Windset Farms® Kicks Off Greenhouse Party Tray Campaign; Randi Church Details



BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA - Retailers, it’s time to get the party started in the produce aisles with Windset Farms® Greenhouse Party Trays. To help spread the word about the convenient, flavorful offering, the greenhouse supplier has launched a campaign that inspires consumers to share their snacking experiences and build brand awareness.

Randi Church, Marketing Manager, Windset Farms®“It’s the perfect time of year to showcase the versatility of our Greenhouse Party Trays. We look forward to interacting with consumers during this campaign,” said Randi Church, Marketing Manager. “We’re here to support our retailers, not only with sales sheets or in-store merchandising, but also with fun consumer-facing campaigns such as this one.”

With summer here in the Northern Hemisphere, the demand for fresh, healthy snacks is high, and the Greenhouse Party Trays are perfect for adventure or elevating any gathering this season. According to a release, the trays feature Windset Farms favorites Dolce® Sweet Mini Peppers, Fresco® Baby Cucumbers, and Concerto® Grape Tomatoes. Not to mention, they come in resealable packaging that ensures freshness and taste while making the trays easy to transport for shoppers on the move.

To help spread the word about its Greenhouse Party Trays, the greenhouse supplier has launched a campaign that inspires consumers to share their snacking experiences and build brand awareness

The campaign supporting Greenhouse Party Trays kicked off today, July 10, with an Instagram giveaway that encourages consumers to tag their friends and share how they would enjoy the offering.

“People are tagging Windset on social media with the Party Tray being enjoyed at their kids’ baseball games or at campsites with the family,” added Church. “It’s really rewarding to see customers react so positively to the pack.”

Windset Farms has also created a lineup of exciting recipes to accompany the Greenhouse Party Tray campaign to enhance the culinary experience for consumers. Additionally, a Windset Living article on exciting ways to enjoy the Party Tray during the summer will be released, providing even more inspiration and creativity for people looking to make the most of their tray.

Give your shoppers a chance to get in on the fun this summer by including Windset’s Greenhouse Party Trays among your produce department offerings.

Windset Farms®


Organic Produce Summit Arrives; Industry Members Share Their Excitement



MONTEREY, CA - July marks an amazing time in fresh produce as the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) returns to the fold, bringing together leading-edge companies showcasing the organic prowess so readily available at this coveted show. There is always much to look forward to, and this year’s summit is once again teeming with possibilities and endless opportunities for connection.

With the event just days away on July 12–13, I reached out to some of our friends to see what was top of mind for them as we look to converge in beautiful Monterey, California, for OPS 2023.

David Lake, President, 4Earth Farms™

David Lake, President, 4Earth Farms™“Organic Produce Summit is an event that brings together those that are making organic happen—retailers, distributors, grower, and shippers. The great location and great atmosphere make it an essential event to attend.”

Anthony Innocenti, Managing Partner, LIV Produce

Anthony Innocenti, Managing Partner, LIV Produce“We are poised to have the best Organic Produce Summit yet, having laid a tremendous amount of groundwork for the show and our programs this year. We have a new look to debut as well as a freshly designed booth to elevate our message. Our entire team is looking forward to growing our relationships with our existing retail partners while establishing new customers in our network. See you all at OPS.”

​​Zanelle Hough, Director of Sales, Nature Fresh Farms

Zanelle Hough, Director of Sales, Nature Fresh Farms™“This year’s OPS is especially exciting for our team as we introduce North America’s first Organic Greenhouse Grown Strawberries. We’re always focused on highlighting greenhouse innovation, and being able to elevate, enhance, and evolve our categories to provide the market with sustainably grown, higher flavor, higher quality produce—our Organic Greenhouse Berries allow us to do this. They’re something we are really excited about leading the market with and looking forward to discussing with everyone in attendance at OPS.”

Julie Olivarria, Vice President, Produce, Sysco

Julie Olivarria, Vice President, Produce, Sysco“I am thrilled to be attending the organic produce summit again this year. This is an important event for our industry, and it is a great opportunity to learn about the latest trends, network with other professionals, and see the latest products. Organic produce is extremely important to our industry because it is a growing market, and it is a way to provide consumers with healthier and more sustainable food options.”

