These executive appointments support the Company’s continued efforts to restore long-term profitable growth and strengthen its operational foundation. Paul Miller, a former key executive in the Company’s purchasing organization, returns to lead the Company’s integrated purchasing and merchandising organization, succeeding Matt Delly, who will depart the Company.

Ian Ferry is being promoted from his current role as Senior Vice President, Strategic Finance, Investor Relations and Treasurer, to succeed Chris Miller, who is retiring and will remain with the Company through June 26, 2026, to support the transition.

In conjunction with the leadership announcements, the Company also affirms its financial outlook for the second quarter and fiscal year 2026 originally provided on May 13, 2026.

“Having worked alongside Paul for many years, I can say without hesitation that he is one of the most talented merchants and leaders in Grocery Outlet’s history,” said Eric Lindberg, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Paul played a central role in building the company’s opportunistic buying organization, supplier relationships, and treasure hunt experience that have become defining competitive advantages for Grocery Outlet. He combines exceptional merchant instincts with outstanding leadership, earning respect across our organization and throughout the supplier community. As we continue strengthening performance and sharpening our competitive differentiation, Paul’s return reinforces one of the foundational strengths of our business, and I am thrilled to welcome him back to the executive team.”

“As we strengthen Grocery Outlet and continue our efforts to restore sustainable, profitable growth, we are fortunate to add two proven and accomplished leaders to our executive leadership team,” said Jason Potter, President and Chief Executive Officer of Grocery Outlet. “Paul has been supporting our recent efforts to sharpen our focus on opportunistic product in an advisory capacity, and we are delighted to welcome him back to Grocery Outlet on a full-time basis. Few people understand the art and science of opportunistic buying at scale better than Paul. His return reflects our commitment to strengthening the treasure hunt experience that differentiates Grocery Outlet and creates value for our customers.”

Mr. Potter continued, “Ian has quickly become a trusted strategic partner to our executive team. His combination of operating discipline, financial expertise, capital management experience and strategic focus has already helped advance several of our most important initiatives. Ian understands our business, our opportunities, and the actions required to create long-term shareholder value, making him an ideal fit for our next Chief Financial Officer.

“I would like to thank Chris and Matt for their many contributions to Grocery Outlet. Chris has been a valued partner during an important transition period for our company, helping strengthen our financial organization and supporting key operational initiatives. Matt has brought energy, leadership and strategic thinking to our purchasing and merchandising organizations, helping position the business for future success.”

Paul Miller
Paul Miller is a 25+ year Grocery Outlet veteran who most recently served as Senior Vice President, Purchasing, until his retirement in 2024. Mr. Miller was a key member of Grocery Outlet’s executive team during one of the most successful periods in the Company’s history, helping build and scale its opportunistic buying capabilities and supporting growth. Mr. Miller has recently served as an advisor to the Company focused on strengthening Grocery Outlet’s treasure hunt experience and reinforcing the opportunistic sourcing model that differentiates the brand.

“Grocery Outlet has always thrived when we stay focused on our core competency: delivering deeply discounted, opportunistic product to value-seeking customers,” said Mr. Miller. “I’m excited to work with this executive team on delivering our next chapter of growth and honored to lead the most entrepreneurial merchants in America.”

Ian Ferry
Ian Ferry previously served as Senior Vice President, Strategic Finance, Investor Relations and Treasurer. Since joining Grocery Outlet in 2025, he has led the Company’s FP&A, Treasury, Investor Relations and Strategic Finance functions and worked closely with the executive leadership team and Board on key value creation initiatives, including store portfolio optimization, capital allocation, financial planning and investor communications. Prior to joining Grocery Outlet, Mr. Ferry spent more than two decades in finance and investing, advising management teams and boards on capital allocation, financial strategy, governance and shareholder value creation, including as a senior investment leader and partner at Jackson Square Partners and in investment roles at Fidelity Management & Research and HarbourVest Partners.

“I am honored to serve as the company’s next Chief Financial Officer,” said Mr. Ferry. “Grocery Outlet has a differentiated business model, an exceptional team and a significant opportunity to create value for customers, independent operators, employees and shareholders. I look forward to working closely with Jason, our leadership team and Board as we continue strengthening the business, investing in growth and executing our long-term strategy.”

About Grocery Outlet:
Based in Emeryville, California, Grocery Outlet is a growth-oriented extreme value retailer of quality, name-brand consumables and fresh products sold primarily through a network of independently operated stores. Grocery Outlet and its subsidiaries have more than 540 stores in California, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Nevada, Idaho, North Carolina, Maryland, Ohio, Georgia, Virginia, New Jersey, Alabama, Delaware and Kentucky.

INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS:
Ian Ferry
(510) 244-3703
iferry@cfgo.com

Ron Clark
(646) 776-0886
GroceryOutlet@ellipsista.com

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IFPA CEO Cathy Burns told the Washington Conference June 9 the campaign soft launched in early June and is a joint effort with the Foundation for Fresh Produce BB #:157162. 

“Consumers need to know every meal and every snack must have fruits and vegetables,” she said. 

Burns had a broader message to conference attendees, that their years of advocacy for the fresh produce industry is paying off. 

“Advocacy is not a side project but a primary one as we fight for fresh,” she said. “Specialty crops deserve a seat at every table, and our message is getting through, and that is because of you.” 

Burns said the last few years of policy wins for specialty crops shows that leaders in government do listen when the industry has a clear and aligned message. 

She said the produce industry needs to share its story with legislators that to improve Americans’ health through higher produce consumption, the entire supply chain needs to be improved. 

“Americans’ health depends on fruits and vegetables,” Burns said. “You cannot be healthy without fruits and vegetables. We need a stable food system that produces at scale every day. When the infrastructure is strained, our health is threatened.” 

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Today, the omnichannel grocery retailer announced the launch of the MVP Savings Spectacular, a three-week savings event running June 10–30 that gives MVP loyalty members access to exclusive weekly deals on grocery essentials for summer entertaining and everyday shopping.

Savings Across Key Categories

Designed for Food Lion MVP loyalty members, the event features new weekly deals in categories families shop most, including pantry staples, party snacks, beverages, fresh produce and household essentials. MVP members can save up to 50% on select products along with offers on popular Food Lion brand items and national brands.

“Summer often brings more gatherings, travel and everyday expenses, and we want to help our neighbors save on the items they need most,” said Gene Faller, Executive Vice President, Merchandising, Food Lion. “The MVP Savings Spectacular gives our loyalty members access to weekly deals on groceries and household essentials, making it easier to shop for summer and nourish families while staying on budget.”

How MVP Members Can Participate

The savings event is available through Food Lion’s MVP customer loyalty program, which gives members access to new weekly deals on top of already low prices, in store and online. During each week of the MVP Savings Spectacular, members can unlock a new set of deals, ensuring there’s always something fresh to discover.

For discounts to apply, customers must use their personal MVP savings card at checkout. Customers can enroll in the MVP program for free in stores or online at any time – before, during or after the event.

Starting today, customers can shop the MVP Savings Spectacular in stores or through easy Food Lion To Go pickup and/or home delivery. For more information, visit foodlion.com/pages/mvp-savings-spectacular.

About Food Lion
Food Lion is an omnichannel grocery retailer committed to nourishing its neighbors. More than 82,000 associates across 1,100+ stores deliver an easy, fresh and affordable shopping experience throughout 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. With a focus on hunger relief, Food Lion is a pioneer in food rescue. Since 2014, the company’s hunger relief platform Food Lion Feeds has donated more than 1.5 billion meals to those who are food insecure. The retailer has committed to donate 3 billion meals by 2032. Founded and based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize. For more information, visit foodlion.com.

CONTACTS:
Food Lion Media Relations
704-245-3317
publicrelationsteam@foodlion.com

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The Fresh Future Conference took place in Ottawa and brought together produce industry leaders, Parliamentarians and government officials to address two critical challenges impacting both Canadians and the produce supply chain.

• Fresh produce trade: As the CUSMA/USMCA joint review deadline approaches, produce industry members advocated for a robust North American free trade agreement that safeguards the significant gains made for our industry and maintains tariff-free trade for all fresh produce commodities.

• Investment in critical food security infrastructure: CPMA members urged the Government to strengthen the entire Canadian agri-food value chain and ensure that all communities across the country have access to a variety of nutritious food by prioritizing the National School Food Program, investing in regional food hubs such as the Ontario Food Terminal, and establishing a dedicated Trusted Trader pilot program for perishable food.

“Canada’s fresh produce industry is an integral part of a global supply chain that is deeply interconnected making international trade essential,” says David Dubé, CPMA Chair. “The ongoing trade instability with our largest partner, the United States, puts both Canada’s food security and the long-standing produce trade relationship between the two countries at risk. As the Government reviews the CUSMA agreement, our industry is calling for the protection of free and fair international trade and the removal of regulatory and infrastructure barriers holding back market diversification with other key markets.”

The event also featured a fireside chat between Ron Lemaire, CPMA President, alongside Steve Verheul and Ken Smith-Ramos, the former chief trade negotiators for Canada and Mexico,who shared their insights on the future of fresh produce trade in North America.

