PHARR, TX - Medrano Produce announced the launch of its newly redesigned website, marking the latest step in the company’s broader brand refresh. The updated site brings Medrano’s story, product portfolio, and customer resources together in a clear, modern digital experience.

The website reflects the visual identity Medrano Produce introduced earlier this year, including updated branding and messaging that honor the company’s roots while representing who it is today. Visitors can explore Medrano’s produce offerings, learn about the family behind the business and connect directly with the team.

“Our brand refresh has always been about making sure the way we present Medrano reflects the way we do business,” said Franco Medrano, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Medrano Produce, in the recent release. “The new website carries our family’s story forward while giving customers a clearer view of our products and the people behind every order. The look is new, but the values behind it remain the same: integrity, consistency and service.”

The new website adds to the digital rollout of the Medrano brand refresh. Together with updated packaging, sales materials and visual branding, the site gives customers a more consistent experience across every Medrano touchpoint.

“This website gives our customers and partners a better way to get to know Medrano, understand what we offer, and connect with our team,” Medrano added.

Visit www.medranoproduce.com to explore the new website.

HONG KONG, CHINA - Del Monte Corporation, one of the world's leading vertically integrated producers, distributors and marketers of fresh and shelf-stable produce, announced that its subsidiary, Del Monte Fresh Produce (HK) Ltd., has entered into a joint venture with Riverking (Shanghai) Agricultural Technology Development Co., Ltd., a leading integrated private fruit enterprise, to expand into the fresh-cut fruit segment in China.

The joint venture combines Del Monte's brand strength, differentiated packaging, and fresh-cut experience and technology with Riverking's local sourcing, distribution, and customer networks, positioning the partnership to establish a strong presence in China's rapidly growing fresh-cut fruit market. According to DataIntelo’s 2026 Fresh-cut Produce Market report, Asia is the fastest-growing region in the global fresh-cut produce market, with China expected to account for approximately 45% of the region's fresh-cut produce market by 2034, driven by rising consumer demand for convenient, high-quality, and safe produce options.

“This partnership with Riverking marks a significant step into China's fresh-cut fruit market, giving Del Monte a strong platform to deepen our foothold across Asia and bring consumers quality, convenient fruit options they can trust,” said Mohammed Abbas, President and COO of Del Monte Corporation, in the recent release.

The agreement was announced during Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong, where Abbas met with Mr. Zhang Ming, Founder of Riverking Group, to mark the partnership.

"We are honored to partner with Del Monte, whose name has stood for quality and trust for over 135 years. This joint venture combines Del Monte's fresh-cut expertise with Riverking's local knowledge and distribution network. Together, we are well-positioned to bring Chinese consumers premium, safe, and convenient fresh-cut fruit products. We are confident this collaboration will set a new standard in the category," said Mr. Zhang Ming, Founder and Chairman of Riverking Group.

Together, the companies aim to deliver branded, premium, high-quality, safe, and convenient fresh-cut fruit to Chinese consumers.

PHOENIX, AZ - Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. announced a planned leadership transition, effective January 4, 2027, whereby Nick Konat, current president and chief operating officer, will take on the role of chief executive officer and join the board of directors. Jack Sinclair, who has served as CEO since 2019, will transition to the role of executive chairman.

Sinclair said, “The Board and I have spent significant time and consideration developing our succession plan, and we believe that now is the right time to transition Sprouts to its next generation of leadership. Following the Board’s comprehensive search process, we determined that Nick was the right leader for Sprouts. I’ve worked closely with Nick since he joined Sprouts in 2022 and seen firsthand his talent, drive, and strong dedication to our people. He played a central role in shaping and executing our strategy, and I have tremendous confidence in his ability to lead the company to new heights. I want to thank all our team members for their deep commitment to Sprouts and their support for each other, our customers, our communities, and our shareholders. I will be supporting Nick during the transition period, and it will be a privilege for me to continue serving Sprouts as its executive chairman.”

