ASHEVILLE, NC - Ingles Markets, Incorporated reported sales for the three and six months ended March 29, 2025.

Robert P. Ingle II, Chairman of the Board, stated in a recent press release, “We continue to support our stores and thank our associates for their hard work delivering value to our customers.”

Second Quarter 2025 Results

Net sales totaled $1.33 billion for the quarter ended March 29, 2025, a decrease of 2.7% compared with $1.37 billion for the quarter ended March 30, 2024.

Gross profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 totaled $311.0 million, or 23.4% of sales. Gross profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2024 was $321.9 million, or 23.5% of sales.

Operating and administrative expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 totaled $289.1 million, as compared with $284.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2024.

Interest expense totaled $4.9 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, as compared with $5.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2024.

Net income totaled $15.1 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, as compared with $31.9 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2024. Basic and diluted earnings per share for Class A Common Stock were $0.81 and $0.80, respectively, for the quarter ended March 29, 2025, as compared with $1.72 and $1.68, respectively, for the quarter ended March 30, 2024.

See the full report here.

MISSION VIEJO, CA - America is an avocado nation. Over the past 20 years, per-capita consumption of fresh avocado in the United States has increased by 260%—proof that consumers can’t get enough of this versatile fruit. Increased consumer awareness of avocados' health benefits, fueled by trendy dishes like avocado toast, has driven demand, elevated their perceived value, and motivated the industry to seek the next avocado craze. To continue this momentum, the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) partnered with Food & Culinary Professionals (FCP), a dietetic practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, to develop innovative recipes that inspire new ways to love fresh avocados more.

“Avocados have long been a favorite, but there’s still so much to discover - new flavors, unexpected pairings, and creative recipes that go beyond typical uses,” said Amanda Izquierdo, MPH, RD, LDN, PR & Advertising Manager at the Hass Avocado Board, in a recent press release. “Our goal is to spark curiosity and confidence in consumers, making it easier—and more exciting—than ever to enjoy this nutritious fruit in fresh, innovative ways.”

Expanding Avocados’ Role on the Plate

The culinary potential of avocados extends far beyond traditional applications. The innovative recipes generated through this initiative demonstrate how avocados can be seamlessly integrated into every meal of the day to support nutrition and health goals and encourage home cooks and those in the food service industry to explore their versatility:

• Javacado Frozen Mocha – A barista-style coffee creation blending rich espresso with the natural creaminess and nutrition of avocados. This unexpected pairing delivers an energizing and satisfying morning boost with no added sugar.
• Key Lime Pie Avocado Frozen Yogurt Bark – A freezer-friendly snack combining creamy avocados, Greek yogurt, honey, and zesty lime juice, offering a refreshing twist on Key lime pie.
• Avocado Gnocchi with Avocado Cilantro Lime Creamy Sauce – A modern take on the classic pasta dish, swapping traditional potatoes for mashed avocados to create soft, pillowy gnocchi paired with a zesty avocado cilantro lime sauce.
• Street Corn-Style Soup – A warm, one-pot meal inspired by street corn, featuring a creamy blend of avocados, sweet corn, white beans, and lime, balancing richness with freshness.
• Miso-Marinated Salad with Whipped Avocado Dressing – A vibrant lunch or side dish featuring miso-marinated farro for an umami boost, topped with a creamy citrus avocado dressing that enhances every bite.

Driving Nutrition Awareness and Education

A nationwide survey representing more than 1,000 adults found that while nearly all Americans (93%) recognize the importance of good nutrition, only half (50%) consistently maintain healthy eating habits four to seven days a week. Despite widespread awareness of the importance of good nutrition, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, show that about 90 percent of Americans eat too few vegetables, and 80 percent fall short of the recommended daily fruit intake—highlighting the ongoing need for nutrition education.

Fresh avocados offer a simple, nutrient-dense solution that can be seamlessly incorporated into meals throughout the day. This heart-healthy fruit provides naturally good fats and is a good source of fiber, an under-consumed nutrient critical for overall health.

