Produce retail

CEA Alliance to Offer Retail Insights Webinar Series

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:45:19 GMT

The CEA Alliance says it will launch a new members-only webinar series, “Retail Insights for the CEA Category,” to provide member companies a candid, off-the-record discussion with retail and foodservice leaders. This series will discuss challenges and opportunities for category growth.

“Our retail and foodservice customers are vital partners in bringing shoppers the best of our indoor-grown products,” says Skip Hulett, CEA Alliance chairman and chief legal officer for NatureSweet. “It’s critical for our member growers and their partners to engage with our customers and understand how we can mutually drive success.”

The first webinar in the new series will be held May 7 at 2 p.m. Eastern time and feature Mark De Costa, leafy greens buyer for Costco Wholesale. De Costa has been a longtime produce leader for Costco, serving 29 years in a variety of produce buying roles. Today, he heads up the leafy greens and salad category, sourcing both field- and indoor-grown product.

“Mark is a great leader to kick off this series, and I look forward to our discussion on challenges and opportunities for the CEA leafy greens category,” says Tom Stenzel, CEA Alliance executive director. “Whether hearing his views on what it takes to be a successful leafy greens supplier today or looking ahead at the category’s growth potential, our members will have an unparalleled opportunity to hear from one of the best in the business.”

For further information, contact Stenzel, tom@ceaalliance.com.

Why the Produce Aisle is Finally Embracing Sensory-Inclusive Packaging Designs

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:02:09 GMT

For many consumers, packaging is a persistent, if minor, adversary. Research shows the average person will spend roughly 43 days of their life struggling to open products, with 84% of shoppers reporting regular frustration. But for neurodivergent individuals and those with sensory sensitivities, these aren’t just “wrap rage” moments. They are significant barriers to independence.

As we mark Neurodiversity Celebration Week this March, the retail industry is shifting its perspective, moving from seeing packaging as a purely functional or aesthetic challenge to a vital sensory and accessibility issue. Leading this charge is retail insights agency PRS In Vivo . In April 2025, the agency unveiled its sensory room as part of its global retail labs — state-of-the-art simulated supermarket environments. By observing real-world interactions, their researchers have pinpointed how visual clutter and tactile friction specifically exclude the 15% of the global population living with disabilities.

Nowhere is this evolution more critical than in the fresh produce aisle. Patrick Young, managing director of PRS In Vivo, suggests the industry is finally moving toward a design philosophy where accessibility and aesthetic appeal coexist.

Patrick Young, managing director of PRS In Vivo, suggests that the industry is finally moving toward a design philosophy where accessibility and aesthetic appeal coexist.

(Photo courtesy of PRS In Vivo)

The Balance of Visibility and Accessibility

Young believes the first step is managing the tension between the shopper’s need to inspect fresh goods and the requirement for clear, accessible information.

“Fresh produce is one of the few remaining categories where shoppers still want visual reassurance,” Young says. “Our retail lab research consistently shows that being able to see color, texture and freshness is central to quality perception and trust. That creates an interesting tension when designing for accessibility. The balance lies in hierarchy and restraint. Inclusive design does not have to mean visually intrusive design. High-contrast typography can be placed in structured bands that frame, rather than obscure, the product window. Tactile elements such as embossed icons or corner markers can be positioned on structural areas of the pack rather than over the viewing panel.

“The key is to treat accessibility as an integrated design principle from the outset, not something layered on top at the end. When hierarchy is clear and messaging is simplified, both sighted and visually impaired shoppers benefit,” he says.

As the industry pivots toward eco-friendly materials, Young sees a golden opportunity to simultaneously solve long-standing issues with physical dexterity.

“On the question of sustainability and dexterity, there is a real opportunity for what I would call a ‘dexterity dividend.’ Many traditional plastic packs were optimized for cost and shelf life rather than ease of use. As retailers transition to pulp, paper-based hybrids and more flexible mono-material solutions, there is a chance to rethink opening mechanisms entirely,” Young says.

Wider grip tabs, perforations that require less force, resealable paper strips and softer structural forms can all improve usability for seniors or shoppers with arthritis, he says.

