Brighter Bites celebrates multi-year partnership with Zespri
Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables directly into families’ hands, is celebrating three years of partnership with Zespri Kiwifruit designed to strengthen fresh produce access and education across Brighter Bites’ cities nationwide.Since the partnership began in 2022, Zespri has made a significant multi-year investment — through direct funding as well as the donation of more than 150,000 pieces of kiwifruit — to support Brighter Bites’ mission of providing fresh produce and nutrition education to families facing food insecurity.
Exp. Group excited about being close to home for NY Produce Show
As Exp. Group LLC prepares for this year’s New York Produce Show & Conference, the company has plenty to celebrate. A leading importer and distributor of tropical fruits is marking its 20th anniversary, recently expanded into a new McAllen, TX facility and will showcase its growing multi-location model to the hometown crowd at the Jacob Javits Center.
Value-added offerings driving Ocean Mist’s growth
Heading to the 2025 version of New York Produce Show, Ocean Mist Farms has unveiled the rebranding of its Roastables line, which is focusing on a fun way to entice consumers to the value-added offerings by emphasizing their convenience.
Kroger to shutter three automated facilities
Following a comprehensive review, Kroger will close fulfillment facilities in Pleasant Prairie, WI; Frederick, MD; and Groveland, FL, in January, while monitoring the remaining facilities' performance. The closures are part of the company's updated eCommerce plan, which it said should improve profitability by approximately $400 million in 2026.
Zespri forecasts strong returns reflecting global demand
Zespri has released its November forecast for the 2025-26 season with forecast per tray returns up for all fruit groups from the last forecast in August.Forecast per tray returns for Zespri green, organic green and organic SunGold kiwifruit now exceed the top end of the August ranges. At a per-hectare level, record returns are now forecast for all fruit groups.CEO Jason Te Brake said it’s been a strong season with a record crop of 215 million trays from New Zealand delivered to markets around the world.
Bee Sweet Citrus kicks off season with new website
Bee Sweet Citrus has launched a new, immersive website for its digital audience. The launch of the site coincides with the start of California’s 2025-26 citrus season and aims to celebrate the company’s brand, values and culture.“This season, our team is thrilled to launch a brand-new website that beautifully represents our brand,” said Bee Sweet Citrus Director of Communications Monique Mueller. “After months of planning, we’re excited to showcase a site that’s vibrant, informative and user-friendly.”
WFFSA holds mid-year board and committee meetings in San Antonio
The Wholesale Florist & Florist Supplier Association recently convened its mid-year board of directors and committee meetings in San Antonio, TX, at The Westin Riverwalk. The multi-day gathering brought together association leaders to review progress across key initiatives, align on strategic goals and plan for WFFSA’s continued growth through 2026 and beyond.
Instacart partners with WellTheory to expand access to nutritious foods
Instacart has partnered with WellTheory to address a critical gap in autoimmune care: access to nutritious, anti-inflammatory foods. The collaboration integrates Instacart Health Fresh Funds into WellTheory’s evidence-based care model, empowering members to purchase clinically recommended groceries to support healing and improve outcomes.
National Mango Board celebrates 20 years of impressive growth
In 2005, the year the National Mango Board was launched, the per capita consumption in the United States of what is often called the world’s most popular fruit was at a pedestrian 1.9 pounds per person.
Amanda Keefer named Healthy Family Project's vice president
Healthy Family Project announced the promotion of Amanda Keefer to vice president. In this expanded role, Keefer will lead overall strategy, operations, marketing and partnerships for the organization, which collaborates with health-conscious food brands and retailers to inspire healthier families while giving back to those in need.