HAB is committed to growing avocado consumption through ongoing investments in nutrition research and educational resources for both consumers and health professionals. These efforts aim to bridge the gap between knowledge and action, empowering individuals to make healthier choices.

Inspiring the Future of Avocado Innovation

To see how avocados are being reimagined to meet the growing demand for better-for-you food preferences, visit Avocados – Love One Today®, a leading source of the healthiest reasons and the tastiest ways to enjoy fresh avocados.

WASHINGTON - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) issued the following statement after the announcement of a trade framework between the United States and the United Kingdom:

We are encouraged to see these nations take steps to strengthen economic ties and expand market access for agricultural products.

As details of the agreement emerge, we urge negotiators to prioritize addressing non-tariff barriers that continue to limit the movement of fresh, perishable goods. Sanitary and phytosanitary measures, reguatory alignment, and border efficiencies remain critical issues for the fresh produce sector – impacting growers, exporters, and consumers.

We urge governments around the world to seize this opportunity to partner with industry leaders in shaping trade policies that ensure a plentiful, reliable supply of fresh, healthy foods. A balanced strategy – one that incorporates regulatory reform, workforce solutions, and fair, forward-looking trade agreements – will support growers, businesses, and consumers alike.

IFPA remains committed to partnering with government leaders to identify solutions that support a thriving fresh produce industry and ensure consumers have continued access to the healthiest, freshest foods.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - ReposiTrak, the world’s largest food traceability and regulatory compliance network, leveraging its established inventory management and out-of-stock reduction SaaS platform, is proud to add 40 grocery suppliers to the queue of companies joining the ReposiTrak Traceability Network® (RTN). These companies will efficiently exchange intricate, FDA-required Key Data Elements (KDEs) for each Critical Tracking Event (CTE) in their supply chains, with the goal of meeting traceability requirements before the FDA’s 2028 deadline.

The group of 40 new specialty suppliers includes several with deep roots and a proven track record of innovation within their categories. These include a pioneer in slow-simmered bone broths known for nutritional depth, a craft cold brew company celebrated for its New Orleans-style coffee blends, and a cooking oil brand launched to bring restaurant-quality oils to home kitchens.

“Retailers are increasingly implementing requirements that go beyond FDA regulations,” stated Randy Fields, chairman and CEO of ReposiTrak, in a recent press release. “Our solution makes it easy for suppliers to share traceability data and stay compliant with both federal mandates and evolving retailer expectations. Whether your customers require the use of ReposiTrak or not, we can make traceability happen for everyone, without added hardware.”

The ReposiTrak Traceability Network requires no additional hardware or software, and the ReposiTrak team assists in making the connections needed under the new regulation. Suppliers can connect to an unlimited number of trading partners and share data for a low, flat fee.

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bako Sweet heads into the West Coast Produce Show with powerful momentum, as the brand continues to outperform the category in both dollar and volume growth, according to Circana data. Now the #1 sweet potato brand in the U.S. in dollar sales, Bako Sweet is helping retail partners achieve Thanksgiving-level numbers well outside traditional peak season—thanks to bold merchandising and high-performing value-added offerings.

“Retailers are looking for growth beyond traditional holiday peaks, and our programs are delivering,” said Susan Noritake, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bako Sweet, in a recent press release. “We’re exceeding our sales plan, with some partners seeing results that rival Q4 volume.”

Bako Sweet’s merchandising programs, built around vibrant displays and fully stocked assortments, tap directly into shopper behavior. According to FMI’s Power of Produce 2025, 85% of produce purchases are unplanned, and seasonal displays are the #1 trigger for impulse buys. Bako Sweet’s eye-catching shipper bins, featuring convenient 4-count Tray Packs, Single Sweets, and mesh bags, are converting traffic into higher basket rings—and their value-added products are delivering triple-digit growth at retail.

At the West Coast Produce Show, Bako Sweet will spotlight its “Sweeten Your Everyday” strategy, rooted in consumer trends and category insight. Fixed-weight purchases are gaining ground over random weight, and the brand’s ready-to-go packaging meets the demand for convenience and nutrition—key drivers behind the global sweet potato market’s projected growth to $56.21 billion by 2029.