“Sustainable design should not only reduce environmental impact but also reduce friction at home. If a pack is easier to open, easier to reseal and easier to recycle, it increases satisfaction across demographics,” Young says.

The Digital Layer

While technology offers new ways to provide information, Young warns smart packaging can inadvertently create cognitive barriers for neurodivergent consumers if not implemented with restraint.

“The digital layer adds further complexity. QR codes and smart packaging offer meaningful inclusion benefits, particularly through audio descriptions or expanded sourcing information. However, our sensory room research suggests there is absolutely a tipping point. When packaging becomes crowded with claims, icons and tech prompts, cognitive load increases, especially for neurodivergent shoppers,” Young says.

The solution, he says, is progressive disclosure.

“Keep the physical pack calm and legible, then allow deeper information to live behind a single, clearly signposted access point. One code, one message, one call to action. Digital should feel like an optional layer, not an obligation,” Young says.

A Long-Overdue Rethink

Ultimately, Young argues tthe produce aisle should lead the way in creating a more intuitive, less stressful shopping environment.

“More broadly, the produce aisle is overdue a rethink,” Young says. “It is often the most natural category in the store, yet its packaging can feel the least considered. If brands and retailers treat transparency, accessibility and sustainability as complementary rather than competing goals, they can create packaging that builds trust, reduces frustration and enhances the overall sensory experience. In fresh produce, simplicity is not a compromise. It is a competitive advantage.”

The findings from the PRS In Vivo sensory room suggest inclusive design is no longer a niche CSR initiative; it is a fundamental driver of shopper confidence. When brands reduce cognitive load and physical friction, they don’t just help the one-in-seven people with disabilities, they create a “curb-cut effect” where the shopping experience becomes more seamless for everyone. In a crowded marketplace, the brands that win will be those that realize the best packaging doesn’t just protect the product, it respects the consumer’s time, senses and abilities.

Your Next Read: Retail Research: Inside the Mind of the Produce Shopper

Generational Shifts Challenge Traditional Produce Marketing

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:30:02 GMT

Shoppers, especially those on GLP-1 medications, say they want to eat more fruits and vegetables, but data shows produce has to work harder to turn that intention into real growth.

As retailers and suppliers look toward the rest of 2026, the message from a recent webinar hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association and Circana was clear: Consumers are still buying produce, but the “why” behind those purchases is shifting in meaningful ways.

Performance Holds Steady in a Tighter Food Economy

Jonna Parker, principal of Circana, opened the webinar with a reminder that food retail overall remains resilient; amid weather disruptions and ongoing affordability pressures, total food and beverage sales have held up. Produce, she notes, “is still holding strong with its place as an important, vital part of total U.S. edible sales.”

Over the latest 52 weeks, retail produce dollar sales grew 2.3%, slightly below total food and beverage growth of 2.9%. Volume, however, tells a stronger story. Produce pounds sold increased 1.9%.

“Produce had the most pound increase or volume increase of any other department,” Parker says, calling it one of the first times in recent years she could make that claim.

At the same time, pricing has moderated. Average price per volume in produce rose just 0.5%, far below many center-store categories. Parker describes value as one of produce’s superpowers, especially compared to ultra-processed foods and protein products that have seen steeper price inflation.

Yet headwinds remain. Traditional supermarkets continue to lose share to mass, club and e-commerce channels. Online sales account for only 9% of produce dollars, but they drove 60% of incremental dollar growth in the category last year. Parker says consumers “don’t want friction. They want what they want, when they want it.”

Fewer Calories, More Intention

One of the most significant macro shifts affecting produce is a decline in overall calorie consumption. For the first time in decades of tracking, Circana saw a drop in per capita calorie intake in 2025.

“When there’s less per capita calories, it means it’s a bigger fight than ever to get folks to buy what we want them to buy as food marketers,” Parker says.

Consumers are not just eating less; they are eating more intentionally. Health, affordability and lifestyle fit are being weighed together in each decision.

“This year of affordability has made every decision by a consumer be … in context,” she says.

Shoppers are thinking about trade-offs across the basket, not just within categories. That intentionality is especially visible in the rise of GLP-1 medications.