As part of its advocacy efforts, CPMA also hosted a networking reception attended by the Hon. Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, as well as other Parliamentarians, staff and government officials.

CPMA thanks all Parliamentarians, industry members and government officials who attended the 2026 Fresh Future Conference. For further information, please visit our website. Fresh Future Conference

About the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Based in Ottawa, Ontario, CPMA is a not-for-profit organization that has been supporting a diverse membership made up of every segment of the fresh produce supply chain for over 100 years. CPMA represents more than 900 member companies responsible for 90% of the fresh fruits and vegetable sales in Canada and an industry that contributes over $18 billion to Canada’s GDP annually, supports 188,000 jobs, and improves the health and productivity of Canadians.

For more information, please contact:

Micken Kokonya, Manager, Communications and Market Research Canadian Produce Marketing Association Cell: 613-769-8742 Email: mkokonya@cpma.ca

The post CPMA presses for free and fair trade and food security appeared first on Blue Book.

Read about Walmart and Amazon’s challenge to regional grocers, Woodman’s Markets new CEO, FMI on today’s inflation report, NY Apple’s new CEO, surging lettuce prices, Ontario greenhouse growers’ struggles, and more.

As always, have something to share? Send us your feedback at news@bluebookservices.com.

Top Stories

Will high-speed grocery delivery allow Amazon and Walmart to close the gap on convenience?

The two retailers’ investment 30-minute delivery services threatens the advantages that regional supermarkets have by being close to their customers.

Woodman’s Markets names CEO

Woodman’s Markets names Clint Woodman CEO and promotes company veteran Kristin Popp to succeed him as president.

FMI Statement on May CPI Food Price Numbers

FMI’s VP Andy Harig said the “CPI numbers for food at home represent a clear cooling from April’s elevated figure and should be welcome news for grocery shoppers facing an otherwise challenging inflationary environment.”

Produce Growth Continues, But Warning Signs Emerge

New data shows consumers are under pressure from rising fuel and food costs and that’s changing their shopping habits

New York Apple Association names new CEO

The New York Apple Association hires Susan Chekow Lusignan as its new CEO, bringing decades of nonprofit leadership experience.

Iceberg lettuce pricing expected to stay strong until third week of June

Poor weather in California is keeping yields lower than usual, as pre-summer demand shows no slowing.

Rising grocery prices not benefiting Ontario greenhouse vegetable growers

The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers say growers are receiving lower returns than a few years ago, even as retail prices rise.

The post Produce industry headlines: June 10, 2026 appeared first on Blue Book.

Fresh fruit and vegetable inflation is more than double the pace of food (3.1 percent annually), as overall year-over-year inflation was 4.2 percent, the highest monthly figure since April 2023.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index released today shows that energy prices are the main driver of overall inflation, as they’ve seen a sharp rise since the start of the Iran war in February.

Overall energy was 23.5 percent higher than a year ago, while motor fuel was 40.9 percent higher than May 2025.

Fresh vegetables saw massive inflation in May, as prices were 11.9 percent higher than a year ago. Potatoes were down 0.6 percent, but lettuce was up 24.9 percent, and tomatoes were up 32 percent annually.

Fresh fruit inflation was much milder at 2.1 percent annually. Apples were up 5.6 percent, bananas were down 1.2 percent, and citrus was up 6.1 percent annually.

While overall food inflation was up 3.1 percent, food at home came in lower at 2.7 percent annually. Food away from home was 3.5 percent higher in May 2026 than May 2025.

BLS released the following from its monthly Consumer Price Index report on June 10, 2026:

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX – May 2026

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.5 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in May, after rising 0.6 percent in April, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 4.2 percent before seasonal adjustment.

The index for energy rose 3.9 percent in May, after rising 3.8 percent in April and 10.9 percent in March. The energy index accounted for over sixty percent of the monthly all items increase. The index for shelter also increased in May, rising 0.3 percent. The food index increased 0.2 percent over the month as the food at home index rose 0.1 percent and the food away from home index increased 0.3 percent.

The index for all items less food and energy rose 0.2 percent in May. Indexes that increased over the month include communication, airline fares, medical care, personal care, and recreation. Conversely, the indexes for motor vehicle insurance, household furnishings and operations, and new vehicles were among the major indexes that decreased in May.

The all items index rose 4.2 percent for the 12 months ending May, after rising 3.8 percent for the 12 months ending April. The all items less food and energy index rose 2.9 percent over the year, following a 2.8-percent increase over the 12 months ending April. The energy index increased 23.5 percent for the 12 months ending May. The food index increased 3.1 percent over the last year.