Kori Tuggle, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development, Braga Fresh Family Farms

Kori Tuggle, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development, Braga Fresh Family Farms“The Organic Produce Summit is the largest annual event for the Braga Team. We are looking forward to seeing our retail partners and hosting them at our home ranch on Wednesday for the OPS retail tour. See you all next week!”

Chris Miller, Produce Director, MOM’s Organic Market

Chris Miller, Produce Director, MOM's Organic Market“I always look forward to the Organic Produce Summit as a well-balanced event that focuses on the relevant industry challenges and opportunities. It allows for us in the organic community to have a space to come together, collaborate, and move the ship forward! With the many challenging weather events that have strained our industry in the last year, I believe this will be a particularly meaningful moment to get together with key partners and strategize about the future!”


Our team looks forward to seeing you all soon in Monterey. Safe travels, everyone!

Organic Produce Summit


Ideal Food Service Corp. Announces Acquisition of Prime MTL Distribution; Petros Louladakis Shares



MONTREAL, CANADA - Ideal Food Service Corp. has made a strategic move in its mission to become a true broadline distributor. The company recently announced the successful acquisition of Prime MTL Distribution, a supplier of fresh produce, to expand its portfolio of offerings to customers across Quebec, Canada.

Petros Louladakis, President, Ideal Food Service Corp."We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Prime MTL Distribution," said Petros Louladakis, President of Ideal Food Service Corp. "This strategic move is a crucial step toward our goal of becoming a true broadline distributor, enabling us to provide our customers with a comprehensive range of high-quality products. We are excited about the opportunities this acquisition presents and are confident it will further strengthen our position in the market."

This is a significant milestone for Ideal Food Service Corp. as it enhances its ability to meet the diverse needs of its growing customer base, a release explained. With the acquisition, the supplier will expand its portfolio to include fresh produce, adding to its already diverse range of offerings.

Ideal Food Service Corp. announced the successful acquisition of Prime MTL Distribution, a supplier of fresh produce

With this expansion, it aims to cater to the evolving needs and preferences of its valued customers across Quebec. By ensuring a wide variety of produce options, Ideal Food Service Corp. gives its customers the ability to create healthy, flavorful dishes with the convenience of a one-stop shop.

As part of the deal, Ideal Food Service Corp. will retain key individuals from Prime MTL Distribution’s pool of experienced personnel.

Ideal Food Service Corp. remains committed to maintaining and enhancing the existing relationships that Prime MTL Distribution has built with its suppliers, while also leveraging its extensive network to expand the reach of their offerings.

To learn more about this acquisition, click here.

For the latest foodservice and retail news, stick with AndNowUKnow.

Ideal Food Service Corp.


Francesca Marchini Fordice of J. Marchini Farms Wins June Snack Logo Contest



SACRAMENTO, CA - A lucky industry member just took home $100! We recently asked you to bust out your copies of the June issue of The Snack Magazine and put your eyes to the test to discover our elusive little apple logo. Quite a few members landed in our inbox this time around, and Francesca Marchini Fordice was ultimately named the champion for the month of June.

Francesca Marchini Fordice, Sales and Marketing, J. Marchini Farms“Two things I love are snacks and The Snack Magazine,” said Francesca, Sales and Marketing for J. Marchini Farms, when claiming her $100 prize. And we couldn’t agree more!

If you missed out on this issue, don’t fret! More opportunities to nab a $100 cash reward are on the horizon. Plus, isn’t the true prize the inspiring industry stories we hear along the way?

Francesca Marchini Fordice was named the champion for the June Snack logo contest

As a reminder, the Snack logo contest rules require submissions showing your smiling face while pointing at the ANUK logo on the cover of The Snack Magazine, and the countdown does not begin until we announce it in our daily newsletter. Once you’ve spotted it, snap a selfie and send it on over with the subject line of your email stating “FOUND the Apple Logo.”

Congratulations to Francesca on this win! Stay tuned, industry friends, for there will soon be another chance to get $100 richer.