Circana’s latest research shows that 15% of U.S. households now have at least one member taking a GLP-1 medication.

(Image courtesy of Circana)

GLP-1 Users: Aspiration vs. Reality in Produce

Circana’s latest research shows that 15% of U.S. households now have at least one member taking a GLP-1 medication. Weight loss is the primary driver, up 41 percentage points since 2021, as the stated reason for use. Most users are on the medication for six to 12 months, though shorter-term use may increase as access expands and prices fall.

The top-line insight for produce is nuanced.

“Ultimately, when recently on the drug, they do seek more fruits and more vegetables, right along with more protein,” Parker says. “Literally, they aspire to eat more. The majority of people on the drugs aspire to eat more fruits and veggies, and they expect to eat less of sugar, carbohydrates and sodium.”

But aspiration has not yet translated into stronger produce performance.

GLP-1 households account for 16% of total food and beverage dollar sales, yet only 14% of produce dollars. Despite growth in usage, produce has not gained incremental share from these shoppers.

“In almost every major category, the quantity of units in that category being bought by GLP-1 households is less than the quantity bought by non-users,” Parker says. “By no means are we seeing people suddenly buy more of any of these fruits and vegetables than those who are not on GLP-1 drugs.”

That gap between intent and purchase represents an opportunity. Center-store brands are leaning into explicit GLP-1-friendly messaging, protein callouts and functional claims. Produce, by contrast, has largely relied on assumed health halos.

“If you think that the health romance that’s happening right now in America is naturally going to drive fruit and veg, it ain’t happening,” Parker says.

Baby boomers remain the backbone of produce spending and are already committed to healthy eating.

(Image courtesy of Circana)

Generational View: Same Health Goal, Different Motivations

Health may be universal, but how it resonates differs sharply by generation.

Across markets, IFPA’s global research shows health is consistently a top-three purchase driver for produce. In Brazil, 85% of consumers cite health as a motivator; in China, 75%; and in the U.S. and Germany, 64%.

Yet health alone rarely closes the sale. In the U.S., affordability leads at 76%. In Germany and South Korea, trustworthiness tops the list. In the United Kingdom, quality leads.

Rachel Blake, manager of global insights for IFPA, summarizes the conversion formula: “You need to lead your messaging with health. It gets attention, but close with whatever your market’s conversion lever is: trust, quality or value.”

Generationally, the contrast is just as pronounced.

Baby boomers remain the backbone of produce spending and are already committed to healthy eating. In the U.S., 52% of baby boomers report concern about daily healthy eating. In Germany, 75% consume fresh fruit regularly. They respond to fundamentals such as nutrients and longevity.

Gen Z and millennials, however, approach health through a lifestyle lens. Their goals center on functionality, feeling better and looking better. Social media is their primary source of inspiration. Nearly half of Gen Z, millennials and Gen X consumers cite social platforms as dominant sources for everyday cooking ideas.

“They won’t just naturally find us,” Parker says.

Younger shoppers spend less time in store and more time discovering foods online. Trend exposure in beverages or snacks often precedes fresh purchases. Mango, for example, has benefited from earlier adoption in drinks and dried fruit before accelerating in fresh.

When asked what would motivate them to try more fruits and vegetables, younger consumers overindexed on seeing new flavors, pairing ideas and recommendations from trusted advisers or influencers.

The assumption that younger generations will eventually shop like Gen X and baby boomers is misguided.

“If you’re waiting for that moment … it’s not coming,” Parker says.

Gen Z and millennials approach health through a lifestyle lens. Their goals center on functionality, feeling better and looking better.

(Image courtesy of Circana)

The Mandate: Be Intentional, Because Consumers Are

Consumers have adapted to inflation, to omnichannel shopping and now to appetite-suppressing medications. They are more intentional about how they spend calories and dollars.

Produce remains uniquely positioned as the department people aspire to eat more of, yet aspiration alone is not enough.

The data suggests three imperatives:

Reinforce value clearly and consistently.
Translate health into functional, lifestyle-relevant messaging, especially for younger shoppers.
Speak directly to emerging segments such as GLP-1 users rather than assuming the halo will carry the category.

