SANTA MONICA, CA - Gem-Pack Berries, LLC, has hired Mandy Holland as an Account Manager for its foodservice program. 

With 13 years of experience working with retail, foodservice, and wholesale channels, Mandy brings valuable industry knowledge to her new role.

As Account Manager, she will be a key member of the Gem-Pack team to bolster their efforts in developing the foodservice, export, and retail channels.

Tom Smith, Vice President of Foodservice, shared his excitement for a new addition to his team in the recent press release.

“We are thrilled to have Mandy join our team,” says Tom Smith, Vice President of Foodservice at Gem-Pack Berries. “She’s a professional salesperson and customer service expert; customers know and love her. She’s a self-starter, performance driven, team-player and motivated to succeed. Most importantly, she’s a great person and a lot of fun too! I’m confident she’ll be an excellent addition to our team and add to the awesome culture of the company.”

BLANDON, PA - Giorgi Mushroom Co., a subsidiary of The Giorgi Companies, Inc., a leader in the mushroom industry, is pleased to announce its acquisition of majority equity ownership in L.F. Lambert Spawn Co., a company renowned for its decades-long expertise in spawn production and agricultural innovation.

This acquisition marks a strategic step forward for Giorgi Mushroom Co. in enhancing its capabilities while also providing supply chain security for its customers.

By combining the resources and expertise of both companies, this partnership promises greater innovation, efficiency, and growth opportunities.

Mark Currie, President of Giorgi Mushroom Co., expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration in the recent release: “This is an exciting milestone for Giorgi Mushroom Co. as we join forces with L.F. Lambert Spawn Co. to deliver unparalleled quality and innovation in the mushroom industry. Together, we are poised to unlock new opportunities and set the bar even higher in meeting the needs of mushroom growers and consumers alike.”

Peter Giorgi, CEO of The Giorgi Companies, added, "We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Lambert, a transaction that will be truly transformational and drive innovation and value for our customers and suppliers. We believe that Lambert will set new standards in our industry and drive our company towards an even brighter future."

Scott McIntyre, VP of Commercial, of L.F. Lambert Spawn Co., echoed the sentiment: “The Lambert legacy is one rooted in excellence and innovation, and partnering with Giorgi Mushroom Co. ensures that this tradition will continue to thrive. We are eager to work together to build upon our shared values of quality and sustainability.”

Rick McIntyre, VP of Business Development of L.F. Lambert Spawn Co., added: “This partnership represents a significant moment for both companies. By leveraging each other’s strengths, we can enhance our services, broaden our impact, and deliver even greater value to the mushroom industry.”

ORLANDO, FL - Fresh Express is celebrating National Caesar Day and the peak of summer grilling with a flavorful fan initiative: the Summer of Caesar sweepstakes. The campaign invites salad lovers to show off their creativity using Fresh Express Caesar salads for a chance to win bold prizes.

Consumers can enter by completing a short form and uploading a photo of their favorite Fresh Express Caesar salad creation. For a little extra flair, fans can also submit an optional video showing off their Caesar-making skills.

Prizes include:

• 3 Grand Prizes: $500 gift card, Weber Grill + cover, Fresh Express tote bag, and 3 months of free salads
• 10 Runner-Up Prizes: $50 gift card, Fresh Express tote bag, and 1 month of free salads

National Caesar Day falls on July 4, making this the perfect time for fans to engage with one of the most beloved salad flavors.

“At Fresh Express, we believe salads should be anything but boring—especially in the summer. With National Caesar Day and grilling season in full swing, our Summer of Caesar sweepstakes encourages fans to show off their creativity and love for bold flavor. Whether you're tossing a classic Fresh Express Caesar salad or putting your own spin on it, we can’t wait to see how fans ‘Express Themselves’ at their summer tables and beyond," said Fabian Pereira, Vice President of Marketing at Fresh Express, in the recent release.

LOS ANGELES, CA - T&G Global is proud to announce a new strategic relationship with Sandher Fruit Packers—a premier Canadian cherry grower—marking a significant step forward in the North American cherry supply chain. Under this new agreement, T&G will take on responsibility for the sales and marketing of Sandher’s cherries supply, creating a fully integrated marketing model built around a 100% family-owned grower and packer.

With over a decade of experience exporting cherries across Asia, T&G has consistently delivered top volumes to key markets such as Viet Nam, Thailand, China, and Taiwan, averaging more than 250,000 (5kg) boxes annually. This new collaboration is expected to significantly accelerate the global growth of premium Canadian cherry exports.

“We’re excited to partner with T&G Global, a company we trust for their world-class export expertise and their ability to consistently deliver top dollar for growers,” said Prab Sandher, President of Sandher Fruit Packers, in a recent press release. “We see tremendous value in working with T&G, not only for their market access, but for their shared commitment to quality and long-term relationships.”