The Snack Magazine


Giorgio Fresh Co. Spotlights Organic Mushroom Portfolio; Bryan Shelton Shares



BLANDON, PA - Another Organic Produce Summit (OPS) preview is coming your way, this time from Giorgio Fresh Co.! The brand is one of the many suppliers hitting the show floor this month, taking hold of a vital opportunity to bring increased attention to its organic lineup.

Bryan Shelton, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Giorgio Fresh Co.“OPS is highly focused on organic produce and is the best opportunity to showcase Giorgio’s organic offerings,” shares Bryan Shelton, Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “It provides an opportunity to highlight our dedication to producing top-notch organic products and educate the audience about the benefits of organic farming.”

Giorgio Fresh is a one-stop shop for organic mushrooms, with an impressive product line that directly demonstrates its commitment to sustainable agriculture, responsible sourcing, and rigorous quality control measures.

“OPS offers a dynamic environment for Giorgio Fresh to foster brand growth and explore partnership opportunities,” Bryan continues. “Through networking, industry insights, brand visibility, partnerships, and market feedback, Giorgio Fresh can leverage the platform provided by OPS to strengthen its position in the organic produce market, expand its reach, and create new avenues for business growth.”

Giorgio Fresh is a one-stop shop for organic mushrooms, with an impressive product line that directly demonstrates its commitment to sustainable agriculture, responsible sourcing, and rigorous quality control measures

The show also offers a platform to discuss key developments under the roof of Giorgio Fresh. The mushroom supplier has implemented innovative practices that not only minimize waste but promote a regenerative cycle within the ag ecosystem. By using agricultural waste as a resource, the company effectively diverts waste from landfills and reduces the overall environmental impact associated with waste disposal.

“Mushrooms are recognized as one of the most sustainable foods grown in the United States,” adds Bryan. “Our mushroom growing operations take agricultural waste and convert it into a nutritious substrate on which mushrooms are grown. After use, this organic matter is sent to farmers’ fields as a soil amendment, paving the way for a regenerative cycle.”

Find out more at booth #313 during OPS! For more updates on this exciting organic show, keep clicking on ANUK.

Giorgio Fresh


Organic Trade Association Appoints Tracy Favre as Board President; Tom Chapman Comments



WASHINGTON, DC - The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is laying out its plans for 2023–2024, beginning with the appointment of its newest President and Board of Directors. Tracy Favre, Vice President of Sustainability for Live Operations at Handsome Brook Farms, will be stepping in as the board’s President. She will oversee the member-elected board of 14 organic industry veterans and experts representing the wide breadth of the organic agriculture, food, and fiber sectors.

Tracy Favre, Board President, Organic Trade Association“I’m honored to be serving as the incoming OTA Board President,” said Favre. “The organic industry is at a pivotable point in its growth. The Organic Trade Association is uniquely positioned to advocate for our membership, and I’m looking forward to helping support those efforts.”

According to a press release, the Organic Trade Association Board of Directors consists of 15 people, each of whom serves a term of three years; board members are elected by OTA trade members each year.

Setting its focus on 2023–2024, the Organic Trade Association has announced its newest President and Board of Directors

In addition to naming a new President, OTA welcomed two new incoming members to its board: Heidi Diestel, President of Sales and Marketing at Diestel Family Ranch in California, and Ed Fish, Vice President and General Manager of Varietal Solutions at Bay State Milling.

Tom Chapman, Chief Executive Officer, Organic Trade Association“We heartily welcome our new Board President and Board, and look forward to working with these dedicated volunteer leaders to keep moving organic forward,” said Tom Chapman, Chief Executive Officer of the association. “Our new Board is an extremely committed and accomplished group of visionary organic leaders who will work together with members and staff to achieve OTA’s mission of growing and protecting organic.”

Following this announcement, Chapman and Favre unveiled OTA’s new mission and vision statements approved by board members earlier this year:

  • The OTA mission: Grow and protect organic with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace
  • The OTA vision: A world where ORGANIC is the foundation of agriculture resulting in a healthy and resilient future for all people, animals, businesses, and the planet

To see the full list of OTA Board Members, click here.