As Parker puts it, success hinges on “understanding what truly drives choice across the infinite number of options that consumers have.”

In a lower-calorie, higher-intent food economy, produce still has the credentials. The challenge is making sure those credentials are visible, relevant and actionable for every generation.

Coalition of Immokalee Workers co-founder to receive medal for human rights achievements

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:32:13 GMT

Lucas Benitez, co-founder of the Florida-based human rights organization Coalition of Immokalee Workers, has been selected to receive the University of Michigan’s Wallenberg Medal by his extraordinary achievements in human rights, according to a news release.

Previous recipients include Nobel laureates Desmond Tutu, Elie Wiesel and the 14th Dalai Lama of Tibet, as well as Miep Gies, Rep. John Lewis, Paul Rusesabagina, Masha Gessen and Denis Mukwege, the release said.

“I am immeasurably honored and humbled to receive the Wallenberg Medal in recognition of our efforts to forge a new paradigm for the protection of fundamental human rights from the fields to factories around the globe,” Benitez said in the release. “I also want to recognize the efforts of my entire community, the decades of labor of countless women and men in Immokalee in the fields that have brought us to where we are today. We stand on the shoulders of past Wallenberg recipients like the late representative John Lewis and Desmond Tutu, who embodied courage and commitment.”

And the work is still far from over, Benitez continued.

“We recognize the urgent need to continue expanding the protections we won first for farmworkers in the U.S. to new fields and new industries across the country and the world,” he said.

A lifetime of human rights advocacy in agriculture

Over the course of his career, Benitez has received other awards, such as the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award along with the “Ohtli” Award, the highest honor conferred by the Mexican government on citizens living outside of the country.

In recent years CIW and its Fair Food Program have been recognized with the Presidential Medal for Extraordinary Efforts in Combating Modern-Day Slavery, a MacArthur “Genius” Award and The American Bar Association’s 2022 Frances Perkins Public Service Award.

Benitez was born in the highlands of southern Mexico into a family of rural farmers. He was among six children living in a rural house with dirt floors. At 17, he joined his older brother and traveled to the U.S. to work in the fields to help support his family.

Related news: Farming under a big red sun: Worker advocates push for heat-stress protections

The conditions Benitez experienced in the fields of Florida and Alabama moved him, even at a young age, to stand up against abuse. Benitez joined a small group of like-minded workers in an Immokalee, Fla., that gathered at a local Catholic church. The group questioned why conditions were so brutal for people who traveled to work on farms. Benitez not only participated in the meetings, he took the lead and hasn’t looked back since, the release said.

Decades later, those early gatherings have grown into what is now the CIW’s Fair Food Program, which was established in the Florida tomato fields in which Benitez once worked. Today, the Fair Food Program is a thriving global endeavor that includes over a dozen crops in 10 states and three countries, including Chile and South Africa.

Related news: Fair Food Program, Chilean delegation take step in international expansion

In addition to being one of the earliest farmworker leaders in the Fair Food movement, Benitez played a critical role in the investigation of several slavery cases, helping to free over 700 workers in one case alone, according to the release.

Today he also works with consumer allies to organize national actions designed to bring pressure on the large retail purchasers of Florida produce to join the Fair Food Program. Currently, Benitez is one of the primary ambassadors in U.S. and international expansion of the Fair Food Program.

Honoring human rights champions with the Wallenberg Medal

“Lucas Benitez’s work with the CIW reflects the ongoing need for frontline advocates for vulnerable people in our society. This movement harnesses the economic influence of consumers to improve working conditions, labor practices and pay for farmworkers through its worker-led, market-enforced approach to the protection of human rights underlying corporate supply chains,” Sioban Harlow said in the release. Harlow serves as the chair of the Wallenberg Medal Selection Committee and is professor emerita of Epidemiology and Global Public Health at the University of Michigan.

