WASHINGTON - Equitable Food Initiative, the nonprofit capacity-building and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, and retailers, proudly announces the election of seven new members to its board of directors. These individuals bring a broad range of expertise in agriculture, sustainability, ethical sourcing, labor rights, and consumer engagement.

Newly appointed board members include:

• Kim Combs, Supplier Risk and Compliance Manager at The Kroger Co.
• Alexandra Hill, Assistant Professor of Cooperative Extension at University of California, Berkeley
• Joe Martinez, Co-Founder and CEO at Cierto
• Gonzalo Martinez de Vedia, Labor Rights Advocate
• Matt Rogers, General Manager and Co-Founder at AgSocio
• Lori Taylor, Founder and CEO of The Produce Moms
• Jamie Thorn, Social Responsibility Manager, Whole Foods Market

“We’re thrilled to welcome such a dynamic group of professionals who share EFI’s values and bring diverse perspectives to the table,” said Peter O’Driscoll, executive director of EFI, in the recent press release. “Their insights and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission and support our evolving program areas. EFI is expanding the board now to prepare for our next five-year strategic planning process, which will begin in March 2026.”

EFI’s board brings together 16 industry leaders from across the supply chain, creating a collaborative space for innovation around how best to drive culture change and continuous improvement in labor practices. New members have experience in workforce development, food safety, sustainability, compliance, and more, offering balanced, cross-sectoral expertise.

“EFI’s collaborative approach to improving labor conditions aligns deeply with my own commitment to farmworker rights,” said Martinez de Vedia. “Their technical expertise and ability to unite diverse stakeholders is what drew me to support their work.”

When asked about her decision to join the board, Thorn added, “My collaboration with EFI has enriched my understanding and dedication to advancing responsible sourcing programs and driving meaningful change. I’m deeply committed to their mission.”

The newly elected board members share a strong alignment with EFI’s commitment to worker-centered approaches that drive continuous improvement across the supply chain. Their diverse experiences and shared values will help strengthen EFI’s mission to foster more equitable and sustainable practices throughout the agricultural industry.

A long-time consumer awareness advocate for the fresh produce industry, Taylor emphasized the importance of connecting EFI’s work to household decision-makers, saying, “I’m eager to help shape and share stories of EFI’s impact, especially with moms who are powerful change-makers. I saw firsthand what EFI looks like on a farm – workers engaged in every aspect of the operation – and that is the kind of story consumers want to hear and know about the food they purchase.”

“To improve the well-being of our farm workforce in ways that are sustainable for the industry, all individuals and organizations at every stage of the food supply chain must come to the table and work together,” said Hill. “EFI creates the space to discuss the challenges and opportunities and find ways to advance the viability of the agricultural industry.”

EFI’s board members reflect the breadth of its influence in personal storytelling that inspires consumers, strategic initiatives that reshape business practices, and more. Their perspectives highlight how EFI’s model resonates across audiences.

As EFI expands its influence within the produce industry and beyond, these new board members will play a critical role in shaping strategic priorities, strengthening industry partnerships and ensuring that the voices of workers remain central to the organization’s work.

For more information and full biographies of EFI’s board members, visit equitablefood.org/board.

UNITED STATES - The theme of this week’s watermelon pricing update is a relatively steady market with a wide range of prices.

In the Imperial and Palo Verde Valleys of California/Central and Western Arizona, watermelon demand is reported as moderate with a steady market. The prices from the National FOB Review on June 24, 2025, for Red Flesh Seedless Type 24-inch bins are as follows:

• approx 35 count 126.00-161.00 mostly 133.00-147.00 occasional higher and lower
• approx 45 count 119.00-154.00 mostly 133.00-147.00 occasional higher and lower

In the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, demand is fairly light, and the market remains steady. There is a notable range in quality and conditions, with prices reflecting this. The prices below are for Red Flesh Seedless Type 24-inch bins:

• approx 35 count 112.00-145.00 mostly 126.00-133.00 occasional higher
• approx 45 count 112.00-145.00 mostly 126.00-140.00 occasional higher
• approx 60 count 112.00-135.00 mostly 126.00-133.00 occasional higher

In the South and along the East Coast—namely Georia, South Carolina, and Central and North Florida—demand is currently quite light with a wide variety in prices.

Supplies coming in from Mexico through Texas vary in quality and condition. Currently, there are too insufficient of supplies of Red Flesh Seedless coming in to establish a market.

Keep reading ANUK for further updates across categories!