You know where to click for more fresh produce-related news updates!

Organic Trade Association


Jewel-Osco and Fresh Farms Launch "Taste to Believe" Campaign for Candy Grapes; Charly Molina Comments



MEXICO - Just a couple of months ago, we pulled back the curtain on Fresh Farms’ creative new campaign, Taste to Believe. Today, we dive deeper into the campaign, which is connecting more Jewel-Osco shoppers with delicious candy grapes.

Charly Molina, Creative Director, Fresh Farms“By emphasizing extraordinary flavors and creating visually appealing experiences, we can drive awareness, demand, and sales within the grape category,” said Charly Molina, Creative Director at Fresh Farms, who is in charge of shaping the campaign's direction and ensuring its success.

As a press release explained, Fresh Farms and Jewel-Osco aim to enhance the overall consumer experience and build a positive association with candy grapes through the innovative campaign.

Fresh Farms revealed its newest creative campaign, Taste to Believe, and Jewel-Osco is helping enhance the shopper experience of these delicious candy grapes

This promotional effort aims to increase sales and elevate the prominence of the unique product in the market, placing a strong emphasis on delivering visually appealing experiences for consumers. To create a buzz around these flavorful candy grapes, the campaign harnesses eye-catching in-store displays, engaging food demos, and other interactive elements to capture shopper attention.

As the release went on to note, Fresh Farms is committed to delivering a promotion that not only drives business growth but also establishes a lasting connection between consumers and the delightful world of candy grapes.

For more produce-centric partnerships and strategies, stick with us at ANUK.

Jewel-Osco Fresh Farms


Chelan Fresh Introduces Joyfully Grown™ Cherries; Tom Riggan and Daniel Gebbers Comment



CHELAN, WA - Looking to spread its passion for farming through high-quality fruit, Chelan Fresh is expanding its Joyfully Grown™ lineup to include cherries. As the 2023 cherry season arrives, the grower will be launching its latest offering under the popular label, sharing with consumers and retailers the joy that can be found in each piece of produce it supplies.

Tom Riggan, Chief Executive Officer, Chelan Fresh“To me, Joyfully Grown conveys the joy we receive from the harvest season, working with incredible team members, developing the next generation of talent, and being a part of the never-ending cycle of nature and how blessed we are with what the land provides,” said Tom Riggan, Chief Executive Officer. “But even more importantly, Joyfully Grown™ is about doing what we say we’re going to do, growing the best product we can, and being sustainable generation after generation.”

Chelan Fresh grows its cherries using special methods, like how it terraces steep hillsides to maximize land usage and staggers its orchards at different elevations along the Columbia River and its watersheds. According to a release, this ensures a long and rich harvest season that is flexible enough to withstand changes in Mother Nature while providing plenty of ripe, sweet red and yellow cherries that will be available for the longest possible time.

Chelan Fresh is expanding its Joyfully Grown™ lineup to include cherries

The grower is also committed to sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, and dedication to its workers.

Daniel Gebbers, Domestic Sales Manager, Chelan Fresh“Happy is a temporary feeling,” commented Daniel Gebbers, Domestic Sales Manager. “And, a lot of times, you’re happy if something is easy. Something that’s joyful, on the other hand, might be really difficult, but you find joy in doing it. You find joy in that process and in the outcome. And, in our case, we find joy in the success we can give to our employees and our partners.”

To showcase the pride that Chelan takes in its cherries, the Joyfully Grown packaging was carefully designed to stand out on the shelves and attract potential customers, which can be a difficult task for premium seasonal fruit. To do so, the design features cheerful, colorful leaves and fruits that stand out against crisp, white pouches.

Chelan Fresh grows its cherries using special methods, such as terracing steep hillsides to maximize land usage and staggering its orchards at different elevations along the Columbia River and its watersheds

“Joyfully Grown will be easy to recognize and understand because it’s simple. The logo is bright and fresh, and when you read those words, it’s hard not to be joyful or think of joyful things,” added Riggan. “It’s very simple, and I think it’s going to be something that shoppers remember as they have a good eating experience.”