The Wallenberg Medal honors the achievements of Raoul Wallenberg, who saved the lives of tens of thousands of Hungarian Jews during World War II. Wallenberg issued thousands of protective passports and placed tens of thousands of Jews in safe houses while confronting Hungarian and German forces to secure the release of Jews, whom he claimed were under Swedish protection. He ultimately saved more than 80,000 lives, according to the release.

Benitez will receive the 2023 Wallenberg Medal and deliver a lecture on CIW’s 30 years of achievements and the future of human rights for farmworkers on Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Rackham Auditorium at the University of Michigan.

International Fresh Produce Association reflects on year one

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 19:21:19 GMT

International Fresh Produce Association recently released its 2022 Year in Review, a reflection on the successes, priorities and member experiences through IFPA’s first year as an association.

“2022 will always be a special year to me,” IFPA CEO Cathy Burns said in a video address. “That’s the year that IFPA took flight.”

The review is a multimedia tour of association highlights and headlines celebrating all that the association has accomplished this year with the support of and on behalf of the industry and association members.

“More than 3,000 members around the world believed in a new vision for our industry,” Burns said in the video.

The year in review highlights IFPA’s events, research, awards and more, with a special focus on showcasing how IFPA has worked to deliver on the industry’s priorities this year.

2022 IFPA highlights include:

Launched a strong return to in-person events , including the Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando, Fla.
Ignited an active global network of 1,200 volunteers.
Recognized individuals and organizations advancing the fresh produce industry with eight awards of excellence.
Achieved policy milestones and furthered advocacy focused on nutrition, food safety, organics, supply chain, and workforce and immigration.
Published Fruit and Vegetable Moonshot , an eight-point U.S. nutrition strategy.
Hosted the Washington Conference to advance policy reach in Congress.
Merged Produce for Better Health with The Foundation for Fresh Produce.
Released several impactful research reports to support diverse member interests.
Offered research and thought leadership on topics such as food safety, science and technological trends.
Build coalitions, fostered new talent and represented members globally.

“The Year in Review is more than just proof of promises kept,” Burns said in a news release. “It is a testament to just how much the world needs our industry’s leadership, expertise, and products. Whether we were on stage at Consumer Technology Association’s CES, networking at the Southern Africa Conference in Cape Town, or sharing our Produce Moonshot with policymakers at the White House Conference, the power of produce and floral was clear — and we’re just getting started.”

The Year in Review is available on the IFPA website , and features highlights, images and headlines from IFPA’s first year.

SnackNation is sweet on Wonderful Pistachios honey roasted nuts

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:38:59 GMT

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.

Last year, Wonderful Pistachios, Los Angeles, received the recognition in the same category for it Roasted & Salted pistachios.

“Wonderful Pistachios No Shells makes it easy to enjoy this snack on the go, with the new flavors adding another delicious layer that’s sought-after and craved by consumers,” Adam Cooper, senior vice president of marketing for The Wonderful Co., said in the release. “We are honored to be recognized by SnackNation, and grateful that our commitment to quality led to Wonderful Pistachios being one of the nation’s most popular snacks.”

Wonderful introduced the honey roasted No Shells, along with a Chili Roasted flavor in the same line, in summer 2019. The flavored No Shells selections represent 20% of the company’s overall No Shells program, according to the release. More than 40% of consumers who buy the flavored No Shells are new to Wonderful Pistachios products.

Related stories:

Wonderful Pistachios No Shells flavors voted for Best Bite Awards

IFPA Awards of Excellence honors industry leaders

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 19:23:54 GMT

The International Fresh Produce Association celebrated industry award winners at its 2022 Global Produce & Floral Show.

The winners represent the best of the industry, having been nominated and selected by industry leaders and members, according to a news release.

Winners for the 2022 Awards of Excellence include:

The Frieda Rapoport Caplan Women’s Catalyst Award: Carrie Mack, apple and pear sourcing manager II for Walmart Sourcing

“Receiving this award is so meaningful to me,” Mack said in the release. “Having finally found a seat at the table and being comfortable using my voice, my joy now is finding strengths in others and giving them little nudges of encouragement to build their personal fuel. With enough of us cultivating, leaning in, and nudging each other along in a space where we can speak freely, think of all we can accomplish together.”

