The Packer

Inflation became deflation in June. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers in June declined 0.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis, after being unchanged in May. Learn more: loom.ly/0nIbJ2Q

U.S. specialty crop exports to #China have slid in the past six years, hurt by retaliatory #tariffs, improved Chinese output and #freetrade agreements with other trading partners, according to a new USDA report. Learn more: loom.ly/GtF0r5s

ICYMI: Following Kroger and Albertsons announcement in April, to sell assets to C&S Wholesale Grocers as part of its proposed merger. The companies shared the location of the impacted stores, distribution center and plants in a new document. Of the 579 stores to be divested, the states with the most divestitures include Washington (124), Arizona (101), Colorado (91), California (63) and Oregon (62). Learn more: loom.ly/QOpiEDA

What does the future hold for the #almond industry? Experts weigh in on the future of this popular tree nut and the opportunities for growth and expansion. loom.ly/gk9TOZE

What do consumers crave most on their dinner plates? Simplicity with a side of affordability, finds the “2024 Consumer Curiosity Report,” an analysis of consumers nationwide most likely to set the next food trends. Released today, the second annual report by Curious Plot focuses on more than 800 early-food adopters from a wide swath of generations, household incomes and U.S. regions. Learn more: loom.ly/-k5CRx8

The Food Research & Action Center and more than 1,400 national, state, and local organizations are urging Congress to prioritize protecting and strengthening the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the upcoming #farmbill. A letter signed by the groups urges Congress to ensure that benefit adequacy, equitable access and program administration remain core tenets of #SNAP. Learn more: loom.ly/a5HHXXI

Earlier this year, Pear Bureau Northwest announced that its President and CEO Kevin Moffitt will retire from the bureau after 35 years with the nonprofit marketing organization. Moffitt recently sat down with Christina Herrick, produce editor for The Packer, to talk about how a career that started in bananas led to his role at the bureau, his favorite memories and more. Check out this latest “Tip of the Iceberg” episode: loom.ly/Ds7tHXk

Duane Eaton, a long-time senior staff executive who led the meetings and trade shows team at legacy organization Produce Marketing Association, has died, the International Fresh Produce Association said in a news release. Eaton, who retired from PMA in 2014 after 34 years of service to the fresh produce industry, filled a variety of roles throughout his career. loom.ly/qPGUu-A

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed a new rule to protect workers from extreme heat exposure, marking a significant step in workplace safety regulations. The proposed rule is expected to face opposition from some business and industry associations. Learn more: loom.ly/O7Z4_kI

It’s almost time for Hatch chili pepper roasting season. The crackling, aromatic popping and sizzling that lures shoppers ever closer to watch, to absorb the sensory moment — and to buy. A roasting station for Hatch chili peppers can add some sizzle to your store's offerings. Columnist Armand Lobato offers insight on doing it right. https://loom.ly/phxCrm0