The Kroger Co. announced that Kevin Brown and Amanda Sourry have been elected to the company's board of directors. The company also announced that Bobby Shackouls is retiring from Kroger's board after more than 21 years of service.

"We are grateful to Bobby for his more than two decades of service on the Kroger board of directors, including five years as lead independent director," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "The board and the entire Kroger family wish Bobby, his wife Judy, and their family all the best in retirement.

"We are delighted to welcome Kevin and Amanda to

December was a very strong month for apples and pears, which were up 7 percent and 12 percent in dollar sales, respectively. Double-digit organic growth in both categories, combined with strong showings by core and emerging apple varieties, drove the great results.

Core and emerging apple varieties led dollar growth in December. Core varieties (Honeycrisp, Gala, Granny Smith, and Fuji) all had steady growth, ranging from 3-15 percent. Proprietary varieties, including Cosmic Crisp and Autumn Glory boasted large dollar gains. These gains were partially offset by dollar declines in Red Delicious

The application period has opened for the Class 26 of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program. Since its inception in 1995, more than 250 produce industry professionals have graduated from this exclusive program, thanks to the support of founding sponsor Corteva Agriscience.

“This year, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of this one-of-a-kind program, I invite our alumni and all those who have supported their journey to pay it forward,” said Tom Stenzel, president and CEO of the United Fresh Produce Association. “Encourage the next generation of industry leaders to apply to

While millions of football fans begin gearing up to watch the biggest game in football, the makers of Wholly Guacamole, America’s No. 1 selling refrigerated guacamole brand made with hand-scooped Hass avocados, are preparing for an equally busy season: helping fans prevent pre-game injuries related to their favorite Sunday football snack.

With the annual sporting event representing one of the biggest days for avocado consumption nationwide — when spectators consume roughly 162 million pounds of avocados—it also means the highest potential for “Avocado Hand” or avocado-related knife injuries

Scott Schuette, vice president of produce and floral for Fresh Thyme Market, is set to leave the company in the next week after a six-year stint of his 30-year career in the business.

“The decision was made last Monday, but this was a combination of a restructuring and reorganization decision on the part of the company and it coincided with some changes that were about due for myself,” he said. “I’m working on a two-week exit plan right now, and this will be my last week as they hand off the torch and I get them set up for success to the best of my ability.”

As of now, Schuette isn’t sure of

Fresh off Troy Bland's move to Bland Farms’ new CEO — rising from his former position as the company’s chief operating officer — the company announced two more staff changes.

Luke McBee is being promoted to director of operations. McBee is a five-year veteran of Bland Farms. He has a bachelor's degree in accounting and a minor in finance from Georgia Southern University. He is also treasurer of the Altamaha Boy’s & Girl’s Club.

Additionally, Allison Keen joined Bland Farms in January 2021 as operations and sales analyst.  Keen has a Bachelor of bachelor's degree in marketing from University