MIAMI, FL - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), the largest and most diverse international association serving the fresh produce and floral supply chain, announced a strategic partnership through IFPA’s Supply Chain of the Future initiative.

As part of this collaboration, Fresh Del Monte has committed to executive sponsorship of two of the initiative’s key steering committees: Harmonized Standards and Shelf-Life Prediction. Backed by more than 135 years of operational expertise and a global supply chain spanning over 90 countries, Fresh Del Monte is helping lead the transformation toward a more transparent, efficient, and data-driven fresh produce ecosystem.

With Fresh Del Monte’s Chief Operating Officer Mohammed Abbas, serving as executive sponsor, the company will deploy experienced leaders to actively contribute to the initiative’s working groups. Raul Saca, SVP of Global Logistics and former executive at Maersk and DP World, will lead engagement in the Harmonized Standards committee. The working group will identify and align existing standards relevant to the fresh produce supply chain.

Walter Tordoff, VP of Global Quality Assurance, will spearhead Fresh Del Monte’s involvement in the Shelf-Life Prediction workstream. The Shelf-Life Working Group will define critical data requirements for effective shelf-life prediction and identify compelling use cases that demonstrate value across the supply chain.

“Waste across the supply chain is one of the most urgent issues facing our industry,” said Mohammed Abbas, COO, Fresh Del Monte, in a recent press release. “There’s so much waste out there—and what’s missing is predictability and a more integrated supply chain. Fixing just those two things could unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in savings.”

The Supply Chain of the Future initiative is built on four foundational pillars: Shelf-Life Prediction, Dynamic Incentives, Harmonized Standards, and Smart Data Escrow. Fresh Del Monte’s engagement underscores its commitment to tackling inefficiencies and reducing food waste at scale.

“Retailers today contend with 4 to 8 percent shrink on the shelf,” added Abbas. “That level of waste is unnecessary—we have the tools and data to do better.”

Steve Alaerts, Chair of IFPA’s Supply Chain Council, emphasized the collaborative nature of the program: “Data doesn’t move food. Collaboration does. This initiative is about bringing the industry together to break down data silos and foster trust across the supply chain.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Fresh Del Monte to this movement,” said Drew Zabrocki, Innovation Lead for the initiative. “This isn’t just a trend—it’s a revolution. We’re not talking about incremental change. We’re building a new operating reality where data transparency and collaboration deliver value for all, from grower to consumer.”

The initiative’s white paper outlines the broader stakes: “The fresh produce industry stands at a precipice. We can continue with outdated, extractive business models that stifle innovation, or we can embrace a new era of open collaboration, where data empowers every stakeholder and fuels a more sustainable and equitable future.”

“The crossroads is clear,” added Alaerts. “Embrace open collaboration or risk continued value erosion. With leaders like Fresh Del Monte, we are creating an open, interoperable framework to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and create shared value through partnership rather than extraction.”

There are several ways to get involved in the Supply Chain of the Future, including joining one of the working groups, signing on as a sponsor, or participating in the program pilot series. These are all detailed on the Supply Chain of the Future website.

Industry members may also join the Supply Chain of the Future Symposium on June 9, 2025 from 11am – 4pm EST. This event, held in conjunction with The Washington Conference hosted by IFPA, is free and open to in-person and virtual participants. The event will be a fast-paced opportunity to engage and network with other industry visionaries, see the latest in innovative technologies and more.

Following the symposium, the initiative will expand pilot programs through targeted industry partnerships and technical enhancements, with a global showcase planned during the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in October 2025.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - DoorDash, a leading platform for local commerce, and Wing, the global leader in residential drone delivery, are introducing drone delivery to Charlotte, NC, for the first time. This marks the latest milestone in their ongoing partnership focused on bringing faster, more efficient, and sustainable food delivery options to customers.