To read more about this launch, click here.

Will Joyfully Grown Cherries be gracing your produce department? Reach out to the Chelan Fresh team to add them to your shelves.

Chelan Fresh


Lipman Family Farms Gears Up for Organic Produce Summit Showcase; Sarah Miller Dehn Discusses



IMMOKALEE, FL - One of the most glorious things about the Organic Produce Summit (OPS) is the ability to dig deeper into the ideas and strategies behind some of the highest-performing produce brands. As we ready for the 2023 show, I tapped in with Lipman Family Farms’ Sarah Miller Dehn, General Manager, to discuss a lineup sure to drive register rings in the vegetable category.

Sarah Miller Dehn, General Manager, Lipman Family Farms“During this summer’s Organic Produce Summit, we will be showcasing our Grown True organic vegetable line of tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, peppers, and green beans, to name a few,” said Sarah. “Grown in harmony with nature, our Grown True organic vegetables are picked fresh from our fields for consistent quality and taste.”

One of the key players Lipman will be spotlighting in the Grown True lineup is the grower’s fresh-cut organic green beans. The USDA-certified organic, consumer-ready, clipped, and clean green beans are grown and harvested by Lipman year-round. Lipman’s hand-selected product is in steady supply and is conveniently packaged to ensure easy eating for consumers.

During this summer’s Organic Produce Summit, Lipman Family Farms will be showcasing its Grown True organic vegetable line of tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchinis, peppers, and green beans

The Grown True lineup comes in patented packaging that provides optimal shelf-life and protection. Earth-friendly growing and sustainable paper packaging are just a couple of the ways Lipman Family Farms strives to make a better product and a better world, with several new concepts being presented at the booth.

“We’ve expanded our compostable packaging line, showcasing our commitment to reducing waste across our operations,” adds Sarah. “Our 100 percent compostable clamshells have replaced over 12,000 pounds of plastic to date! During OPS, you will find our organic tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, and sweet peppers in less or zero plastic packaging options.”

In addition to sustainability, Lipman is highly committed to pushing the boundaries of agriculture and transforming what the company grows and how it does so.

One of the key players Lipman will be spotlighting in the Grown True lineup is the grower’s fresh-cut organic green beans, which are grown and harvested by Lipman year-round

“We continue to invest in technology and optimize our practices to be more sustainable,” Sarah continues. “We’ve invested in state-of-the-art drip irrigation and filtration to reduce water usage in our fields by over 70 percent.”

In 2020, the grower internally introduced the Accelerator Program, which allows it to explore new operational efficiencies such as augmenting its harvesting practices with new technologies or discovering new ways to reduce waste. Through its long-standing R&D department, which is composed of both in-house and outside breeders, Lipman Family Farms fosters collaboration among its field and greenhouse farms to improve its growing techniques and develop new varieties of fresh produce.

Dive deeper into the details of the Grown True organic line and more with a visit to booth #511 at the Organic Produce Summit.

More updates on this exciting trade show are on the way, so keep clicking on ANUK.

Lipman Family Farms


Tesco Appoints Gerry Murphy as Chair



BRITAIN - A new leader is coming on board at Tesco. Recently, one of Britain’s largest supermarket operators appointed Gerry Murphy as its new Chairperson effective September 1, 2023. He is taking over the role from John Allan, who resigned in June.

Gerry Murphy, Chairman, Tesco“I also want to pay tribute to my predecessor, John Allan, whom I have known for many years. John has left Tesco with its business, management, and board in great shape and fit for the future,” said Murphy.

Murphy, an Irish businessman, is currently the Chair at Burberry and the ingredients maker Tate & Lyle, according to reporting from Reuters. With this new role, he will step down from his position at Tate & Lyle.

Tesco has appointed Gerry Murphy as its new Chairperson effective September 1, 2023

Upon the appointment of Murphy, Byron Grote, who was serving as interim Chair, will return to his previous role as Senior Independent Director.

Congratulations to Gerry Murphy on this new position!

For more retail news from across the globe, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.

Tesco