Retailers and their supply chain partners will gather near Chicago June 9-10 for the International Fresh Produce Association Retail Conference. There, they will digest and discuss relevant insights and practical solutions to capitalize on the latest consumer trends, marketing strategies and technologies.

In addition to learning sessions and networking opportunities, the conference features a golf tournament. Registration for the conference and golf tournament are open, and space is limited.

Keynoters Anne-Marie Roerink of 210 Analytics and Joe Watson of IFPA will address consumer and

New crop onions out of Texas have started and demand is fairly good. The market on medium yellow and white is higher with colossal slightly higher and others steady. Mexico is shipping through south Texas, and the market is slightly higher on a moderate demand. Vidalia sweet onion season has kicked off with good demand and a steady market. Organic Vidalia onions are also available in bags and bulk

The pepper market will remain higher until new areas start up around the end of April. Green Bell supply is light on good demand. Mexico crossings are limited through Nogales, AZ. The market on red

Last October, Grocery Outlet made online shopping and delivery available to customers for the first time. The initial pilot with Instacart ran for six months across nearly 70 Grocery Outlet stores in California. Now the company is expanding nationally to offer same-day delivery from nearly 400 Grocery Outlet stores.

With this expansion, customers can access the broad selection of fresh produce and pantry staples from Grocery Outlet online and have orders delivered in as fast as an hour.

“Grocery Outlet has provided millions of customers with an affordable, quality selection of fresh produce

The New England Produce Council has donated hundreds of socks to the Friends of Boston Homeless to distribute to area shelters. The socks were collected at the NEPC annual Dinner Dance held on Saturday, March 26, at the InterContinental in Boston.

NEPC Executive Director Laura Sullivan said that the council gives a special thank you to Rainier for sponsoring the donation and providing the collection boxes.

Fresh, clean socks (and undies) are the most needed and least donated to emergency shelters, according to Mariann Bucina Roca, executive director of Friends of Boston's Homeless. They are

Immokalee, FL-based Lipman Family Farms honored its commitment to creating a lasting impact within the community by hosting the eighth annual 5K Run for Backpacks as a hybrid event this weekend.

Each year, Lipman plans and executes the annual 5K to raise money for its Backpack Giveaway and Back-to-School event in August, where backpacks filled with school supplies are distributed to children in the Immokalee area. All proceeds from the 5K help ease the financial burden school supplies often carry and provide students with essential tools needed to start the upcoming school year on the right

The Southeast Produce Council announced a new scholarship program: SEPC Fresh Chefs. This innovative program is now open to any full-time college or secondary education student pursuing a degree in culinary arts or restaurant management.

Each recipient of the SEPC Fresh Chefs Scholarship will receive one of three $1,500 scholarships toward their educational goals for the upcoming year. In addition to the scholarship funds, each recipient will also be invited to attend the SEPC’s Southern Innovations event, Sept. 22–24. The SEPC will cover hotel and travel expenses to the event and will also