Wakefern Food Corp. held its Local Produce Supplier Summit July 9 in an effort to find local farmers to join its network of suppliers.

As part of its long commitment to sourcing locally grown produce, Wakefern is expanding its network of local and regional farmers and producers. The latest supplier summit provided farmers and growers with a unique opportunity to showcase their produce and products, connect with Wakefern and ShopRite produce procurement teams and explore other potential retail partnerships with summit attendees.

The one-day event included special presentations by Wakefern

A grocery store visit turned into a celebration last week when Superior Grocers Store Director Erick Velasquez was surprised in front of cheering shoppers and coworkers with a full-size jukebox and Idaho Potato swag. 

Velasquez was named the West Region Grand Prize Winner in the 2025 Idaho Potato Lovers Month Retail Display Contest, a national competition that recognizes stores for going above and beyond in showcasing Idaho potatoes during one of the busiest times of the year.

“I had no idea this was coming,” said Velasquez, who has led the Pico Rivera, CA, store for over four years. “This

Barnwood Valley Farms, a potato grower based in the heart of the Pioneer Valley in scenic Hadley, MA, has tripled its planting acreage this year due to a heavy increase in customer demand for its premium Massachusetts-grown potatoes. 

This year the farm has increased plantings from 300 to just over 1,000 acres. Additionally, Barnwood now grows a full assortment of varietals, including White Chefs, Russets, Norwis frying potatoes, yellow, red and mini potatoes. 

“This is a big summer for us," said Colin Szawlowski, vice president of sales and operations. “Between our expanded acreage and new

Traditional supermarkets may soon be approaching something of a crossroads. Consumer satisfaction remains high — for those who shop there — but it appears as if younger shoppers are looking elsewhere to fulfill their food needs. This is according to the latest study by the Feedback Group, U.S. Food Shopper Research 2025: The Supermarket Experience.

AIGN (Associated International Group of Nurseries) selected Chile as the host country for its 2025 annual meeting of members. The board and its 12 members convened for a multi-day agenda that combined strategic discussions with on-the-ground collaboration.  

“Since our last visit to Chile 12 years ago, global commercialization plans have evolved significantly," said CEO and Director Gavin Ported. "It was a timely opportunity to return and be hosted by our Chilean colleagues. Meeting in person to discuss the future of new fruit varieties around the world is always a valuable forum.”

The

As part of its ongoing strategic collaboration, Save A Lot and Leevers Supermarkets announced the opening of a new store format called Save A Lot y Mas. Located in Overland, MO, the store builds on the core Save A Lot concept, offering an expanded selection of fresh Hispanic produce, specialty meats and bakery items designed to deliver both cultural relevance and everyday value.

The new concept, with two additional locations in Colorado, will operate as a test-and-learn format with the potential for further introduction into other Save A Lot locations serving a large Hispanic customer base.