Natural Grocers, a family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer, has recently donated funds to Colorado-based La Puente Home. La Puente Home Inc. is a non-profit that provides a safety net of services where people get what they need to stabilize, heal and thrive. Its programs vary in response to the effects of poverty that the members of their community face daily. Food insecurity Fighting food insecurity is a cause Natural Grocers has supported since before the company opened its first storefront. “My grandmother, Natural Grocers co-founder Margaret Isely, had a generou ..read more

The Fresh Produce & Floral Council (FPFC) has appointed Bob Lanter as its new president. Lanter will assume the role May 5 and will be present at the upcoming FPFC Expo on May 1 to meet FPFC members. With an extensive background in the public sector and non-profit management, he brings more than 30 years of experience to his new role. Prior to joining FPFC, Lanter served as the executive director of the California Workforce Association, where he led the workforce strategy and implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act for the state of California. His experie ..read more

FoodStorm – Instacart’s order management system (OMS) designed to help grocers manage their deli, prepared foods and catering – is being adopted by seven independent grocers. The seven grocers are: Dave’s Fresh Marketplace, the largest local and independent retailer in Rhode Island. Delucchi’s Market, a specialty market and delicatessen rooted in Redwood City. FreshTake, a new grocery story concept by the operators of Little Giant Farmers Market of the Atlanta area. Foodtown and Green Way Market of Cross River, local favorites in the Tri-State area. il Mercato di Che Fico, a new spe ..read more

FMI – The Food Industry Association has appointed Julie Savoie to lead its strategic direction for, and implementation of, member workplace and workforce initiatives and will jointly oversee the FMI sustainability agenda.   FMI SVP of Industry Relations and Chief Collaboration Officer Mark Baum welcomed Savoie, saying:   “Workforce capabilities are one of FMI’s Imperative Issues and have become particularly urgent in recent years. We have been addressing these challenges and opportunities in a variety of ways, but now, under Julie’s leadership, we will unify our p ..read more

The Fresh Market has opened its newest store in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, marking the first location for the specialty food retailer in the city and its 48th in Florida. The new 24,034-square-foot store at 11525 SR 70 E will offer full-service produce, deli, meat, seafood, bakery and floral departments, in addition to a variety of specialty products, including wine and cheese. It also will feature: Center store restaurant-quality offerings, including: In-house smoked pit barbecue featuring fresh brisket, ribs and pork. The Fresh Market smokes its brisket overnight for a minimum of 12 hours o ..read more

Ocean Mist Farms, a grower and shipper of fresh artichokes in North America, has hired Tim Wolfli as CFO. With more than two decades of experience in fresh produce, including agriculture, aquaculture and foodservice, Wolfli brings with him a well-rounded set of skills and experience to help drive the century-old company into the future. “I’m thrilled to be joining the dynamic team at Ocean Mist Farms and feel I can easily and immediately contribute to their mission, vision and purpose as these tenets are similar to ones I have personally followed over the course of my career,” Wolfli said. For ..read more

Shuman Farms, a grower and shipper in the sweet onion industry, is celebrating the beginning of the Vidalia onion shipping season, marked by a series of events with partners Food Lion and Royal Food Service. The Vidalia onion season began on April 17 with Shuman Farms sending the first shipment from its Cobbtown, Georgia, facility. Vidalia onions were shipped to grocery stores and wholesalers throughout the United States and Canada during the first day of availability. Food Lion locations in Vidalia, Statesboro, Metter and Reidsville, Georgia, were among the first to receive their shipments a ..read more

This Earth Week, Heritage Grocers Group is showcasing its efforts to create lasting and positive sustainability impacts that benefit customers, team members and communities where the Hispanic grocer continues to grow and operate.  Prabash Coswatte As a company, Heritage prioritizes its people and the planet. By combining employee empowerment with data-driven sustainability initiatives, its leadership team is working to create a positive impact for generations to come. “At Heritage, environmental consciousness is at the core of everything we do. This benefits both our team members and cust ..read more

Oregon’s independent, family-owned Market of Choice is partnering with the Dry Farming Institute to advocate for the expansion of dry farming acreage.  As part of this collaboration, Market of Choice is the first major organization to donate to the Dry Farming Institute’s efforts to empower growers to thrive with less water. This work includes seed-to-table collaborative market development for dry farmers.  This alliance reflects Market of Choice’s dedication to supporting sustainable agriculture and local farmers while promoting a more resilient food system. Dry farming involves cul ..read more

Russ Davis Wholesale held its annual Customer Appreciation and Vendor Showcase Event on Feb. 28 at Mystic Lake Casino. The Minnesota-based company has been hosting the gathering for more than 35 years. Russ Davis Wholesale is a wholesaler, manufacturer and distributor of fresh produce. Crazy Fresh is the company’s brand of value-added cut fruit and vegetables, as well as commissary items, and the name commonly used to refer to its retail distribution services. The Viva Las Vegas-themed event saw a record-breaking 40 percent increase in turnout, with 575 customers and 56 vendors in attendance ..read more