Nick Bright, Senior Category Manager at T&G Global, added, “This relationship represents more than just volume; it’s about delivering quality, trust, and long-term value to our customers across Asia. We’re thrilled to represent Sandher globally for their exports and work alongside trusted partners like Oppy for sales and marketing support.”

T&G’s cherry supply program spans North America, starting in California from May 1st to June 8th, followed by Oregon from June 8th to July 30th, and then Canada from July 1st to August 30th. Thanks to Sandher’s recently planted high-elevation orchards, by 2027 the Canadian season will extend into mid-September, offering a significant advantage in late-season markets.

“This season, we’re expecting exceptional fruit—large sizing, high color, and excellent firmness delivered with precision and care,” said Sandher. “Together, we’re setting a new standard for what premium cherry programs can look like.”

Bright believes T&G’s agility during volatile times brings value.

“As we navigate ongoing trade shifts, particularly the impact of tariffs between the U.S. and China, Canadian origin gives us a strong competitive edge for accessing key markets like China,” he said. “Our strategy is to distribute 30% of volume to the U.S., 20% within Canada, and focus the remaining 50% on exports. Markets like China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand are central to this plan. With Sandher’s ability to meet high-standard protocols like the systems approach, we’re confident in our ability to grow sustainably and deliver exceptional quality worldwide.”

WASHINGTON, DC - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced its highly anticipated keynote speaker lineup for the 2025 Global Produce & Floral Show, taking place in Anaheim, California, October 16–18. This year’s event will feature a powerhouse slate of leaders, innovators, and change-makers from across sectors who are set to inspire, challenge, and energize attendees in the global produce and floral industry.

The show kicks off with a deep dive into the trends shaping the future of the industry, followed by general sessions packed with fresh insights and compelling personal stories.

“This speaker lineup is exactly what our industry needs right now—bold voices, fresh ideas, and real inspiration,” said Tom Pierce, Director of Supplier Development at Sobeys and Global Produce and Floral Show committee member, in the recent release. “These sessions will spark important conversations and energize everyone attending the show.

Keynote Speaker Lineup:

State of the Industry - Oct. 16 | 8:45 a.m.

Cathy Burns, CEO of IFPA, will once again open the show with her highly anticipated State of the Industry presentation. Burns will bring the organization's insight on key trends, challenges, and opportunities, and what they mean for association members and the global produce and floral community.

General Session: Leading Through Turbulence - Oct. 16 | 1:00 p.m.

Later that day, Sarah Robb O’Hagan, Executive, Entrepreneur, Author, and Founder of Extreme Living, will keynote the Leading Through Turbulence General Session. Known for transforming iconic brands like EXOS and Gatorade, Sarah brings bold insights on how to embrace headwinds to sharpen performance and seize tailwinds to accelerate success. She will challenge us to change the game—reshaping the competitive landscape so others follow your lead.

Following Sarah’s keynote, a panel of industry leaders will unpack how her high-performance principles can be applied to today’s most pressing challenges—from supply chain disruptions to evolving consumer behaviors and economic volatility.

General Session: The “No Barriers” Life - Oct. 17 | 8:35 a.m.

The following day, Erik Weihenmayer, a world-class blind adventurer who has summited Mt. Everest and kayaked the Grand Canyon, will deliver a moving and motivational keynote titled “The ‘No Barriers’ Life.” Through stories of extreme challenge and triumph, Erik explores how individuals and teams can turn adversity into advantage, build strong support systems, and reach for seemingly impossible goals. Discover the mindset needed to shatter barriers, embrace innovation, and lead with purpose.

Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast: Breaking Barriers & Owning the Huddle - Oct. 18 | 7:45 a.m.

Rounding out the slate of General Sessions is The Women’s Fresh Perspectives Breakfast, where attendees will hear from Amy Trask, Former CEO of the Raiders and Current CBS Sports Analyst. In “Breaking Barriers & Owning the Huddle,” the NFL’s first female front office executive and a true game changer in business and broadcasting will bring candid insights on leadership, resilience, and owning your seat at the table.

Only attendees with an All-Access Pass can attend these sessions. For more information or to register for the world’s largest fresh produce and floral trade show, visit IFPA’s website.

PORTERVILLE, CA - Homegrown Organic Farms is proud to offer a selection of Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) blueberries from Oregon this season. This certification reflects the ongoing commitment of our vertically integrated family of companies—Homegrown Organic Farms and AgriCare—to responsible farming practices, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of farmworkers.

This expansion builds on Homegrown’s growing portfolio of Regenerative Organic Certified® fruit, which already includes organic stone fruit and fall fruit commodities. “As an employee-owned company, we take our mission seriously—to exceed expectations, care for people, and do what’s right for the land,” said Scott Mabs, CEO of Homegrown Organic Farms. “Adding Regenerative Organic Certified® blueberries from Oregon strengthens our commitment to delivering quality fruit through practices that reflect our values.”