Bako Sweet is also leaning into viral food trends, including high-protein, plant-forward recipes like the most recent viral recipe with ground beef, sweet potatoes, avocado, and hot honey—content that continues to perform well across social platforms.

While Memorial Day remains an important retail moment, Bako Sweet’s approach turns seasonal merchandising into a year-round sales driver. The brand’s turnkey grilling-themed bins—designed for quick setup and visual impact—feature bold signage, recipe-inspiring graphics, and pre-stocked, grab-and-go formats like Tray Packs and mesh bags. Each display includes QR-linked recipe cards that guide shoppers to trending summer prep ideas, from grilled sweet potato skewers to loaded “nacho-style” trays. These touchpoints not only increase impulse purchases but also build brand engagement beyond the produce aisle—helping retailers capture incremental sales across multiple departments.

“Sweet potatoes aren’t just for the holidays anymore,” said Noritake. “They’re everyday essentials—and we’re giving retailers the tools to win every season.”

For more information about Bako Sweet, visit bakosweet.com or contact the sales team at [email protected] or 661-858-1075 to place an order in time for Memorial Day shopping.

WATSONVILLE, CA - A bountiful harvest of California strawberries has arrived for California Giant Berry Farms, as the company shares news of giant volumes of its cornerstone product. The berry purveyor’s high yields and volumes of excellent quality fruit ensures peak promotable volumes of California strawberries throughout the coming months and ample availability for National Strawberry Month and Memorial Day.

Over the next few weeks, California Giant anticipates peak supplies of exceptional conventional and organic strawberries from its Santa Maria growing region. These berries exhibit ideal size, quality, and flavor. While these peak volumes are expected to gradually taper down, the supply from Santa Maria will remain robust through the end of May.

In the Watsonville and Salinas region, recent growing conditions are proving beneficial for the California Giant strawberry crop. The company anticipates a significant increase in ripening, leading to strong and consistent volumes of premium strawberries from this region from now through the end of July. California Giant customers can look forward to a steady supply of fresh, high-quality strawberries from Watsonville and Salinas throughout the late spring and early summer.

The California strawberry industry is gearing up for a remarkable peak of season spanning from May through June—promising an abundant supply of promotable fruit. This surge in production presents a fantastic opportunity for retailers, foodservice operators, and strawberry lovers alike, with substantial volumes of strawberries for distribution and enjoyment.

“California Giant is committed to supporting our retail and foodservice partners in maximizing the potential of this abundant strawberry season and National Strawberry Month,” shared Tim Youmans, Vice President of Sales at California Giant Berry Farms, in recent press release. “This is prime strawberry time to run creative, engaging promotions, and our team is ready to provide tailored support to help our customers achieve outstanding results.”

A key element of California Giant’s promotional efforts for National Strawberry Month will be showcasing strawberries as the perfect ingredient for popular at-home culinary creations. To amplify reach and tap into current consumer trends, the brand’s digital content will strategically feature inspiring ways to enjoy fresh berries, coupled with engaging social media promotions.

By highlighting the versatility of its strawberries in enhancing trending at-home treats, California Giant aims to position itself as the ideal choice for consumers seeking delicious and healthy additions to their kitchens. The company believes this strategic alignment with popular consumer interests will resonate strongly and further solidify California Giant as a leader in the fresh berry category throughout National Strawberry Month and beyond.

To fully leverage the upcoming peak and drive significant sales within the retail space, California Giant encourages retailers to implement engaging promotional programs. These programs should include creating eye-catching displays that showcase the vibrant colors and freshness of the strawberries, offering a variety of pack sizes of both conventional and organic to cater to diverse customer needs. Moreover, utilizing digital marketing to promote the availability of peak-season strawberries is also essential—with the rapid growth of e-commerce within the fresh produce sector, digital marketing offers the ability to amplify consumer education regarding the health benefits of fresh strawberries, as well as simultaneously driving demand by highlighting the craveability of fresh fruit.