The Jay Pack Cultivating Our Future Award: Charles Olins, vice president of sales and marketing for Saco Foods

“This is all about the students and enabling them to reach their full potential, as they look for opportunities in the produce industry and begin their careers,” Olins said in the release. “It is a genuine privilege to be able to help students learn about our industry and develop their careers within it. I’m also aware that this is a mutually beneficial relationship. Over the years the students have challenged me to question why the industry and participants operate the way we do; this has often resulted in improvements in the way I and my colleagues perform.”

The Science and Technology Circle of Excellence Award: Verdant Technologies

“We are tremendously honored for Verdant Technologies and our HarvestHold solution to receive the IFPA Science & Technology Circle of Excellence Award,” Gordon Robertson, CEO of Verdant Technologies, said in the release. “Our goal is to bring nourishment to the world through innovative solutions that make a positive impact for our customers, the supply chain, and society. This award further validates the hard work of our team and the partnerships with our customers in the produce and floral industries that have helped bring our solution to market.”

Other awards recognized at the Global Produce & Floral Show included:

Advocate of the Year Award: DNO Produce, honored at the Washington Conference earlier this year.
Floral Marketer of the Year Award: Lane DeVries of Sun Valley Floral Farms
Retail Merchant Innovation Award winners:
- Brian Penfield, director of produce for Sendik’s Food Markets
- Jim Gaylord, category merchant for Wegmans Food Markets
- Barry Paul, produce sales manager for Shaw’s Supermarkets
- Jeff Mallory, vice president of produce for Hy-Vee
- Vic Savanello, regional vice president of produce and floral merchandising for SpartanNash
Produce Retail Manager Award winners:
- Tamra Barnes – Harps Food Store, Dexter, Mo.
- Joshua “Josh” Combs – Food City, Galax, Va.
- Javier Contreras – Sendik’s Food Market, Franklin, Wis.
- Carmen Dipiazza Jr. – Price Chopper, Guilderland, N.Y.
- Morgan Dodge – Pilgrim’s Market, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
- Tyler Doggett – Corner Market, Hattiesburg, Miss.
- Micah Fabrizio – Albertsons Safeway, Denver, Colo.
- Clint Fraze – New Seasons Market, Happy Valley, Ore.
- Lisa Graner – Coborn’s Inc., Bismarck, N.D.
- Mitchell “Mitch” John Hamelin – Longo Brothers Fruit Markets, Ajax, Ontario
- David Heetderks – SpartanNash’s Forest Hills Foods, Grand Rapids, Mich.
- Chris Jorgensen – Food Lion LLC, Gloucester, Va.
- Troy Kopriva – Hy-Vee Inc., Grimes, Iowa
- Grant Naylor – Macey’s, Providence, Utah
- Mohamad “Mo” Qadir – Harris-Teeter Super Markets, Purcellville, Va.
- Bridget Robin – Super One Foods, Opelousas, La.
- Alex Samario – Gelson’s Markets, Sante Fe Springs, Calif.
- Bob Smith – Mariano’s, Oak Lawn, Ill.
- Rich Spader – Big Y Foods Inc. – Derby, Conn.
- Douglas Storey – Tops Friendly Markets, North Tonawanda, N.Y.
- Michelle Tarwater – Fred Meyer Stores, Inc., Issaquah, Wash.
- Donald “Don” Eugene Uttley – Mount Royal Market, Duluth, Minn.
- Dan Villone – Brookshire Grocery Company, Kilgore, Texas
- Calvin “The Goat” Yednak – JEWEL-OSCO, Munster, Ind.
- William “Will” Yontz – The Giant Company, Martinsburg, W.Va.

Learn more about the IFPA award winners and recognitions.

10 produce picks named in Kitchn’s Grocery Essentials spotlight

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 13:27:29 GMT

Swoon-worthy produce performed strong in Kitchn’s roundup of grocery store staples. The food and cooking site known for clever recipes, grocery hacks and home-cooking inspiration shone a spotlight on 10 of its top produce aisle picks in its annual “Kitchn’s 2022 Grocery Essentials .”