The post Fresh produce inflation continues surge in May 2026 appeared first on Blue Book.

In a statement released today, the group said:

“Our organization represents a broad alliance of produce companies that grow, pack, ship, distribute, and sell fresh produce in the United States. The Produce Coalition for USMCA is committed to highlighting the critical role of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in maintaining food security and affordable grocery prices for consumers. We support an integrated North American produce supply chain that ensures a reliable, year-round supply of healthy, affordable, fresh fruits and vegetables for American consumers. By fostering seamless cross-border trade and collaboration, the USMCA helps keep grocery shelves stocked, supports agricultural jobs, and contributes to a safer, stronger, and more prosperous America.”

As the USMCA Parties continue their required six-year joint review, the Coalition will be working to highlight the importance of the agreement to U.S. agriculture and consumers. Under USMCA, an integrated North American supply chain ensures that our industry can provide a year-round, affordable supply of highly perishable goods to households in all 50 states.

Tariff reductions that took place in NAFTA and USMCA lowered food prices enough to save the average household roughly $700 per year on grocery prices, according to a recent study by Purdue University. These findings clearly show the importance of maintaining the current market access under USMCA. In addition to making fresh produce more affordable for Americans, the robust structure of the agreement also is essential for advancing science-based decision making and addressing any trade disputes before they become trade barriers, all of which contribute to U.S. food security.

About the Produce Coalition for USMCA
The Produce Coalition for USMCA is a broad alliance of produce companies that grow, pack, ship, distribute, and sell fresh produce in the United States. The Coalition is committed to highlighting the critical role of the USMCA in maintaining food security by delivering affordable grocery prices for consumers, and tariff-free agricultural trade across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. We are dedicated to ensuring a reliable, affordable, year-round supply of fresh produce across the U.S.

Steering Committee Members:

• Driscoll’s BB #:114181
• JV Smith Companies
• Mastronardi Produce USA BB #:115453
• Mission Produce BB #:118126
• Nature Fresh Farms BB #:274537
• NatureSweet BB #:152351
• Red Sun Farms BB #:171100
• Taylor Farms BB #:193361

Contacts
Produce Coalition for USMCA
press@usmcaproduce.com

The post Produce companies launch Produce Coalition for USMCA appeared first on Blue Book.

Kennedy spoke to attendees of the IFPA Washington Conference June 9 and said the guidelines are already leading to an increase in purchases of real foods, which include fruits and vegetables. 

He said the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) strategy and movement will lead to more Americans eating whole foods, and instances of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease will drop dramatically. 

“I think we’ll see this in the next three years,” Kennedy said. 

Aligning federal food programs with the dietary guidelines would represent changes to billions of dollars, as SNAP, WIC, school meals, military, and prisons, among others, would be affected. 

He didn’t offer details about how it would come about but said many states have implemented SNAP restrictions against “junk foods” like candy and soda, and those purchases have dropped. 

The produce industry hope is that they shift to the fresh produce department, said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns, who joined Kennedy in the address to conference attendees. 

Kennedy said his relationship with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has been strong since both were confirmed at the start of the Trump administration in early 2025, and HHS and USDA have been aligned with MAHA goals. 

He said the federal dietary guidelines went from hundreds of pages that were “incompressible” and written by processed food companies to one that is less than 10 pages and can easily be summarized as “eat real food” with fruits and vegetables in a prominent position. 

Ultra processed foods are identified as a hinderance to Americans’ health, and HHS plans to define that term in the next few months and then institute a food labeling system with a stoplight system of red-yellow-green for healthfulness, Kennedy said. 

“Fruits and vegetables will be green,” he said. 

He also said HHS has worked with the medical community to get more nutrition training in medical schools. He said most medical school graduates receive about two hours of nutrition training, and now more than 70 medical schools have agreed to require 40 hours of nutrition training or the equivalent. 

“Many chronic diseases can be reversed by a change in diet,” Kennedy said. 

“American households must prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods—protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains—and dramatically reduce highly processed foods. This is how we Make America Healthy Again,” Kennedy said in January, when HHS and USDA released the new dietary guidelines. 

The new guidelines represented a major shift in federal food policy and placed fruits and vegetables in a critical spot of Americans’ diets as real, whole foods. 

The post HHS Secretary: All government food programs to align with dietary guidelines  appeared first on Blue Book.

“The minute, the day, the month, the year that we can no longer feed ourselves or fuel ourselves is the minute we will lose freedom and liberty in America,” she said.