Starting now, eligible DoorDash customers within about four miles of The Arboretum Shopping Center in southern Charlotte can order from a selection of local and national restaurants and choose to have their items delivered by drone. The lineup includes Charlotte favorites like Curry Junction, Matcha Cafe Maiko, Joa Korean food, and Panera Bread — the city's first national partner available for drone delivery. To celebrate the launch, customers can enjoy a $1 bowl of Panera Bread’s iconic mac & cheese delivered by drone through the DoorDash app for a limited time.

The Charlotte expansion is the next step in a successful partnership between Wing and DoorDash. DoorDash and Wing first launched drone delivery together in Australia in 2022. Since then, the partnership expanded to the U.S., with drone delivery service available to DoorDash customers in parts of Southwest Virginia, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and now Charlotte. DoorDash and Wing plan to expand to additional neighborhoods later this year.

“Autonomous delivery will help shape the future of local logistics, and we’re proud to introduce drone delivery to Charlotte for the first time with Wing,” said Harrison Shih, Head of Product for DoorDash Labs, in a recent press release. “What makes this launch special isn’t just the technology, it’s the experience. Whether it’s your favorite Panera sandwich, a savory snack from DashMart, or a local matcha latte on DoorDash, there’s something special about watching your order arrive by air in minutes. DoorDash and Wing aren’t just delivering faster, we’re delivering what’s next.”

This partnership was born out of DoorDash Labs, DoorDash’s robotics and automation arm. DoorDash Labs focuses on identifying and integrating autonomous solutions that can enhance the customer experience, drive increased demand for local merchants, and create more earning opportunities for Dashers. In addition to Wing, DoorDash also partners with Coco Robotics for sidewalk robot delivery, reinforcing its commitment to building a multi-modal delivery platform designed to support the fastest and most efficient deliveries possible.

“We are committed to continuously redefining convenience and unlocking innovative ways to enhance the Panera experience, and we’re thrilled to partner with DoorDash and Wing on this pilot,” said Meenakshi Nagarajan, Chief Digital Officer, Panera Bread. “This partnership offers a cutting-edge way to deliver the quality and craveability that our guests know and love, right to their doorstep.”

Read the full release here.

SACRAMENTO, CA - Blue Diamond Growers, the world’s leading almond marketer and a co-operative of California family farms, is proud to announce a new retail partnership program with global tennis champion Venus Williams to launch its latest line of premium almonds, developed specifically for the produce aisle. Retailers who join the program will receive custom in-store signage, dedicated displays, and access to national consumer sweepstakes offering a chance to meet Venus Williams — all designed to drive shopper excitement and foot traffic.

“We’ve seen incredible early momentum as shoppers seek convenient, fresh, and better-for-you snack options in the produce section,” said Maya Erwin, Vice President of Marketing and Innovation at Blue Diamond Growers, in a recent press release. “Our farmer-owned roots make the produce aisle the natural home for Blue Diamond, and with Venus Williams inspiring consumers to find us there, we’re poised to create major buzz and incremental sales for our retail partners.”

Fresh from California farms, the new premium almond line is crafted for on-the-go snacking. It’s already rolling at leading retailers including Albertson Jewel, Kroger Roundy’s, Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Amazon, and more.

The Venus Williams retail partnership program benefits include:

• In-store displays and POS materials: Eye-catching signage featuring Venus Williams to capture shopper attention in the produce aisle including displays, dump bins, floor talkers, standees, and more.
• Tailored shopper marketing support: Custom activations and localized support available to retailers who opt in, designed to maximize visibility and purchase intent.
• National consumer sweepstakes: Boost traffic and excitement with a turnkey campaign offering shoppers the chance to win signed merchandise and a meet-and-greet experience with Venus Williams.

Consumer promotions like a sweepstakes program remain a proven tactic for shopper engagement and purchasing behavior. According to recent research, 81% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that offer incentives, and 59% are likely to recommend those brands to others.

“This is a strong opportunity for retailers to drive sales, increase shopper loyalty, and bring fresh new energy to the produce section with Venus Williams and Blue Diamond,” said Senior Vice President of North American Sales and East Coast General Manager Brett Libke of Oppy, Blue Diamond’s exclusive sales agent for its produce-centric line.

