MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA - Equifruit has been on a steady growth path for the last several years, marked by its three-year consecutive ranking as one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies for 2024. The Fairtrade-certified banana provider has landed on The Globe and Mail’s prestigious list yet again, ranking at #219 with an impressive growth rate of 184 percent.

"Being named one of Canada's Top Growing Companies for a third straight year is a testament to our team’s passion and resilience," says Jennie Coleman, President. "We’ve navigated unprecedented challenges—from the pandemic to inflationary pressures—while staying true to our mission of paying banana farmers fairly and making an impact across the supply chain."

Equifruit secured the #207 spot in 2023 with a 219 percent growth rate and ranked #261 in 2022 with 139 percent growth.

As a press release stated, Equifruit's continued growth and resilience can be attributed to its clear purpose: transforming the banana industry by promoting Fairtrade practices that ensure farmers are paid fairly for their work. Upholding this central social and environmental commitment has helped the supplier differentiate itself in a competitive market, establishing partnerships with major retailers and expanding its reach across Canada and beyond.

In 2024, the company also achieved B Corp certification, further cementing its role as a leader in sustainability, transparency, and social responsibility. Also bolstering its status as a strong produce player, Equifruit is now a certified Women-Owned Business through WEConnect International, a prestigious designation that recognizes its women-led leadership and diversity in the marketplace.

To read more about the banana provider and its central company values, click here.

Leave a tab open to ANUK as we continue to report on well-deserved recognition for produce providers.

LEAMINGTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - Highline Mushrooms likes to spread even more love for our favorite fungi! This year, we are launching an exciting retail campaign with creative ways to boost mushroom sales in the produce aisle.

Here’s What’s in Store.

This year provides a fantastic opportunity to increase consumption, as some consumers will still be grilling, but many are returning to a fall routine with meal prep. Highline Mushrooms will be working with influencers and nutritionists to continue to promote the health benefits and versatility of mushrooms. They are perfect in every meal and can be a complement or replacement for protein.

We will be offering a wide array of creative strategies for drawing attention to the mushroom category in-store. From T-shirts to window clings to shelf strips and more, we encourage retailers to take advantage and join in the celebrations. Digital materials will be available as well, including mushroom blog content, recipes, and more.

Mushrooms are approachable and are now considered a superfood.

Thank you for watching What’s in Store.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - SpartanNash is investing in a critical area of its business, hosting its first-ever IT Training Palooza last week. Bringing together over 300 associates from across the country, the three-day event dove into current technology trends and the innovations currently reshaping the grocery industry.

“Being People First includes providing our Associates with development opportunities that allow them to gain hands-on experience with new-to-world technology that sharpens their skills around customer-centric innovation,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy and Information Officer Masiar Tayebi. “This event not only shows our investment in our Associates, but in driving the future of grocery to create a better customer experience.”

According to a press release, the IT Training Palooza featured over 50 sessions covering topics from integrating artificial intelligence into daily coding and applying an agile delivery model to innovation, to best practices in change management and leadership, and the social and ethical impacts of AI. Participants also included top tech companies like Microsoft and Snowflake, which offered valuable insights to support Associate learning.

The event is part of the food solutions company’s continued investment in technology to elevate the customer, shopper, and Associate experience, demonstrating the retailer’s commitment to leveraging technology to drive innovation across the sector.

During the event, SpartanNash Associates logged more than 5,000 hours in an intensive and fun festival environment, making this the largest IT training event in SpartanNash history. 

As the press release added, the kickoff event included a check presentation to local organization Bravo LT, which is partnering with SpartanNash to develop the next generation of IT leaders within the West Michigan community.

How will SpartanNash continue to harness tech to advance its operations? ANUK will surely report.