amazing stories that are in this room get out there?” Reyna posed this question to the audience, pulling from her own lack of knowledge when she first joined the produce industry a couple of years ago. “I was like, how is this [product] not a million dollars? It's these stories that we need to tell—that's what we need from an industry standpoint.”

Pivoting to Sprouts-specific needs from suppliers, Reyna’s ask was a simple one: Keep growing organic, “plus”. Plus sustainability, plus utilization of the whole plant, plus freshness, plus quality, or another addition to bolster the segment.

“‘Plus’ is a big ask from the industry. The bigger one is organic, plus flavor,” Reyna emphasized. “That's a big thing, I feel, still being new in the industry—we don't talk enough about organic flavor, specifically in vegetables. I always get jealous of the fruit team who sit next to me. They're talking about the brix. They're talking about the flavor and the sweetness. And, when we were in a session earlier about what produce item made you go ‘wow,’ most people said it was a fruit.”

So, organic “plus,” and continued growth in the organic space. The big question has been asked, and we cannot wait to report how the industry answers. Stay tuned, we’re all ears.

WASHINGTON, DC - Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables directly into families’ hands, is proud to announce it has been awarded a grant through CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield’s (CareFirst) Place-Based Grants Initiative. As a recipient of CareFirst’s Place-Based Grants Initiative, Brighter Bites and its partners, the Institute for Public Health Innovation, the Prince George's County Food Equity Council, and Georgetown University, will collaborate to address diabetes and diet-related chronic conditions for sustainable improvements in community health.

This initiative is a part of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield's (CareFirst) recent investment of $7.1 million in 31 community-based organizations in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

As the 2025-26 school year begins, Brighter Bites and The Prince George's County Food Equity Council will work together to enhance our produce distribution and nutrition education programming, distributing fresh produce bi-weekly on school campuses, offering culturally tailored and community driven recipe demonstrations, and providing systems navigation support to assist families in identifying and enrolling in other community services.

According to a press release, this collaborative approach to improving community health will take place on six elementary school campuses in Prince George's County, MD over the next three school years:

• James Harrison Elementary (South Laurel)
• Highbridge Elementary (Bowie)
• Scotchtown Hills Elementary (Landover area)
• District Heights Elementary
• Hillcrest Hills Elementary
• John Bayne Elementary (Capitol Heights)

“This grant enables us to deepen our impact in Prince George’s County and work alongside trusted local partners to create long-term health equity,” said Rich Dachman, CEO of Brighter Bites. The initiative underscores a shared commitment to community-driven health solutions and marks a strategic investment in reducing chronic disease at the local level. “Together, we are empowering families with the tools, knowledge, and access they need to lead healthier lives.”

By building existing community assets and trusted relationships within schools, the program aims to deliver measurable outcomes and lasting change over the next three school years.

For more information about the Brighter Bites Washington, D.C. metro area program, visit www.brighterbites.org/location/washingtondc.

CORAL GABLES, FL - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 27, 2025.

“Fresh Del Monte’s second quarter 2025 results reflect the strength of a strategy rooted in consistency, discipline, and long-term vision. Sales growth was fueled by continued demand for our core products, including our proprietary pineapple varieties, and strong momentum across our fresh-cut business—an area where we’re seeing encouraging progress and expanding margins,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Fresh Del Monte’s Chairman and CEO, in a press release. “Our global leadership in proprietary pineapple varieties is the result of decades of innovation and investment—a commitment that now drives our momentum across the fresh and value-added products segment and beyond. These results affirm the power of focus and execution, as well as the long-term advantage created by differentiated offerings. We remain committed to building on this foundation and creating sustained value for our shareholders.”

Financial highlights for the second quarter 2025:

Net sales for the second quarter of 2025 were $1,182.5 million compared with $1,139.7 million in the prior-year period. The increase in net sales was primarily driven by higher net sales in the Company's fresh and value-added products and banana segments due to higher per unit selling prices and the favorable impact of fluctuations in exchange rates, primarily related to the Euro, Japanese yen and British pound. The increase in net sales also reflects tariff-related price adjustments in North America.

Gross profit for the second quarter of 2025 was $120.1 million compared with $113.2 million in the prior-year period. The increase in gross profit for the quarter was primarily driven by higher net sales in the Company's fresh and value-added products segment, partially offset by higher per unit production and procurement costs, as well as higher distribution costs, including the impact of tariff-related charges in North America. Gross margin for the second quarter of 2025 increased to 10.2% compared with 9.9% in the prior-year period.

Adjusted gross profit(1) for the second quarter of 2025 was $120.1 million compared with $114.4 million in the prior-year period. Adjusted gross profit for the second quarter of 2024 included $1.2 million of other product-related charges, primarily related to shipment disruptions in the Red Sea and clean-up costs associated with the flooding of a seasonal production facility in Greece during 2023. No other product-related charges were recorded during the second quarter of 2025.

Operating income for the second quarter of 2025 was $68.3 million compared with $68.2 million in the prior-year period. The increase in operating income was primarily driven by higher gross profit, partially offset by a lower gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net, in the current year period.

To read the full release, click here.

