The Packer

ICYMI: A hearing to decide the fate of a preliminary injunction blocking the Kroger and Albertsons merger by the Federal Trade Commission started this week. Albertsons Cos. said layoffs, store closures and exiting markets would be on the table if the deal could not move forward. Learn more: loom.ly/3fDicUc

From new products to sustainability to organics, innovation filled the show floor at the NEW ENGLAND PRODUCE COUNCIL INC 's 2024 Produce, Floral and Foodservice Expo to share new products and the latest industry news. The expo was held Aug. 19-20 at the Encore Boston Harbor Hotel and Casino. Check out more from NEPC: loom.ly/E4Fnnnk

Amado, Ariz.-based Wholesum, a grower-shipper of organic and Fair Trade Certified fresh produce, says it is offering an all-in-one resource for retailers and produce merchandisers to elevate heirloom tomatoes with its Heirloom Tomato Merchandising Kit. The merchandising kit is designed to empower retailers and produce merchandisers to tap into the unique charm of heirloom tomatoes and boost sales. Learn more: loom.ly/FZJK3gY

SILVEC, a Maryland-based agtech company, said its RNA vector delivery product for combating huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening, is now in the full science review phase of the EPA Pesticide Regulation Improvement Act registration process. The company said the product is based on a mild and naturally untransmittable version of a virus found in most citrus trees, reprogrammed to express a natural antimicrobial peptide found in spinach. According to the company, a single application in field trials has shown a long-term reduction in yield declines caused by the citrus greening bacteria. Learn more: loom.ly/bCZuxVk

From new products to sustainability to organics, innovation filled the show floor at the NEW ENGLAND PRODUCE COUNCIL INC 's 2024 Produce, Floral and Foodservice Expo, Aug. 19-20, at the Encore Boston Harbor Hotel and Casino. Check out more of our coverage from NEPC: loom.ly/h4Ya7vg

Peruvian Avocado Commission has had a busy season — participating in a number of high-profile events designed to drive awareness of the superfruit all year long. Learn more: loom.ly/8CW4Huk

Don't want to get burned by ordering too little or too much? Columnist Armand Lobato offers advice on maintaining a well-stocked produce department: loom.ly/UvTLevo

The bounty of fresh produce coming from controlled environment agriculture was on full display at NEW ENGLAND PRODUCE COUNCIL INC’s 2024 Produce, Floral and Foodservice Expo, Aug. 19-20. Check out more from the event: loom.ly/TizgtBw

The general consensus among growers and packers in the East is this upcoming season looks good. While early frost in Pennsylvania and New York could have meant a devastating year, by all accounts growers in the East, and their fruit, came through relatively unscathed. Get the outlook for Eastern #apples this year: loom.ly/MJhC5Sk

#Sustainability remains a buzzword in the packaging industry, and most packaging suppliers tout myriad “sustainable” innovations they’ve adopted. But the concept begs the question: At what cost? Find out if sustainability is affordable: loom.ly/1hVtDZ0