Piggly Wiggly Midwest stores has partnered with Focal Systems, an industry leader in retail automation. Piggly Wiggly Midwest will be piloting the Focal Operating System in its Wisconsin and Illinois stores. FocalOS digitizes the entire store in order to automate and optimize ordering, inventory management, merchandising and in-store labor with the objective to deliver a better experience to customers.

Building on its more than 100-year history in the grocery business, Piggly Wiggly continues to grow its presence with stores throughout the Midwest, South and Northeast. C&S Wholesale Grocers

Due to the overwhelming need for disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Ian, the Southeast Produce Council made a $10,000 donation to Samaritan’s Purse, which has three disaster relief units in Florida — Fort Myers, Englewood and Punta Gorda.

“We are so very grateful for the gracious support of the Southeast Produce Council," said Michael Dukes, regional director of Donor Ministries. "It is a privilege to partner in providing tangible help to those in Florida who have been affected by Hurricane Ian. The need is tremendous and homeowners are at a loss for where to turn. Samaritan’s Purse

United Natural Foods Inc. has appointed Erin Horvath to the position of chief supply chain transformation officer, a new role that will collaborate across functions to help build UNFI’s transformation agenda and future capabilities, drive value creation for shareholders, and create an improving experience for customers and suppliers. She reports to Sandy Douglas, UNFI’s CEO.

“As we work to be the most valuable partner to our grocery retailer customers, we must continue evolving our supply chain network, leveraging automation, creating new efficiencies and capabilities within our facilities

Investcorp, a leading global alternative investment firm, has acquired a majority stake in Sunrise Produce, a leading wholesale produce distribution company based in Southern California. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

Founded in 1991 by Paul Carone, and headquartered in Fullerton, CA, Sunrise provides customers across the specialty and white tablecloth restaurant and resort, education, healthcare and retail sectors with fresh produce and perishable foods. Today, Sunrise serves a diversified base of over 2,000 accounts, distributing products from a comprehensive regional supplier

PHARR, TX — What started as a simple idea in October 2013 to mark the start of the Mexican produce season has blossomed into a full-fledged celebration of one of the most important points of crossing for fresh fruits and vegetables into the United States from Mexico.

On Oct. 6, members of the Rio Grande Valley produce industry joined Pharr International Bridge officials and state and local politicians to commemorate the 10th year of the Start of the Produce Season event held at the Pharr International Bridge, here.

First up on the dais was Texas state Sen. Juan (Chuy) Hinojosa (D-20), who

Kroger and Albertsons Cos. Inc. have entered into a definitive agreement under which Kroger will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Albertsons common and preferred stock for approximately $24.6 billion, including the assumption of approximately $4.7 billion of Albertsons Cos. net debt.

The transaction is expected to close in early 2024, subject to the receipt of required regulatory clearance and other customary closing conditions, including receipt of clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

This combination will expand customer reach and improve