Peppers are a popular and growing category ideal for promoting at this time. The quality is reported as good to outstanding.

There is a good supply of green peppers out of central and southern Florida on all sizes. Product from Mexico is also available through Arizona. There are red and yellow Bell peppers crossing through Texas. A supply of red Bell peppers is available from south Florida and a moderate supply out of the Coachella Valley, CA.

Plan to promote and merchandise peppers on an end cap display tied in with tomatoes and cucumbers. Capture the hefty sales volume now along with the

Kroger's addition of a delivery spoke extends the grocer's reach and ability to provide its customers anything, anytime, anywhere. The 48,000-square-foot facility will collaborate with the hub in Monroe, OH, to connect customers with fresh food.

"We're proud to welcome the Kroger fulfillment network to Indiana," said Colleen Juergensen, president of Kroger's central division. "The new service is a wonderful addition to the expanding digital experience available to Kroger customers. The network's delivery spoke will provide unmatched customer service and improve access to fresh food in areas

The Produce News is proud to announce that Roche Bros. has been named our 2022 Retailer of the Year.

Roche Bros. has a grand history, bright future and produce departments second to none. The family-owned business employs more than 4,800 associates in its 21 Roche Bros., Sudbury Farms and Brothers Marketplace grocery stores.

Second-generation owners Rick and Ed Roche carry on the family tradition of operating Roche Bros. with a passion for great food and great customer service. 

The February 14 issue of The Produce News will feature in-depth editorial on the Mansfield, MA-based retailer

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on Ringer & Son Brokerage Co. Inc. in Brighton, CO, 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.

Ringer failed to pay $278,943 to nine sellers for produce that was purchased, received and accepted in interstate and foreign commerce from May 2019 to December 2019. This is in violation of the PACA. Ringer cannot operate in the produce industry until

When thinking of countries that export fruits and vegetables into the United States, Peru is often at the top of the list — and that is no accident.

About 20 years ago, the powers that be in Peru created a local institution, Senasa Peru, to ensure the quality of its exports. Since then, Peruvian exports have been steadily on the rise.    

Take asparagus for example. “In 1985 Peru started exporting asparagus from nil; 15-18 years later Peru is the No. 1 exporter of asparagus in the world,” said Bernardo Munoz Angosto, director of the Trade Commission of Peru in New York. “We started 15 years

Smart & Final, the smaller, faster grocery warehouse store for household and business customers, recently announced that Scott Drew has been named president. Dave Hirz, current president and CEO, has been with Smart & Final for almost 12 years and is retiring effective Feb. 1, 2022. 

Drew has been with Smart & Final since March 2010, serving as chief operating officer since June 2020. With almost 45 years in the grocery industry, he began his career in 1977 as a courtesy clerk. Prior to joining the Smart & Final team, Scott served as vice president of store operations for The Kroger Co. in