The Kroger Co. will offer more Americans delivery through the addition of spoke facilities in Austin and San Antonio, TX, and Birmingham, AL, powered by the Kroger Fulfillment Network and Ocado Group. As a continuation of Kroger's successful entry into Florida in 2021 without physical stores, the new Texas and Alabama facilities will serve as new geographies for the organization, bringing innovation and modern e-commerce to the cities and extending the grocer's reach and ability to provide customers anything, anytime, anywhere.

"Kroger today looks very different than it did in 1883 when we

E.W. Brandt & Sons, parent company for RemBrandt Masterpiece Fruit, is significantly expanding its operations with the acquisition of a 45,000-square-foot packinghouse as well as a major controlled atmosphere storage facility. Also included are an office complex, two covered shook storage areas, IT systems, machine shop, rolling stock, and 380 acres of leased orchards.

The multi-part acquisition represents a pivotal investment in the company’s future, according to Vice President Dana Brandt, who co-leads the family-run company with his brother Allen Brandt, president.

“This gives us room to

Dene Iliff, a longtime produce veteran based in south Texas, died Tuesday, March 1.

“Few people make a lasting impact in your life the way that Dene did,” said Chris Ciruli, a close friend of almost 25 years. “He was one of my mentors and one of the best managers I’ve known. He had a knack for identifying good talent and developing them in their careers. I’ll always remember him as a gentleman with a kind voice and an impeccable work ethic.”

Mr. Iliff began his produce career in corrugated with Valley International Paper, later acquired by Weyerhaeuser. From there, he held progressive roles

FMI—the Food Industry Association released its 2022 Power of Produce report today, revealing 25 percent of shoppers ranked price as the No. 1 factor when making fresh produce purchasing decisions, followed by appearance (19 percent), health benefits (19 percent) and ripeness (15 percent). The report also offers insights on consumers’ produce shopping habits related to health and well-being and heightened preference for locally grown and convenience options.

"In the past, the clear No. 1 factor when buying fresh produce was appearance and quality,” said Rick Stein, vice president of fresh

As part of its strategic commitment to government advocacy and leadership, the International Fresh Produce Association has played a key role in the creation of The Alliance for New Immigration Consensus, a diverse coalition representing the broad business community and focused on addressing workforce reforms and needs that are critical and essential to our nation’s economy.
 
“Immigration reform is our key legislative priorities for 2022, and it’s an issue that affects many inside and outside of production agriculture, as well as the full supply chain and ultimately the consumer,” said IFPA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against H Brooks & Co. LLC for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. The company, operating from Minnesota, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 37 produce sellers in the amount of $3.81 million from August 2019 through April 2021.

H Brooks will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA