Kapi Kapi Growers, a leading Costa Rican grower-shipper of sustainably grown pineapples and bananas, achieved national distribution after launching the brand in North America a little more than three years ago.

Kapi-branded pineapples first entered the U.S. market in late 2020. Through the leadership of Sofia Acon, president of Kapi Kapi Growers, the brand grabbed the attention of retail buyers, and in December of 2020 the first shipments of Kapi pineapples reached the port of Philadelphia. Retailers and wholesalers in the Northeast were eager to put the Kapi brand on store shelves, and by

For their commitment to fresh produce, innovative merchandising, community service and customer satisfaction, 20 produce managers have been recognized by the 2024 Retail Produce Managers Award Program from the International Fresh Produce Association.

“On the front lines, produce managers work incredibly hard to keep the produce department stocked, creatively merchandized, and inviting to customers,” said Joe Watson, IFPA vice president of retail, foodservice and wholesale membership. “This year’s award winners are instrumental in connecting with consumers and influencing them to choose

Schnuck Markets Inc. will discontinue its Eatwell Market by Schnucks banner, which operated stores in Columbia and Chesterfield, MO. In addition to offering natural food items, the Eatwell banner focused heavily on organic, local and specialty items.

The 41,700-square-foot Columbia location will soon begin converting to a traditional Schnucks store with completion scheduled for this summer. Schnucks acquired the store from Lucky’s in bankruptcy and opened it in 2020. All of the store’s employees will remain employed at the location during and after the conversion.

The 30,200-square-foot

Training on the Food Safety Modernization Act was a focal part of the most recent activities of the 2024 Eastern Produce Council Leadership Class. The FSMA seminar was held on April 30, prior to the general EPC membership meeting at Top Golf in Edison, NJ.

The members of the class discussed various aspects of FSMA and food-safety issues as they relate to current business. “The hands-on nature of this seminar is very valuable to our participants,” said Susan McAleavey Sarlund, EPC executive director. “The class members worked in smaller groups to confront exercises about low-, medium- and high

Do you know what obsolete means? It means something is no longer useful and is outmoded. Any given program, when in operation, is obsolete.

I’ve heard people say, “If it works, don’t fix it” or “Stick to what works and don’t change a thing.” To me, that’s old mind set thinking. Today, you have to always look toward making everything better. Just consider all the software update notices we keep getting on our devices. It’s all about revision.

Change can be overwhelming and people usually feel pressure and develop a fear of what lies ahead.

With all the modifications being introduced into

During this year’s Viva Fresh the Texas International Produce Association celebrated the vibrant spirit of the fresh produce industry while also paying tribute in memoriam to Texas produce icon Craig Fox of Fox Packaging. 

The Viva Fresh Open golf tournament, presented by BEBO Distributing and H-E-B, posthumously honored Fox with a $25,000 scholarship in his name. Funds were raised through registrations from the annual golf tournament, which was held this year at the Golf Club of Houston in Humble, TX. The scholarship is open to employees of TIPA member companies and their immediate family