With AgriCare managing farming operations and Homegrown overseeing sales and marketing, this fully integrated supply chain allows for unmatched transparency, consistency, and quality from field to shelf. Four Oregon farms under AgriCare’s care have earned this prestigious certification.

“We’ve always believed that responsible farming is good farming,” said Gunnar Avinelis, CEO of AgriCare, in the recent press release. “Achieving Regenerative Organic Certified® status on our Oregon farms reflects decades of dedication to regenerative principles and the people who make it possible.”

Developed by the Regenerative Organic Alliance, the Regenerative Organic Certified® standard builds on the USDA National Organic Program and adds rigorous benchmarks focused on soil health, carbon sequestration, and economic fairness across farming communities.

We believe regenerative is organic—there is no separating the two. By combining organic principles with regenerative practices, we farm below the soil and beyond the soil. Below the soil, methods like diverse cover cropping and reduced tillage support soil biodiversity and long-term fertility. Beyond the soil, certifications like the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) help ensure farmworkers are respected, empowered, and integral to the success of the farm.

“We’ve seen incredible momentum across our Regenerative Organic Certified® programs,” said Stephen Paul, Deciduous Category Director and ROC stone fruit grower. “As both a marketer and a farmer, I’ve seen firsthand how regenerative organic practices improve the health of our orchards and the quality of our fruit. The Oregon blueberry crop is a natural and exciting extension of this journey, and we’re proud to offer this to customers who care about how their fruit is grown.”

Regenerative Organic Certified® blueberries from Oregon are available now through the end of summer, offering retail partners and consumers the opportunity to enjoy premium fruit grown with care and attention to quality. For more information, contact the Homegrown Organic Farms sales team at [email protected] or call (559) 306-1770.

OVIEDO, FL - Keeping cool and crisp is a summer necessity, one easily met by snack offerings that will be proudly displayed by Duda Farm Fresh Foods at this year’s Organic Produce Summit.

“At this year’s OPS, Duda will be showcasing our Dandy® Organic Celery Stalks, Hearts, and 4-inch sticks,” said Nichole Towell, Senior Director of Marketing. “Our proprietary Dandy Duda Generations® celery is specially grown to deliver a naturally sweeter flavor and crispier texture, offering an exceptional taste and crunch.”

Celebrating a legacy of quality, innovation, and consistency in celery cultivation since 1926, these attributes are the result of almost 100 years of passion and persistence from Duda Farm Fresh Foods.

“Duda Farm Fresh Foods has redefined what celery can be—crispier, sweeter, and less stringy. From pioneering growing practices to setting industry standards, the Duda family's legacy is rooted in innovation and a passion for better-tasting celery,” Nichole said.

Dandy Organic Celery is available year-round from Oxnard, California, and seasonally from Salinas, California, Yuma, Arizona, Belle Glade, Florida, and Byron Center, Michigan. When it comes to demand from both retailers and consumers, Nichole explains that this is an offering that checks all organic boxes.

“Organic Celery Hearts reduce food waste, making it a more sustainable option for retailers and foodservice establishments looking to reduce their carbon footprint. For consumers, celery is packed with flavor, low in calories, and high in fiber, making it a smart choice for snacking and cooking for any meal of the day,” she stated.

And as summer continues to heat up, celery is naturally hydrating at 95 percent water, while being packaged fresh and crisp with no preservatives.

Curious about this crisp legacy offering? Duda Farm Fresh Food will have its Dandy Duda Generations proprietary celery and more on display at booth #903 in Monterey, California, on July 10 for the 2025 OPS.

For all the latest on the upcoming summit, continue to follow AndNowUKnow.

UNITED STATES - Kroger has announced plans to close approximately 60 stores nationwide over the next year and a half, a move shared in its latest earnings report as part of a broader strategy to streamline operations.

The company has not yet released a full list of the affected locations, but media outlets like MSN have confirmed several stores slated to close in the coming months. These include:

• Dickinson, TX – Closing in June
• The Woodlands, TX – Sterling Ridge closed in May
• McKinney, TX – University Drive store closing
• Abingdon, VA – Closing in September
• Gassaway, WV – Closing in August
• Bristol, TN – Closing in September
• Peoria, IL – Sterling Avenue store closing in August
• Alpharetta, GA – Douglas Road location closing in August
• Atlanta, GA – Morosgo Way closing in July
• Brookhaven, GA – Buford Highway closing in October
• Decatur, GA – Memorial Drive closing in September
• Louisville, KY – South Third Street store closing in June

Kroger emphasized that all employees affected by the closures will be offered opportunities at nearby stores. While Kroger’s 2025 outlook remains unchanged—with operating profit projections between $4.7 billion and $4.9 billion—its shift in store strategy is being closely watched by both the industry and the communities it serves.

As always, ANUK will continue to track these developments, so keep reading.