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - As peak melon season approaches, Legend Produce is ramping up shipments of its premium melon offerings, including Kiss Melons varieties, Origami Cantaloupe, full-size watermelons, mini watermelons, and honeydews. The company is offering promotable volumes to meet demand across retail, wholesale, and food service channels this year.

With harvests underway in Arizona, Mexico, and soon transitioning to California, the company is well-positioned to deliver consistent quality and supply through the summer months.

"This year, we have done a lot of work to understand where the melon category is heading and to shift our operations to better serve the needs of our customers and deliver more value and a better eating experience to consumers and shoppers. Our customers are our partners, and we are in constant communication with them, listening to feedback to better align our plans to their needs,” said Barry Zwillinger, co-founder at Legend Produce, in the recent press release.

“Every year has its challenges. For example, this year, early in the season, we experienced smaller sizing on some netted melons out of Arizona, but that didn’t deter our team from executing on our plans and delivering on our commitments to our customers,” added Zwillinger.

The company expects a smooth transition with no gaps, as production moves from warmer regions like northern Mexico and the deserts of Arizona and California, to areas with more favorable growing conditions for this time of year, such as Aguila in north-central Arizona and the Huron area in California. “We will have availability of all our melons varieties for the duration of the domestic melon season, and we’re letting customers know we have some great-tasting melon options they can confidently promote,” said Zwillinger.

Legend Produce is also implementing internal improvements to enhance operational efficiency, meet evolving food safety standards, and continue delivering better-tasting melon varieties.

“We are ramping up investments in seed and melon trials, software and hardware for enhanced traceability, and packing equipment that will help us automate some of the tasks that are currently done by hand,” noted Marco Ochoa, CFO of Legend Produce.

“We are making long-term investments because we know our customers, our team members, and the fruit we ship will all benefit. That creates more value for everyone involved and gets us closer to our objective of helping increase consumption of the melon category,” concluded Ochoa.

For more information on Legend Produce, visit their website at www.legendproduce.com.

WASHINGTON - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is partnering with leading industry insights firm Technomic to spotlight key findings at the upcoming annual Foodservice Conference. This session and panel will offer an in-depth look at how emerging health-focused trends are shaping menus, consumer demand, and the growing role of fresh produce in today’s foodservice landscape.

Technomic’s report reveals a shift in consumer expectations, particularly among Gen Z, who are increasingly driven by cravings and seeking foods that feel “real” and “wholesome” rather than traditionally “healthy.” This is challenging operators to align with new expectations, especially concerning ingredient transparency and the growing impact of GLP-1 medications on food choices. This gap presents both challenges and new opportunities across the supply chain.

Key insights to be presented include:

• Market Analysis: An in-depth look at the health-focused foodservice market, examining historical trends, projected growth, and the key segments shaping this evolution.
• Operator Perspectives: Insights from foodservice operators on their health-focused offerings, business impact, and the culinary trends influencing menu development.
• Consumer Shifts: Exploration of changing consumer definitions of “healthiness” and the emerging role of GLP-1 medications in shaping food choices.

“Foodservice is quickly evolving, and fresh produce is at the heart of that transformation,” said Joe Watson, Vice President of Retail, Foodservice & Wholesale at IFPA, in the recent press release. “This research provides data-driven guidance to operators, suppliers, and distributors, giving them a clear view of where the market is headed and how to stay ahead of the competition.”

David Henkes, Senior Principal and Head of Strategic Partnerships at Technomic, will discuss these findings on Friday, August 1, during the General Session, “Health on the Menu: Navigating the New Foodservice Frontier.” The session will explore how health trends impact menus, consumer behavior, and operations, offering actionable insights for attendees.

Following the presentation, a diverse panel will unpack the research and explore practical applications. The panel features leaders from foodservice operations, K-12 programs, and emerging Gen Z professionals, including Erin Primer, Director of Food & Nutrition Services at San Luis Coastal Unified School District, and Julyessa Struckmeyer, a recent graduate of Fresno State University's Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.

The Foodservice Conference takes place July 30–August 1 in Monterey, CA. With over 2,200 expected attendees, it offers professionals across the supply chain a unique opportunity to “learn the latest and taste the greatest” in fresh produce.

For more information or to register for The Foodservice Conference, visit here.

FLORIDA - Sunshine Sweet Corn Farmers of Florida have officially announced the winners of the second annual Comin’ in Hot Merchandising Display Contest, awarding $5,000 in prizes to retail partners who showcased the best in-store displays during Florida’s peak sweet corn season.

