There is an abundance of different melon varieties. The most popular are cantaloupes, honeydews and watermelons. However, there are other choices available, such as Crenshaw, Persian, Canary, Galia — and actually thousands of watermelon varieties as well.

Dan Avakian, better known as, Dan The Produce Man, said, “Plenty of states grow a wide variety of melons, and when summer hits its stride, the fields across America come alive with color, aroma and flavor. California is a prime melon paradise.”

The current California cantaloupe and honeydew demand is moderate with a steady market. Western

Tops Friendly Markets, its customers and associates raised $414,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals this year.

Customers were able to support the CMNH campaign by purchasing a $1 Children’s Miracle Network Miracle Balloon or rounding up their change at any participating Tops, where proceeds from the campaign benefit the local women and children’s hospitals in its communities. Thanks to the generous support of its shoppers, associates and vendors over the 20 years Tops has been involved in supporting the campaign they have helped to successfully raise over $14 million dollars.

SL Produce, a leading fresh vegetable producer-exporter based in Los Mochis, Mexico, has committed to making ongoing, substantial investments in a highly ambitious sustainability strategy, which it hopes will help alleviate challenging growing conditions.

With SL’s home state of Sinaloa facing an unprecedented drought, which has also affected growers in Sonora, Chihuahua and other northern regions, the company is placing an even greater emphasis on sustainability, including new cultivation methods, and soil and varietal regeneration.

SL, which grows and markets green beans, Bell peppers

Wakefern Food Corp. is looking for suppliers to apply for its 2026 Local Wellness Supplier Summit taking place this fall. The event aims to explore new and exciting health-focused foods, beverages and products for potential placement in Wakefern supermarket banners.

Submissions that align with the growing demand for health and wellness — such as clean-label, organic, plant-based or functional products — are strongly encouraged. Candidates may submit online applications through RangeMe until Aug. 12. Wakefern will review all submissions and select 10 finalists who will be invited to pitch

It’s a spicy seasonal ritual that gets chowhounds and chile heads fired up. Hatch chile roasting season has officially arrived in Southern California. For a limited time, Frieda’s is firing up live roasting events at select Food4Less and Ralphs locations across the region. Fans and food lovers will have their chance to smell, savor and stock up on the unforgettable flavor of freshly roasted Hatch chiles.

Heritage Grocers Group announced a leadership transition, naming industry veteran David Hirz as chairman of the board and instituting an office of the CEO composed of senior leaders. Suzy Monford has stepped down from her role as chairperson and CEO to pursue other opportunities.

Hirz brings over four decades of grocery retail leadership experience, having served as president at Food 4 Less and Ralphs, and most recently as president and CEO of Smart & Final. He has been a key member of the Heritage Board for the past year, during which time he has developed a keen understanding of Heritage’s