SCOTTSDALE, AZ - Legend Produce, a trusted leader in premium fresh melons, is proud to announce the addition of mini watermelons to its renowned melon program. This expansion complements their successful full-size seedless offerings.

“We are always looking for ways to exceed our customer expectations,” said Barry Zwillinger, Founder at Legend Produce, in a recent press release. “Adding mini watermelons to our melon program is the natural step forward, building on the successful full-size program. Now we are a one-stop shop for everything from Cantaloupe and Honeydew to our specialty Origami and Kiss Melons, and finally our Full Size and Mini Watermelon Programs.”

Starting in the spring, the mini watermelons will be available through November. Growing regions will include Mexico, Imperial Valley, California, Central Arizona, and Central California.

“Working with the right growers during their best harvest windows has been our primary goal,” said Mr. Zwillinger. “This sourcing strategy allows Legend to continually offer the quality that we are known for in the industry.”

Legend’s stated goal is to provide watermelons on a year-round basis and is currently working to expand production in the winter months. “Legend is a relationship-first company when working with growers”, said Marco Ochoa, CFO of Legend Produce. “Most of our growers have been working with us for 20-plus years. As we expand our watermelon offerings, we are working with our existing partners as well as forging new relationships to make the program successful.”

Legend added that they have more exciting news coming in the next few months as they continue to revolutionize and energize the melon category.

For more information on Legend Produce, visit their website at www.legendproduce.com.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Food solutions company SpartanNash® reported financial results for its 16-week first quarter ended April 19, 2025.

"We continue to execute on our strategic initiatives and deliver on our commitments. SpartanNash hit the ground running in 2025, posting another quarter of growth and achieving record adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter," said SpartanNash President and CEO Tony Sarsam in the recent release. "The team's focus on operational excellence contributed to the quarter's strong Wholesale margins, positive comparable store sales, and increased sales from our recent Retail acquisitions. Our results and the success of our strategic plan give us further confidence that we will achieve our 2025 guidance."

First Quarter Fiscal 2025 Highlights

• Net sales increased 3.7% to $2.91 billion, driven by an increase in volume in the Retail segment, partially offset by lower volume in the Wholesale segment.
• Wholesale segment net sales decreased 2.6% to $1.96 billion primarily due to reduced case volumes in the national accounts customer channel and the elimination of intercompany sales to the newly acquired Fresh Encounter Inc. stores, partially offset by higher sales in the military customer channel.

• Retail segment net sales increased 19.6% to $947.2 million due primarily to incremental sales from acquired stores. Retail comparable store sales also increased 1.6%.
• Net earnings of $2.1 million or $0.06 per diluted share, compared to $13.0 million or $0.37 per diluted share. Adjusted EPS(2)(3) of $0.35, compared to $0.53.
• Net earnings were lower due to planned increases in depreciation and amortization expense, organizational realignment expense, and Retail store wages. These impacts were partially offset by increased Wholesale segment gross margin rate, lower restructuring and asset impairment charges, and decreased corporate administrative costs. Adjusted EPS(2)(3) excludes the impact of organizational realignment, restructuring and asset impairment charges.
• Adjusted EBITDA(3)(4) of $76.9 million, compared to $74.9 million.
• The improvement was driven by the factors above, excluding the unfavorable increase in non-cash expenses, primarily depreciation and amortization that impacted adjusted EPS(2)(3).
• Cash generated from operating activities of $25.8 million compared to $36.5 million.
• Capital expenditures and IT capital(5) of $34.6 million compared to $44.1 million.
• Returned $8.0 million to shareholders through dividends.

See the full report here.

CORAL GABLES, FL - One Banana, a family-owned, vertically integrated company committed to the responsible production of the highest quality bananas and natural ingredients, announces the launch of its Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Project. Developed with technical support from EARTH University and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), this forward-looking initiative is designed to study, implement, and validate regenerative farming practices tailored for tropical crops, laying the groundwork for healthier soils, more resilient ecosystems, and a more sustainable global food system.

This pilot forms part of PlanetA, One Banana’s corporate sustainability strategy, which integrates a regenerative approach into the company’s core business operations.