From cult-favorite Sumos to “tiny, delicate and perfectly cupped” Organicgirl Little Gems lettuce, produce favorites highlighted by Kitchn editors were as diverse as the category. Among top produce picks was NatureFresh’s addictively snackable, tiny tomatoes, Tomz Tomberry Tomatoes, as well as Frieda’s earthy-rich, versatile workhorse, the Stokes organic purple sweet potato. Two additional Frieda’s fresh produce products – the tart, punchy Popjoys Kumquats and juicy Rambas Rambutans – also made this year’s list.

“Being recognized with four awards is the proof point that our new branding is breaking through and speaking to consumers,” Cindy Sherman, senior director of marketing, insights & innovation at Frieda’s, said in a news release. “The Kitchn inspires better, healthier and more delicious eating for the consumers who follow them, so to be recognized for our products that do the same fills our hearts in every way.”

Also at the top of the Kitchn editors’ list was the Envy apple. Envy was selected not only because of its “totally crisp and the right amount of sweet” flavor, but also for its slow to oxidize flesh, making the apple a portable, sliced fruit favorite.

“Envy apples continue to shine. The superior taste, reliably crisp bite and sweet juiciness ensures they are a regular item in customers’ shopping lists, and this is validated by winning Kitchen Essentials’ prestigious Grocery Edition awards as a must-have item.” Cecilia Flores Paez, T&G Global’s head of marketing for North America, said in a news release.

Kitchn’s 2022 Grocery Essentials Produce products recognized:

Lettuce – Organicgirl Little Gems;
Salad kit – Aldi’s Little Salad Bar Southwest Chopped Salad Kit;
Mandarin oranges – Sumo Citrus;
Apples – Envy Apples;
Tomatoes – NatureFresh TomZ Tomberry Tomatoes;
Pickles – Grillo’s Pickles Italian Dill;
Blueberries – Wyman’s Frozen Wild Blueberries;
Sweet potatoes – Stokes Organic Purple Sweet Potato;
Kumquats – Popjoys Kumquats; and
Rambutans – Rambas Rambutans.

Kitchn shares inspiration for the food its readers want to eat. The site receives over 439 million monthly impressions across its website, email campaigns and social media channels. Check out the 2022 Grocery Essentials list at https://www.thekitchn.com/.

Photos: National Potato Council's 2023 Washington Summit

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:40:36 GMT

WASHINGTON — On the first night of the National Potato Council’s 2023 Washington Summit, U.S. potato growers and industry members mingled, held an annual meeting and celebrated key members with awards and honors.

Here are some of the moments:

RJ Andrus (left) succeeds Jared Balcom as NPC’s president for 2023. “I hope that I can do it as well as the rest of the presidents have,” Andrus said. “During Jared’s tenure, we made some great strides. And I’m grateful I can count on him and others this year.”

Dan Lake (left) of Lake Seed Inc. in Ronan, Mont., and past NPC president Ben De Jonge of Manhattan, Mont., mingled at the reception Feb. 27.

Jared Balcom awards the NPC executive committee special pocket handkerchiefs as a humorous gift.

Lynn Wilcox (from left) and Julie Wilcox of Floyd Wilcox & Sons Inc. in Rexburg, Idaho, and Karlene Hardy and past president Randy Hardy of Hardy Farms Inc. in Oakley, Idaho, chatted before the annual meeting.

Matt Lantz received the Gold Potato Award from 2022 NPC President Jared Balcom.

Mrs. Potato Head sat besides the registration materials at the National Potato Council’s Washington Summit.

Attendance was good at the 2023 NPC opening reception for the Washington Summit.

Enter The Packer and PMG's Stay Cool for the Summer giveaway

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 12:56:13 GMT

This July, The Packer and Produce Market Guide have teamed up to host a summer giveaway!

To enter for your chance to win a gift pack that includes a Stanley tumbler, Bluetooth speaker, and portable fan/mister, follow @thepacker and @producemktguide on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or Linkedin and tag at least one of your coolest fresh industry colleagues in a comment on the giveaway post on The Packer or Produce Market Guide.