UNITED STATES & CENTRAL AMERICA - The pineapple market remains about steady as moderate demand continues across ports in Southern California, South Florida, and Texas. Supplies from Costa Rica, with occasional volume from Ecuador, Honduras, and Mexico, are moving primarily by boat, with quality ranging across regions, according to the USDA’s July 25, 2025, National FOB Review.

In Southern California, Golden Ripe cartons (1 layer) are priced:

• 5s at 13.00–14.50
• 6s at 12.75–15.00, mostly 13.00–14.00
• 7s at 13.00–15.00, mostly 14.00

At South Florida ports, pricing trends remain consistent with California:

• 5s at 13.00–14.50
• 6s at 12.75–15.00, mostly 13.00–14.00
• 7s at 13.00–15.00, mostly 14.00

Crossings through Texas reflect a wide range in quality, with the following reported prices:

• 5s at 12.95–14.95, mostly 13.95–14.95
• 6s at 12.95–14.95, mostly 12.95–13.95
• 7s at 11.95–13.95, mostly 11.95–12.95

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

UNITED STATES, MEXICO, & PERU - The asparagus market remains steady overall, with fairly light supply and fairly good demand keeping pricing in a stable range. According to the USDA’s National FOB Review on July 25, 2025, there is a wide range in quality, condition, and price, especially across size grades.

Jumbo and extra-large sizes are seeing higher pricing, with jumbo mostly at $36.00, ranging from $34.50–$40.00, and extra-large at $36.75–$38.00, with occasional lower pricing reported. Large sizes are mostly between $22.00–$24.00, while standard sizes are mostly between $20.00–$22.00. Small sizes are priced mostly at $14.00–$16.00, with occasional lower and higher trades noted.

Product continues to ship both by boat and air, with mixed arrivals from Mexico and Peru. ANUK will continue to track how quality, supply, and pricing evolve in the coming weeks.

CINCINNATI, OH - The Kroger Co. announced leadership changes in several key roles across the company.

Kroger appointed Ed Oldham to Head of Sourcing. Oldham joins Kroger from PetSmart, where he was Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer. He led the company's distribution and transportation strategy across North America, overseeing an international distribution network and 2,500 associates. Oldham brings more than 25 years of experience in retail, CPGs, and consulting, where he led planning, buying, replenishment, operations and sourcing decisions across multi-billion-dollar categories. Before joining PetSmart, Oldham held multiple leadership roles at Petco, Walmart, Ernst & Young, and Walgreens. He will join Kroger on August 4.

"Ed brings a wealth of knowledge from his time working at and supporting a variety of different retailers," said Ron Sargent, Chairman and CEO of Kroger, in a press release. "Sourcing plays a critical role in making sure we can provide lower prices to our customers every day. We look forward to Ed bringing his unique experience to this role and helping us improve the customer experience."

Kroger named Ann Reed, currently president of the Cincinnati-Dayton division, as group vice president of Our Brands beginning on August 4. Reed began her career as a co-manager in the Central Division in 1993. Since then, she held a number of leadership positions including store manager, category manager, Deli/Bakery merchandiser, director of Deli/Bakery, and director of Fresh Ready Meals. Reed was promoted to vice president of Merchandising at Fry's in 2010, followed by vice president of Merchandising at Fred Meyer in 2013. She was named vice president of Customer 1st Promise in 2015, promoted to Louisville division president in 2017, and named Cincinnati-Dayton division president in 2022.

"Ann has deep experience across our organization, and she understands what our customers want to buy," continued Sargent. "She worked in divisions throughout the country getting to know how our customers want to shop and what they want to buy. Ann is bringing a great perspective on the ways we can better take advantage of the significant growth opportunities Our Brands represents for Kroger."

Kroger appointed Jake Cannon, currently president of the Louisville division, to replace Ann Reed as president of the Cincinnati-Dayton division beginning on August 1. Cannon has more than 20 years of retail experience, beginning his Kroger career as a Produce clerk in the Smith's division in 1999. He held various leadership roles, including assistant store manager, store manager, lead HR coordinator, Key Retailing special assignment, Customer 1st Promise manager, district manager, and division Meat merchandiser. Cannon was named director of Operations for the Cincinnati-Dayton division, vice president of Freshness & Standards for Retail Operations, then served as vice president of Operations for the Cincinnati-Dayton division, and was named Louisville division president in 2022.

"Jake is a great merchandiser and leader who understands the Cincinnati-Dayton division that Kroger calls home," continued Sargent. "He knows how to run successful stores that our customers love, support his associates and invest in our communities. We look forward to the great things that Jake will bring to Greater Cincinnati."

Kroger named Josh Harpole, currently vice president of Deli, Bakery and Prepared Foods, to succeed Jake Cannon as Louisville division president. Harpole joined the company as a courtesy clerk in the King Soopers division in 1994. He held a variety of leadership positions in the division, including Bakery, Customer Service, and General Merchandising manager, store manager, operations coordinator, assistant merchandiser, and district manager before being promoted to vice president of Merchandising for the Louisville division. Harpole was appointed to his current position in 2020.

"Josh knows how to lead great teams," continued Sargent. "He has deep experience across our company as well as spending time leading our strategy in categories we know are important to our customers. Josh makes selling fun, and he will be a great addition to our team of division presidents as well as an asset to the Louisville community."