“This pilot project brings together the scientific research, field expertise, and productivity knowledge of our strategic partnership with WWF, EARTH University, and One Banana. Together, we’re validating and scaling regenerative practices that protect soils, biodiversity, and natural resources to build a healthier, more resilient agricultural model. We’re committed to sharing our insights so these benefits can extend across the entire food system,” said Rob Adams, President of One Banana, in a recent press release.

Advancing Practices that Regenerate the Land

In recent years, One Banana has made significant progress in soil regeneration by incorporating organic matter and applying natural alternatives as soil amendments across more than 3,500 hectares of banana plantations. These by-products serve as a natural source of potassium, nitrogen, and other essential nutrients, significantly reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. As a result, crops have developed healthier root systems, and soils exhibit increased biological activity, improved structure, and enhanced microbiological diversity.

The pilot project will focus on:

• Studying the environmental and agronomic impacts of regenerative practice
• Testing and validating field techniques adapted to tropical crop systems
• Scaling the most effective practices within One Banana’s operations

This collaboration between EARTH University, WWF, and One Banana brings together academic excellence, scientific expertise, and field-based implementation.

SALINAS, CA - Taylor Farms, North America’s leading producer of ready-to-eat salads and healthy fresh foods, announced the launch of two new Chopped Mini Salad Kits, further enhancing its popular Minis product line. These innovative additions cater to consumers seeking convenient, value-packed, and perfectly portioned meal options.

“The Chopped Mini product line has been incremental to the category and a resounding success,” said Bryan Jaynes, SVP Product, in a recent press release. “By providing consumers with a value-priced kit and a smaller portion size, we’re thrilled to see a wave of new customers entering the salad kit segment.”

The newly introduced Chopped Mini Salad Kits include fresh, flavorful ingredients paired with crave-worthy dressings, fulfilling the growing demand for smaller-sized salad kits. Every kit is produced regionally within Taylor Farms’ robust production network, ensuring peak freshness and quality.

New varieties joining the Taylor Farms family of Minis include:

• Taco Ranch - Romaine Lettuce, Carrots, Red Cabbage, Crispy Mini Corn Chips with Taco Ranch Dressing
• Asian Crunch- Romaine Lettuce, Red & Savoy Cabbages, Broccoli Stalks, Carrot, Green Onion, Mini Wonton Squares with Asian Sesame Vinaigrette

With these exciting new flavors, Taylor Farms continues to enhance mealtime convenience while delivering chef-inspired recipes made with high-quality ingredients. Perfectly portioned and ready-to-eat, the new Chopped Mini Salad Kits are ideal for quick lunches, as a side dish, or any occasion that calls for a fresh, healthy option.

"Our new mini chopped kit recipes reflect Taylor Farms’ desire to get more healthy greens into the hands of consumers with chopped salads that look and taste incredible, and with toppings and dressings in a variety of options," said Charis Neves, Vice President Innovation & Product. "These new salads provide the perfect size for anyone looking for more ways to eat healthy throughout their day."

Taylor Farms is dedicated to combining innovation with freshness and flavor to bring consumers products that fit effortlessly into their busy lifestyles. The new Chopped Mini Salad Kits are available at retailers nationwide.

NOGALES, AZ - SunFed has multiple programs in the works to keep retailers well-stocked for the summer. I spoke with JC Myers, the company’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, to learn more about the Mexico seasonal transition and its implications for buyers.

“Conventional and organic squash, cucumbers, tomato, and eggplant production are wrapping up in Sinaloa and Sonora, and we’re transitioning to new crops off the Baja and Central Mexico,” he told me. “It was a cooler-than-average season with longer periods of gusty winds resulting in lower production and higher grade-out percent. Those cooler temperatures continued through April and early May, extending the season of SunFed Perfect Produce.”

As regional United States and Canadian production ramps up, JC notes that market fluctuations are to be expected.

“We do our best to have solid distribution plans in place to avoid volatility,” he assures.

With summer production just getting underway, the company’s grower partners are hard at work to ensure consistent supplies and that SunFed Perfect Produce quality.

“Our quality control team on the ground in Mexico is optimistic that we will have an excellent season,” JC says. “SunFed Perfect Produce is available FOB in San Diego and the Texas Valley throughout the summer season. Let’s get some Perfect for Grilling Ads on the books!”

For more of the latest news on summer programs, keep checking in with ANUK.