“Jack has guided the company through a significant phase of transformation and value creation. We are extremely grateful for his leadership,” said Joe Fortunato, chairman of the board of Sprouts, in the recent release. “I am proud of the work that our Board has put into our succession planning. The Board believes that Nick’s experience, along with his deep knowledge of our business and Sprouts’ unique culture and market position, makes him the ideal leader for the next phase of the company’s journey. We are also pleased that Jack will continue serving as a trusted partner to him. This transition enables Jack’s ongoing involvement while allowing Nick’s significant depth and breadth of experience to shine even brighter.”

“It will be an honor to serve as the next CEO of Sprouts at this exciting and important time for our company,” said Konat. “We remain focused on executing our growth strategy, expanding into new markets, and strengthening our connection with customers as we navigate an evolving consumer environment. I am grateful to Jack and our Board for their leadership, support, and confidence in me. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Jack to ensure a seamless transition. Since I joined Sprouts, our dedicated team and our purpose—to help people live and eat better—have inspired me every day. Looking ahead, I am confident in the opportunities before us and in our ability to build on our momentum and create long-term value for our shareholders.”

As part of this leadership transition, Joe Fortunato will serve as lead independent director beginning January 4, 2027, the first day of Sprouts’ 2027 fiscal year.

PORTLAND, OR - As fruit-forward flavors continue to appear across coffee shops, bakeries, and restaurant menus, USA Pears is making the case for one fruit with untapped potential: the pear. USA Pears is partnering locally with Portland-based Blue Star Donuts to launch two limited-time menu items that demonstrate the culinary versatility of pears and how they can move beyond the produce aisle in delicious and innovative ways. The Pear Lavender Fritter and Pear Lavender Lemonade will be available Sept. 1-30 at Blue Star’s four Portland locations, including its airport location at PDX.

The menu items feature two pear varieties selected for their distinct culinary qualities. The Pear Lavender Fritter uses Bosc pears, whose low-moisture and firm texture offer subtle flavor and a taste of the state fruit in every bite. The pear’s natural sweetness complements brown sugar, lavender, honey, smoked salt, and Wild Roots Pear Vodka in Blue Star’s signature brioche dough. The Pear Lavender Lemonade calls for sweeter, juicier Bartlett pears, which balance the tart lemon in this refreshing beverage.

“Oregon grows exceptional pears, and as our state fruit, they’re a natural fit for a collaboration that celebrates the creativity and flavors of the Pacific Northwest,” said Katie Poppe, founder and CEO of Blue Star Donuts, in the recent release. “The Pear Lavender Fritter and Lemonade gave us a chance to play with two different pear varieties in completely different ways, and we love how each brings something unique to the final product.

For USA Pears, the collaboration is a proof point for the broader opportunity pears present across foodservice. Pears can bring natural sweetness, distinct flavor, and versatility to bakery and breakfast items, beverages, and other menu applications, creating opportunities for operators to put a fresh spin on a familiar fruit,

“Working with a Portland brand like Blue Star Donuts gives us an opportunity to showcase locally grown pears during peak harvest season and introduces pears to a broader audience,” said CarrieAnn Arias, president and CEO of USA Pears. “Pears are incredibly versatile in the kitchen, and this collaboration shows what’s possible when different pear varieties are used in creative ways. We hope it inspires more chefs and foodservice operators to consider how pears can transform menus and trends.”

Oregon and Washington grow 12 varieties of pears, offering a range of flavors, textures, and culinary uses, from the quintessential sweet and juicy Bartlett to the crisper, more tart Anjou. The collaboration celebrates the arrival of a new crop while highlighting the dedication of the Pacific Northwest grower community.

The Pear Lavender Fritter and Pear Lavender Lemonade will be available for a limited time during September at Blue Star Donuts’ flagship store in Goose Hollow and its SE Division, South Waterfront, and Portland International Airport locations.

Follow @BlueStarDonuts and @USAPears on social media for more on the collaboration and pear-inspired menu offerings.

For more pear recipes and culinary inspiration, visit USAPears.org.