The contest, which ran from March 20 through May 20, 2025, encouraged retailers to celebrate Florida-grown Sunshine Sweet Corn with bold, flavorful, and creative merchandising. Displays featuring ingredients like hot sauce, cotija cheese, and cilantro helped drive engagement, inspire meal ideas, and boost sales of sweet corn.

Taking top honors this year was Zallie’s Family Market in Glassboro, N.J., where Produce Manager Andreo Napolitano built a display featuring a miniature tractor surrounded by Sunshine Sweet Corn. His team boosted the setup using the provided display kit, complete with balloons, fliers, and shelf talkers, alongside thoughtful cross-merchandising to inspire sales.

Second-place honors went to Corner Market in McComb, Miss., and third place was awarded to Foley’s Family Market in Hamilton, N.J. Five additional stores received honorable mention, including Hollywood Markets in Royal Oak, Mich.; ShopRite in Port Jefferson Station, N.Y.; and three standout Corner Market locations—two in Hattiesburg and one in Ellisville, Miss.

Retailers used free display kits provided by Sunshine Sweet Corn Farmers of Florida and incorporated fresh merchandising strategies to connect with shoppers. In just its second year, the contest received entries from across the country, reflecting growing retailer excitement for the program.

To learn more about the contest, visit: www.comininhotfromflorida.com.

KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA - Attending the 2025 Organic Produce Summit (OPS) will be a first for Del Fresco Pure^®. With the show quickly approaching, I got in touch with Sonia Klinger, Marketing Manager.

“We’re excited to be showcasing for the first time at OPS and will be bringing our greenhouse-grown Organic Tomatoes on the Vine, Organic Mini Cucumbers, and Organic Rainbow Bell Peppers. New to our lineup is our Organic English Seedless Cucumbers, which will be our showcase item and were recently awarded at the R.E.A.C.H. Greenhouse Competition,” Sonia began.

Some of Del Fresco Pure’s goals for the show include:

• Showcase greenhouse-grown organic products: The company will showcase its organic produce with a spotlight on the newest item, Organic English Seedless Cucumber, highlighting both quality and sustainability
• Networking: Building strong relationships with other industry leaders and potential partners is a key objective
• Educate and Inspire: Sharing the team’s knowledge and experience on sustainable farming practices

“At OPS, we’re most looking forward to connecting with industry peers and sharing their passion for sustainable and organic agriculture. The event provides a unique platform to engage with others who are equally committed to advancing organic farming practices,” Sonia told me.

Here are some key takeaways attendees will walk away with:

• A Deeper Understanding of Organic Greenhouse Practices: Insights into the processes and benefits of greenhouse growing, as well as how it impacts the environment positively
• Product Knowledge: Familiarity with Del Fresco Pure’s innovative products and how they can enhance the organic produce market
• Inspiration for Sustainability: Ideas and practices that attendees can apply in their own operations to contribute to a healthier planet

“We also want to highlight our EFI Certification and our commitment to innovation in organic farming. We are dedicated to consistently improving our practices and products to meet the growing demands for sustainable, healthy food options,” Sonia continued. “This dedication will be evident in the products and information we present at the summit. We’re eager to share our vision for the future of organic produce and to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations.”

Attendees can find Del Fresco Pure in booth #1002 at OPS. Be sure to stop by!

CINCINNATI, OH - The Kroger Co. reported its first quarter 2025 results, updated 2025 identical sales without fuel guidance, and shared our progress on key priorities.

Comments from Chairman and CEO Ron Sargent

"Kroger delivered solid first quarter results, with strong sales led by pharmacy, eCommerce, and fresh. We made good progress in streamlining our priorities, enhancing customer focus, and running great stores to improve the shopping experience. Our commitment to driving growth in our core business and moving with speed positions us well for the future. We are confident in our ability to build on our momentum, deliver value for customers, invest in associates, and generate attractive returns for shareholders."

First Quarter Financial Results

Total company sales were $45.1 billion in the first quarter compared to $45.3 billion for the same period last year, which included $917 million from Kroger Specialty Pharmacy sales. Excluding fuel, Kroger Specialty Pharmacy, and adjustment items, sales increased 3.7% compared to the same period last year.

Gross margin was 23.0% of sales for the first quarter compared to 22.0% for the same period last year. The improvement in gross margin was primarily attributable to the sale of Kroger Specialty Pharmacy, lower shrink and lower supply chain costs, partially offset by the mix effect from growth in pharmacy sales, which have lower margins.

See the full report here.