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With more than 20 years of experience in the North American supermarket industry, Mike Mauti has learned “Retail 101” firsthand.

It’s the second year of SnackNation’s Insight Award for snacks, and a Wonderful Pistachios Product – No Shells Honey Roasted – received the honor for the Best Nut or Trail Mix from an established brand.

The USDA reports actions against Bella Fresh Houston LLC, El Chinelo Produce Inc. and Orion Pacific International Inc. 1-876Grocery and Freight Farms are new companies to the Market. Ranalli Farms & others have changes.

In times of recession, consumers eat at home more, but they also splurge on those food purchases for home rather than splurge by eating out, says a food-marketing expert.

The Produce Marketing Association, citing misinformation about produce and the industry in the COVID-19 crisis, is launching a campaign to connect directly with consumers to assure them produce is available and safe.

Big E Produce has been Endorsed. Sleeper’s Market and Summit Ag LLC are new companies to the Market. Allied Grape Growers, Gencon Inc., Oakdale Farms Country Barn, Potomac Vegetable Farms Inc., and others have updates.

Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Oviedo, Fla., connected with consumers in March — National Celery Month — to promote the vegetable as the “It-gredient.”

The California Avocado Commission is shifting promotion plans during the COVID-19 crisis, including shifting billboard ads to online content.

Am Group Inc., New York Produce Inc., Start Produce Inc., and V & M Fresh Produce LLC have been sanctioned by USDA. Coop 303 and Valley Packing Inc. are new firms to the Market. A & R Fresh LLC and others have changes.

The Packer’s Tom Karst visited April 1 with Paul Manfre, general manager of Top Katz LLC, Bronx, N.Y.