WP Rawl, a premier grower, processor and shipper of leafy greens, honored fallen military heroes by participating in Wreaths Across America Day this December.

WP Rawl’s dedicated truck and trailer traveled from Pelion, SC, to Columbia Falls, ME, to pick up thousands of fresh evergreen wreaths to be placed on the headstones of veterans — a symbol used for centuries to recognize and honor the fallen.

Each year National Wreaths Across America Day takes place in over 1,600 locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad continuing the tradition by participating in annual wreath-laying

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, has given more than $8.25 million back to local communities this year to support neighbors in need.

Despite an especially challenging year, the grocer has continued its undeniable dedication to the communities it serves by partnering with more than 4,700 local organizations throughout the Southeast, hosting more than 30 mobile food pantries and providing more than 10 million meals to help fight hunger.

“As we all reflect on this

Stater Bros. Markets announced a two-week extension of its $2/hour incentive for every hour worked. The extended time period starts on the work period beginning Sunday, Dec. 27.  This incentive will apply to all of the company’s hourly employees that work in the stores, distribution, transportation, corporate offices and construction.

“I am extremely proud of our employees who remain dedicated to serving the needs of our Southern California shoppers. This incentive recognizes our employees for their ongoing extraordinary efforts during the holidays.” said Stater Bros. CEO Pete Van Helden.

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In the spirit of being a good neighbor, Chiquita is continuing to lead relief efforts for the Central American communities affected by Hurricanes Eta and Iota earlier this year. The company has a strong tie to the region, as it has been cultivating its yellow bananas there for more than 100 years. In the aftermath of the recent natural disasters, the company has supported Central Americans by providing resources such as food, medical supplies, monetary donations, and more. To date, Chiquita has donated more than ten tons of various forms of relief aid to those in need. 

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Even in a "normal" year it can be difficult for retailers to boost their premium apple sales during the holiday season, but add in a global pandemic and changing consumer behaviors, and it becomes that much more of a challenge to create a sound premium apple strategy.

That's where Don Roper, vice president of sales and marketing for Elgin, MN-based Honeybear Brands, steps in. Roper spoke with The Produce News towards the end of December to offer retailers some helpful tips and strategies for delivering a good variety of apples while finding repeat business and success with customers.

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Wholesum, Fair Trade certified growers and shippers of organic produce, inaugurated its newly renovated tomato greenhouses at Wholesum Farms Pacific. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place earlier in December in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. The event consisted of a virtual live stream on the company’s Facebook page as well as an in-person event with attendance from local vendors and stakeholders.

This expansion represents a new chapter at Wholesum as the company prepares for exponential growth. The new 37-acre greenhouse infrastructure maximizes the use of natural resources for sustainable