LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO - Nature Fresh Farms®, a leader in greenhouse-grown produce, unveiled Pop Stars™ this week at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando. The new premium grape tomato on the vine joins the company’s snacking collection and was built around one idea: eating better should be easier.

Pop Stars has a deep, glossy red color and a layered sweet and savory flavor with umami depth. It turns a snack into something worth savoring and shows that easy snacks can still be showstopping.

“Exclusive to Nature Fresh Farms, Pop Stars hits all the right notes for flavor-seeking snackers. The premium grape tomato on the vine delivers a sophisticated balance of sweet and savory and will be on the shelf Spring 2027.” – Amanda Armstrong, Vice President, Product and Brand Strategy, Nature Fresh Farms.

Pop Stars are great for snacking, salads, and pasta. Try it sliced in half with olive oil and sea salt or roasted to bring out the umami. It comes in a 340g/12oz clamshell with a distinctive label made to stand out on the shelf. Retail buyers can plan for Pop Stars on shelf in early 2027.

Retail buyers can learn more about Pop Stars, contact their Nature Fresh Farms sales associate, or reach the team directly.

LAKELAND, FL - Publix CEO Kevin Murphy announced officer promotions effective Jan. 1, 2027, and the retirement of Senior Vice President of Industrial Operations Mike Smith.

Smith plans to retire at the end of the year after 43 years of dedicated service. With Smith’s retirement, Vice President of Distribution and Transportation Mike Lester will be promoted to senior vice president of industrial operations, and Director of Transportation and Maintenance James Sadler will be promoted to vice president of distribution and transportation.

The company also announced that Vice President of Finance Doug Stalbaum will be promoted to senior vice president of finance.

“Mike Smith’s 43 years of dedicated service have had a lasting impact on Publix. His commitment to operational excellence, safety, efficiency, and developing others has helped strengthen our company and prepare the next generation of leaders. We are grateful for all Mike has contributed and wish him the very best in retirement,” said Murphy. “Mike Lester, James and Doug have each made meaningful contributions throughout their careers, and we are confident their leadership will help us continue strengthening our operations and positioning Publix for long-term growth.”

About Smith

Smith, 67, began his Publix career in 1983 as a rail dock associate. He advanced to shipping and receiving manager in 1988, senior purchasing analyst in 1991 and manager of manufacturing supply purchasing in 1993. He was named director of deli and bakery manufacturing in 2001, director of fresh product manufacturing in 2004 and vice president of manufacturing in 2005. In 2013, he was promoted to senior vice president of industrial operations. He is a recipient of the 2003 George W. Jenkins Award and the 2008 President’s Award.

About Lester

Lester, 61, began his Publix career in 1983 at the Lakeland frozen food warehouse. After serving in various positions, he was named Orlando warehouse superintendent in 2000, Orlando distribution manager in 2008 and director of warehousing in 2014. In 2019, he was promoted to his current role as vice president of distribution and transportation.

About Sadler

Sadler, 54, began his Publix career in 1988 at the Lakeland dairy warehouse. He advanced to supervisor in 1994, manager of warehouse operations in 2016, and director of warehousing in 2019. In 2021, he was promoted to his current role as director of transportation and maintenance. He is a recipient of the 2025 George W. Jenkins Award.

About Stalbaum

Stalbaum, 47, joined Publix in 2019 as director of business analysis and reporting. In 2022, he was named vice president and controller and was promoted in 2025 to his current role as vice president of finance.