Dan’l Mackey Almy, Brianna Shales, Megan Gorgisheli, Karen White, Krista Beckstead, and Lisa (Davis) Corrigan Share Mother’s Day Reflections

UNITED STATES - Cheers to the mothers we know, the mothers we are, the furbaby moms, and the aspiring mothers-to-be. Approaching this holiday comes with its own season of possibilities, whether you are being celebrated or are doing the celebrating. Reflecting on this time of year through the lens of Mother’s Day and fresh produce is always a wonderful way to honor the moment. Join me as some of our friends share their experiences and love of the holiday.

Megan Gorgisheli, Vice President, Marketing Administration and Brand, The Giumarra Companies

“I love working in our industry because fresh produce and flowers are some of my favorite things. Becoming a mom made my work all the more special as I get to share what I do with my son and teach him about fruit. Mother’s Day is an extension of what I am already doing in my day-to-day life: leaning on fresh to elevate eating occasions. Produce and floral have a spot on my table, and beautiful displays at retail highlighting celebratory moments always catch my eye. I fill my cart based on what looks good, and I will rarely turn down a fun produce impulse buy.”

Dan’l Mackey Almy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, DMA Solutions, Inc.

“Mother's Day is one of those holidays that holds a full spectrum of emotion. For some, it's a celebration. For others, it's a day of remembrance. Fresh produce has a way of living in both spaces, showing up at the celebration and carrying the remembrance through a flavor, a recipe, or a tradition that connects us to someone we love. As a mom myself, our celebrations almost always involve two things: delicious food and theatre. It's woven into the special moments, and those are the memories that stick.

For retailers, that's the invitation: fresh produce isn't just a department, it's where moments and memories can start. A stunning display of seasonal fruit, a pop of fresh herbs, and a hand-lettered sign that nods to both celebrations and remembrances. Small gestures that tell every shopper, whatever they're feeling today, that they're seen.”

Brianna Shales, Marketing Director, Stemilt

"As a mom of boys, the holidays are busy, loud, and hungry—and fresh produce helps keep everything balanced. We always celebrate Mother's Day with a big breakfast made sweet by a bowl of seasonal fruits like berries, watermelon, and this year cherries, since the peak season in California lines up perfectly with this holiday. Retailers can make the most of this holiday by leaning into seasonal items and positioning them as convenient and indulgent. After all, fresh produce supports both celebration and self-care, and that's what this special day to honor moms is all about."

Karen White, Vice President of Marketing Operations, Grimmway Produce Group

“Happy Mother’s Day! As a mom to an active eight-year-old boy and an entertainer six-year-old girl, Mother’s Day is really about them. They have already given me the best gift by making me a mom. Our days are full, but dinner is the one time we are all together, and we always go around and ask what the best part of your day was. It is a simple way to stay grounded and keep things positive. I genuinely love the work I do in produce, but like most working moms, it is a constant balance. I have learned you cannot do it all, and sometimes you have to let go of the small stuff to be present for the moments that matter, like recitals, awards, and school events. Having a supportive organization that allows for that balance makes all the difference.”

Krista Beckstead, Director of Marketing, Mountain View Fruit Sales

"Mother's Day, like every holiday, is a time to get family together, and that always revolves around a meal at my house. I always try to incorporate lots of fruits and veggies into each meal for added nutrients for my two boys. One time, I even carried a pink pineapple on the plane back from a food show for Mother's Day brunch for everyone to try. New items from the produce department are always a great addition to a holiday meal, so everyone can try them out together. Retailers can capitalize on this concept by putting new and in-season (think Mountain View peaches and nectarines right now) items towards the front of their produce departments, so they are eye-catching and easy to grab!"

Lisa (Davis) Corrigan, Director of Retail Business Development, Sunview Marketing International

“For Mother’s Day, it’s all about unwinding and spending quality time with family. I’m dreaming of a BBQ paired with a fresh salad (my absolute favorite) and grilled vegetables. I’m so fortunate to have a husband who knows the produce section inside out, but for those who don’t, it would be wonderful if retailers had some one-stop merchandising displays. Imagine a selection of fresh fruits and veggies, all together for a quick, healthy snack. And if you’re in the mood for something hearty, a rib-eye steak would be the perfect complement!”

Mother's Day is really about meeting those mother-figures in our lives where they are and then elevating the moment.