Program details:

The sweepstakes will run from May 27 through September 15, 2025. Shoppers can purchase Blue Diamond’s new produce-aisle almonds in-store and enter the barcode number from the bag at VenusBDSweeps.com for a chance to win exciting prizes.

For full program details and to bring the Venus Williams campaign to your stores, contact your Oppy sales representative.

LOS ANGELES, CA - The Giumarra Companies is pleased to announce its new office location in Scottsdale, Arizona. This marks Giumarra’s second location in the state and supports the company’s continued growth and operational efficiency.

“The opening of our Scottsdale office comes at an important time as we position the company for long-term success,” said Anthony Stallings, Senior Vice President, Finance for Giumarra, in a recent press release. “This new location allows us to better serve our team and deepen our relationships with key retail partners in the region. Additionally, Scottsdale’s strong business infrastructure and talent pool will support our future initiatives.”

Located at 8800 E. Raintree Drive, Suite 165 in the Raintree Corporate Center, the new office is home to select administrative and operations functions and will serve as a meeting space for customers, growers, and industry partners.

“We are thrilled to welcome Giumarra to Scottsdale as they expand their presence in Arizona. With over a century of experience in fresh produce marketing and growing, their decision to establish a new office with administrative functions here highlights Scottsdale’s appeal as a strategic location for industry leaders. We look forward to their continued success and growth in our community,” said Teri Killgore, Scottsdale Economic Development Director.

The new location is part of Giumarra’s broader strategy to enhance product and service offerings and support long-term growth.

PORTERVILLE, CA - Homegrown Organic Farms is proud to introduce Mammoth® Blues, the latest addition to its brand portfolio and a bold new entry in the blueberry category. Measuring 18mm or larger, these jumbo blueberries are firm, flavorful, and refreshingly sweet, offering a standout eating experience that delivers on both size and taste.

Exclusively available through Homegrown Organic Farms, Mammoth Blues represent a unique offering in the marketplace. This premium label will be offered in limited, intermittent volumes from May through August, bringing big size and bold flavor to the summer season.

First introduced in 2021 with the debut of Mammoth Kiwi, the Mammoth® label has become a beloved brand that celebrates extra-large fruit varietals across multiple categories. With Mammoth Blues, Homegrown brings that same oversized excitement to the berry aisle with a flavor-packed experience that stands out on the shelf.

Grown in both California and Oregon, Mammoth Blues thrive in two of the nation’s most renowned blueberry-producing regions. As an employee-owned, vertically integrated company, Homegrown Organic Farms oversees every step of the process—from farm to pack to ship—ensuring consistent quality, freshness, and service. This hands-on approach gives retailers confidence and provides consumers with an exceptional fruit experience.

“We’re excited to bring Mammoth Blues to the marketplace as a value-added label within our blueberry portfolio,” said Ryan Fronke, Blueberry Category Manager, in a recent press release. “These jumbo berries offer more than just size—they deliver a consistently sweet, crisp bite that consumers will love.”

Mammoth Blues are available in 6 oz and 9.8 oz clamshells, perfect for snacking, sharing, and building visual impact at retail. For international markets, a 4.4 oz clamshell is also available, offering export buyers the same high-quality fruit backed by Homegrown’s trusted reputation.

“Our goal with Mammoth Blues is to elevate the blueberry category and give both retailers and shoppers something to get excited about,” said Stephen Paul, Deciduous Category Director. “They’re more than just big—they’re a standout product that helps drive sales, build loyalty, and create a memorable fruit experience.”

With a limited seasonal window, Mammoth Blues will ship throughout the late spring and late summer. Retailers interested in featuring Mammoth Blues are encouraged to plan early and secure their spot in this short but sweet season.

For more information or to place an order, please contact the Homegrown Organic Farms sales team by email at [email protected] or by phone at (559) 306-1770.