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 vegetable

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 Bliss

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

Bonnie Lundblad was recently elected chair of the 70-year-old New Jersey Peach Promotion Council, replacing Santo John Maccherone long-time chair who stepped back and was elected vice chairmen. “I am excited to see Ms. Lundblad elevated to chair,” said Maccherone. “She has been active director with many good ideas to increase the orderly marketing of New Jersey peaches, our major goal.” Lundblad is currently senior sales representative for Sunny Valley International, one of the largest marketers of New Jersey peaches. “I am proud to be a member of the board of the New Jersey Peach Promotion

Wonderful Pistachios No Shells Chili Roasted and Honey Roasted were named a “Rising Star” in the Information Resources, Inc. New Product Pacesetters Report. This report celebrates the biggest CPG launches of the previous year measured through sales, further highlighting the tremendous success Wonderful Pistachios No Shells flavors have seen since introduction. Amongst the thousands of new product launches in 2019, Wonderful Pistachios No Shells Chili Roasted and Honey Roasted were among a small percentage of new CPG products that met the stringent, industry-recognized benchmarks of exceptional