The Produce for Better Health Foundation declared its strategic intent during an industry webinar, unveiling its 2021 PBH Member Engagement Prospectus for marketeers and multi-sector movement to coalesce food system thought leaders around fruit and vegetable consumption.

During the webinar, PBH staff and officers communicated the next phase of PBH’s transformation and new marketing opportunities as well as the organization’s unique position to credibly address the fruit and vegetable consumption crisis and drive new consumption behaviors.  

“We are thrilled to share the 2021 PBH prospectus

Summer is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for citrus from Chile. The Chilean citrus industry is forecasting export volume of 347,000 tons across all categories, which represents a 4 percent increase over 2019. Growth will be driven mainly by mandarins and clementines, with navel volume slightly lower than last year and lemon volume about the same. North America continues to lead as Chile’s primary export market for citrus.

Looking at clementines, Chile has been meeting strong market demand, with exports through Week 23 an impressive 38 percent ahead of same time last season. 

Stop & Shop and King Kullen have terminated their merger agreement through which Stop & Shop was to acquire King Kullen. A joint decision was made not to proceed with the acquisition because of significant, unforeseen changes in the marketplace that have emerged since the agreement was signed in December 2018, largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Both companies have put forth an incredible amount of effort to work through unanticipated challenges that have arisen, and we regret that we’re not able to move forward. King Kullen has a strong legacy on the island, and we wish them continued

Braga Fresh is introducing items at the United Fresh Live virtual trade show June 15-19.

First, the Josie’s Organics purple baby broccoli is a familiar vegetable with a vibrant new hue.  The addition of this variety to the growing organic baby broccoli category will support incremental sales as scan data shows shoppers are favoring smaller, tender vegetables.  

Organic purple baby broccoli adds a pop of color to veggie platters, salads or may be enjoyed in a roasting recipe. The striking appearance will grab shoppers’ attention for an impulse purchase as they look for the newest novelty

Dole is extending its salad kit offerings with one new Chopped! and two new Premium salad kits that provide retailers, produce managers and their salad-loving customers with innovative new salad ingredients and flavor combinations.

Dole started shipping the three new SKUs to retail nationwide on June 3. Each kit serves three to four people for a suggested retail price of $3.99.

• Dole Sweet Kale Salad Kit (Premium Kit Category):  Dole green cabbage, kale, shredded broccoli, Brussels sprouts and radicchio topped with pepitas, dried cranberries and Dole’s Poppy Seed Dressing.
• Dole Blueberry

Big Y Foods Inc. hired Stephen M. Creed to the new position of senior director of distribution and logistics. Creed is responsible for leading Big Y’s distribution teams as they transition into their newly expanded 430,000-square-foot space. He reports to Michael P. D’Amour, executive vice president and chief operations officer.

Creed has over 40 years of experience in the distribution industry, mostly within the supermarket realm. He began his career in 1979 with Stop & Shop Inc., where he held various positions, including both produce and grocery receiving and operations. Throughout his