Rollins, who grew up in a flower shop on the town square in Glen Rose, TX, and studied agriculture and horticulture at Texas A&M, told the crowd at the IFPA Washington Conference, she “felt right at home” among growers.

She then walked through five priorities shaping USDA’s agenda.

On nutrition, Rollins said the administration has carried out “the most significant reset of federal nutrition policy in American history” over the past 16 months. She pointed to revised dietary guidelines built “based on science rather than misinformation,” and to a new final rule on SNAP stocking standards that more than doubles what retailers must carry to accept benefits, from roughly 12 staples to 28 varieties.

The rule also closes loopholes that had let “beef jerky qualify as a meat and jelly or jam qualify as a fruit.”

More fresh produce on shelves, she argued, supports growers while expanding access for lower-income families.

She highlighted the Farmers First Regenerative Agriculture pilot, a more-than-$700 million commitment delivered through familiar EQIP and Conservation Stewardship programs, which she said already covers nearly 700 contracts.

The goal, she said, is to “protect our topsoil from unnecessary erosion and boost the microbiome of the soil” for growers who choose to transition.

Trade drew some of her sharpest contrasts. Rollins noted that an $8 billion agricultural trade surplus had become a $44 billion deficit during the Biden administration and credited 19 new trade deals in just over a year with beginning to reverse it. Apple producers can now sell into Thailand “for the first time.”

On support for growers, she cited expanded specialty crop funding under the Working Families Tax Cut Act, including a near-doubling of the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, and a $1.6 billion package announced last week.

“I hear you. It’s not enough,” she acknowledged. “But we continue to battle to get more funding into the system.”

Labor was her most personal subject. Recalling a Georgia roundtable where farmers spoke “with tears in their eyes,” Rollins described reversing a roughly 40 percent increase in the H-2A adverse effect wage rate—a change she said saves growers $2 billion a year—and urged Congress to codify it.

Closing on regulation, she invited the audience to flag “any rule that is just dumb,” citing California lettuce growers whose compliance costs she said have risen 1,400 percent in 15 years.

Quoting Galatians — “let us not grow weary in well doing” — she pledged to “never stop fighting” for American agriculture.

The post Ag Secretary Rollins: Real food and open markets are national security appeared first on Blue Book.

Van Lissum officially stepped into the role March 1, succeeding Gardner after a decade of progressive leadership within Oppy’s marketing team.

“Karin is Oppy’s Ironman,” said Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Categories James Milne. “From starting her career on Seattle’s Pier 90 in 1992 to becoming one of the most respected communicators in fresh produce, Karin fundamentally changed how Oppy was seen across the trade. Through her writing, strategic counsel and deep relationships with industry stakeholders, she elevated our profile and brought our expect the world from us promise to life for audiences around the globe.”

Gardner joined Oppy as its first communications specialist in Seattle and went on to serve in a series of increasingly senior leadership positions. Throughout her career, she became known as a polished and thoughtful communicator whose influence extended far beyond the company.

She was named to Produce Business magazine’s inaugural 40 Under 40 class and The Packer 25, while also serving as marketing communications chairperson for the Produce for Better Health Foundation. Widely respected for her storytelling abilities and strategic insight, Gardner helped position Oppy as one of the produce industry’s most recognizable and trusted brands.

“Because of her immense capabilities as a communicator, Karin became a trusted advisor not only to me, but to generations of leaders across Oppy,” Milne said. “She approached every message with care, wisdom and authenticity, and that influence will continue to shape our business long after her retirement.”

As Gardner prepares to retire, Oppy’s marketing leadership transitions to Van Lissum, whose career at Oppy began in 2015 as the company’s first social media coordinator. Working closely alongside Gardner, she steadily expanded her role and responsibilities while helping modernize Oppy’s communications strategy and strengthen its voice across digital and trade media channels.

President and COO David Smith shared, “Kelsey grew up professionally under Karin’s wing. Her journey reflects both her talent and her dedication to this business. She understands the importance of relationships, authentic storytelling and evolving how we communicate in a changing world.”

Committed to leadership development, Van Lissum participated in CPMA’s Passion for Produce program in 2018, completed Stanford University’s Crisis Management for Leaders program in 2023 and graduated from IFPA’s Emerging Leaders Program in 2024. She was also recognized as a 2023 Packer 25 honoree and named among AndNowUKnow’s 2022 Mentors in the Making. In her new role, Van Lissum will oversee Oppy’s marketing team.

“While Karin leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, we’re equally excited about the future under Kelsey’s leadership,” Smith said. “She brings energy, creativity and a fresh perspective to our marketing organization while staying deeply connected to the values and relationships that define Oppy.”

About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit. Go to oppy.com to learn more.

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