Walmart plans to equip store associates with a powerful new suite of AI tools designed to eliminate friction, simplify actions and make work more efficient. “AI is a key enabler in improving how we work, and we believe its full potential is unlocked only when paired with the strengths of our people,” said Greg Cathey, senior vice president, transformation and innovation. “When you put intuitive, accessible technology into the hands of millions of associates, the impact isn’t incremental — it’s transformational.” Store associates, who once navigated a complex, tool-based environment, are now

Organic Produce Summit 2025 is set to be the largest gathering in the event's history, featuring a carefully curated program of educational sessions, networking opportunities and industry showcases throughout the comprehensive two-day celebration of organic fresh produce. Over 330 retailers and buyers have already confirmed to attend, and an expanded exhibit hall of just over 200 organic fresh produce growers and producers from across North America awaits all OPS 2025 attendees.

As peak melon season approaches, Legend Produce is ramping up shipments of its premium melon offering, including Kiss Melons varieties, Origami cantaloupe, full size watermelons, mini watermelons and honeydews. The company is offering promotable volumes to meet demand across retail, wholesale and foodservice channels this year. With harvests under way in Arizona and Mexico, and soon transitioning to California, the company is well-positioned to deliver consistent quality and supply through the summer months. “This year, we have done a lot of work to understand where the melon category is

Homegrown Organic Farms is introducing a flavorful new addition to its specialty fruit lineup: fresh, California-grown figs. Cultivated on a 350-acre ranch in Madera, CA — an ideal microclimate for fig production — these figs are transitioning to organic certification, making them a natural fit for the Homegrown Farms label. Figs are one of nature’s most indulgent offerings. Celebrated for centuries, these remarkable fruits marry rich taste with powerful nutrition. Naturally high in dietary fiber, calcium and antioxidants, figs support digestive health and contribute to bone and heart wellness

Fueled by growing demand from both national and local retailers, Altar Cross Farms, a family-run organic blueberry farm in eastern North Carolina, has expanded its production by 63 percent this year, now harvesting from 65 certified organic acres. And the payoff is sweet: the Sykes family is celebrating its most productive blueberry season in over five years. “This is probably the heaviest crop we’ve had in a long time,” said Roy Sykes, who co-owns the farm with his wife, Donna, and operates it with their daughters. “We’re seeing a real return on our investment in organic, both in yields and

Tropical activity continues in the Eastern Pacific following hurricane Erick last week as another tropical system is expected to form off the coast of southern Mexico later this week. “Environmental conditions are conducive for gradual development and a tropical depression is likely to form over the weekend,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These regions have already received significant precipitation and hail from previous tropical systems with extensive damage reported in some Iceberg, Romaine and broccoli fields. Numerous crops are likely to be impacted