TRAVERSE CITY, MI - Blueberries are a vital part of the berry section in the produce department, and retailers need to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the sector. I touched base with North Bay Produce’s Ryan Lockman, who was more than happy to clue me in on the supplier’s current domestic blueberry crop and how buy-side partners can take advantage this summer.

“Promote often and understand that, due to increased consumption levels, price points at retail may not have to be as aggressive as in years past. We are witnessing new realities in consumer behavior, particularly with blueberries, at overall higher retail price points,” Ryan explains.

Although the domestic blueberry crop had a rough start in the Southeast, as Ryan explains to me, northern regions are primed for a great crop, with production as expected.

“North Bay has a very diverse and abundant supply of blueberries during the summer/domestic months of production. Along with our product offerings, we also provide a high level of service, which we believe sets us apart from the rest of the market,” Ryan says.

In addition to its conventional offerings, the supplier also offers Premium blueberries and blackberries under its RESERVE® label, as well as Jumbo blueberries and organic blueberries.

Stick with ANUK for the latest updates across fresh produce.

WASHINGTON - Equitable Food Initiative, the capacity-building and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers and retailers, is recognizing National Safety Month by calling attention to the essential role of worker engagement in reducing safety risks, associated costs and providing resources to help reduce such instances.

According to the National Safety Council, workplace injuries cost U.S. businesses $176.5 billion in 2023, including $53.1 billion in wage and productivity losses and $36.8 billion in medical expenses. More than 103 million days were lost in 2023 due to workplace injuries. Agriculture remains among the most dangerous industries, with injury and fatality rates significantly higher than the all-industry average.

“June is the perfect time to remind the fresh produce industry that worker safety is not just a moral imperative—it’s a business strategy,” said LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications at EFI, in a recent press release. “Companies that prioritize the voices of their workers are seeing direct results in reduced injuries, increased efficiency, and improved worker retention.”

With labor shortages continuing to strain the agricultural sector, EFI stresses that safety cannot be improved without engaging the estimated 2.5 million U.S.-based farmworkers. Studies show that when workers feel empowered to identify hazards and propose solutions, organizations benefit from both a safer environment and a more stable workforce. Gallup reports that disengaged employees are 64% more likely to be involved in a safety incident than their engaged counterparts.

EFI’s collaborative worker-management teams have led safety improvements such as reorganizing traffic flows, improving lighting, clarifying communication signals, implementing ergonomic practices to prevent repetitive motion injuries, improving ladder designs, tractor use, access to hydration and shade, and much more. These initiatives are not only worker-driven but also enhance productivity, efficiencies, and worker retention.

“One of the simplest ways to improve safety is to listen to and engage with workers,” Ruzzamenti added. “When workers are trusted partners in business operations, safety becomes a shared responsibility rather than a top-down mandate.”

EFI has trained more than 4,700 farmworkers and managers in communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution through its certification program across the United States, Mexico, and Central America.

National Safety Month, launched by the National Safety Council in 1996, serves as a reminder for organizations across all sectors to assess safety risks and take action. EFI urges produce companies to use this opportunity to evaluate health and safety plans and to engage workers for a safer and more resilient agricultural supply chain.

ST. LOUIS, MO - Save A Lot, one of the largest discount grocery chains in the U.S., announced the release of the A Lot of Good Report 2024, a social impact overview detailing the company’s work to drive continued value for stakeholders. The report offers a snapshot of key initiatives, programs and stories that highlight the 48-year-old company’s progress in creating a positive impact for Team Members, Retail Partners, customers and communities.

“From our founding in 1977, Save A Lot has been rooted in doing a lot of good—through empowering independent owners and operators, delivering real value to families, and showing up for our neighbors when it matters most,” said Fred Boehler, Chief Executive Officer of Save A Lot, in a recent press release. “We’re proud to share this year’s report as a window into our journey—where responsible growth, trust, and a deep respect for people fuel long-term, sustainable success.”

Highlights from the report include:

• Detail about Save A Lot’s culture for supporting Team Members through hiring, engagement, training, and total rewards.
  An overview of Save A Lot’s locally owned and operated business model, mission, and values, and how Retail Partners and stores are engaging directly with the communities they serve. Through its signature Bags for a Brighter Holiday program, customers helped donate over $350,000 worth of food to more than 480 charities. Hometown Heroes celebrated 16 community champions, and Retail Partners raised more than $1 million for local causes.
• Discussion of Save A Lot’s private brand strategy, as the company launched 62 new private label items and resulting awards, including a PLMA Award and three bronze distinctions from Store Brands Editors’ Picks for product innovation and quality.
• Highlights of new initiatives and projects rolled out in 2024 to better serve customers. The debut of Save A Lot Rewards resulted in over 400,000 app downloads and $500,000 in savings for customers in just three months. The company also expanded its eCommerce footprint and launched a culturally tailored store format, Ahorra Mucho, to better serve Hispanic communities.
• Data on the steps the company is taking to proactively manage energy, emissions and waste across its distribution network. The company achieved a 40% reduction in OSHA recordable incidents, donated more than 13,500 lbs. of food to the St. Louis Area Foodbank, and enhanced energy efficiency through modern fleet and refrigeration upgrades.

“Our commitment to community, quality, and operational excellence is what sets Save A Lot apart,” said Boehler. “These values aren’t just part of our business model—they’re the reason we continue to be a trusted, vital presence in the neighborhoods we serve.”

View Save A Lot’s full 2024 Social Impact report here.