The Kroger Co. will offer more Americans delivery through the addition of a spoke facility in central Ohio powered by the Ocado Group. The addition of a delivery spoke brings innovation and modern e-commerce to the central Ohio area, including Columbus, and will extend the grocer's reach and ability to provide fresh and friendly services to its customers.

"We're proud to expand the Kroger fulfillment network in our home state," said Gabriel Arreaga, Kroger's senior vice president and chief supply chain officer. "The new service is an innovative addition to the expanding digital shopping

Weather has been the word of the month. There were record May temperatures in the East, the western part of the country endured a late-season snowstorm and the drought in the Southwest lead to fires in New Mexico.   

In the East the unseasonably warm weather and the Memorial Day pull are increasing produce demand, according to Mark Campbell, founder and CEO of ProduceIQ.

“Harvest transitions are under way, yet not fully complete, and quality supply may require your truck to pick up in more than one region,” he said.

Warm weather and rain are also forcing central Florida to wrap up its

It's time to generate those berry sales as summer approaches.

The weather has greatly improved with ideal growing temperatures that are rapidly bringing on berry growth. As usual, the quality of the California strawberries is outstanding and taste is superb.

Now through summer is a perfect time to promote berries. Retailers should take advantage of the power of berries to build up those produce sales. Display your berries in a high traffic location for the duration of the season.

Strawberries: Get them in your ad promotions. Now shipping out of Santa Maria, Salinas and the Watsonville

The Fresh Avenue team announced its partnership with Modern Restaurant Management with the Keep it Fresh Webinar being held on Tuesday, June 9 at 2 p.m. eastern. It will cover strategies restaurants can use to manage inflation, specifically with their produce programs.

The webinar will be moderated by Barbara Castiglia, the managing editor of Modern Restaurant Management, with expert insight from Mark Vaughan and Brian Rooney of Fresh Avenue.

Some of the discussion will cover:

• Navigating supplier relationships
• Produce and LTOs
• Using LTOs strategically
• Seasonality, menu and produce

“F

Inflation is a word at the forefront of many conversations right now — for good reason. From gas stations to department stores, consumers are feeling the pressure of rising prices. Natural Grocers is taking steps so customers can shop with confidence knowing they can still get high-quality organic and natural products at affordable prices.

"We work hard to generate long-term relationships with vendors and farmers to secure the best possible pricing on wholesome natural foods and supplements," said Heather Isely, Natural Grocers' executive vice president. "These types of partnerships have

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on G&K Citrus LLC in Miami for violating the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include barring the business and the principal operators of the business from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

G&K Citrus failed to pay $265,700 to four sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from October 2018 to June 2020. This is in violation of the PACA. G&K Citrus cannot operate in the produce industry until May 19, 2024, and