Entries will be accepted from July 24-31, 2023, so enter now to ensure nothing but cool vibes for the rest of the summer.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Packer (@packernews)

The Packer to present Produce Retailer of the Year, Produce Marketer of the Year awards at IFPA global show

Mon, 09 Oct 2023 21:13:12 GMT

The Packer and PMG invite attendees of the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce and Floral Show to join us Oct. 20 as we present this year’s Produce Retailer of the Year and Produce Marketer of the Year awards at 2 p.m., in booth No. 2937.

For the last 26 years, the Produce Retailer of the Year award has been presented to retail produce professionals who are proven leaders, innovators and collaborators. This year we recognize Joseph Bunting , produce business director for United Supermarkets of Lubbock, Texas.

Bunting, who has worked for United Supermarkets for more than 30 years, is credited with modernizing the stores’ produce merchandising sets, among other accolades.

The Produce Marketer of the Year and Marketer for All Seasons awards, which date back to 1972, are bestowed upon leaders from various segments of the industry whose work has furthered the fresh produce sector’s interests in marketing fruits and vegetables.

This year we honor Bart Minor, president and chief executive officer of the Mushroom Council, who has led the organization for over 20 years, during which he has focused on raising mushrooms’ market share and advocating research to build awareness of the health benefits of mushrooms.

Related: Meet the 2023 Produce Retailer of the Year

Rod Braga named Grower of the Year

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:46:31 GMT

Longtime organic grower Rod Braga will be honored at the 2023 Organic Grower Summit as the recipient of the sixth annual Grower of the Year award.

Braga, the president and CEO of Braga Fresh , was selected based on his commitment and dedication to excellence in organic production, organic industry leadership and innovation, according to a news release.

“We are honored to present the annual Grower of the Year award to Rod Braga — truly a grower’s grower,” Organic Produce Network CEO Matt Seeley said in the release. “His decades-long work exemplifies what hardworking, passionate organic farming means to the success of his family farm and to California agriculture.”

Braga has worked tirelessly to encourage natural methods for pest control, water conservation and always found ways to share information about those practices with other organic farmers, the release said. His dedication to the environment and community is what makes the organic sector special and makes him so deserving of the title of Grower of the Year, Seely said in the release.

The Grower of the Year award will be presented to Braga as part of the keynote presentation at the Organic Grower Summit on Nov. 29-30 at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa in Monterey, Calif.

Related news: Retailer to purchase Braga Fresh regenerative trial crop

Braga grew up in his family’s multigenerational farming business, starting his first job on the home ranch at 8 years old. After graduating from Saint Mary’s College of California with a degree in business administration, he joined the company now known as Braga Fresh full time in 1990. Over the years, he’s helped it expand into today’s operation, which features multiple large-scale growing, processing and shipping locations in California, according to the release.

A leader in organic produce production, Braga is a board member of the Western Growers Association and former board member of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California. Additionally, he was a founding board member of Pacific Valley Bank in Monterey County and former board member of Natividad Hospital in Salinas, Calif., according to the release.

The Grower of the Year award will be presented to Braga by Cale Sledge, AGCO’s regional sales director. Previous winners of the award include Jeff Huckaby, CEO of Grimmway Farms (2022); Vic Smith, CEO of JV Smith Co. (2021); the Lundberg Family (2019); Thaddeus Barsotti of Capay Organic (2018); and Vernon Peterson of Peterson Family Farms (2017).

The sixth annual Organic Grower Summit, presented by Western Growers and the Organic Produce Network, is designed to provide information vital to organic growers and producers, including an overview of the opportunities and challenges in the production of organic fresh food, the release said.

Food Lion names Store Manager of the Year

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 18:09:37 GMT

Food Lion has named Isaac Smalls as its 2023 Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Award winner. Smalls was selected from a group of more than 1,100 store managers throughout Food Lion’s 10-state operating area, according to a news release.

Named after one of Food Lion’s founders, the awards recognize and honor exceptional store managers who enrich the lives of customers, associates and the communities they serve, the company says.

“I am truly honored to receive this honor and represent the Southern Division. It gives me the ultimate sense of pride and accomplishment,” Smalls said in the release. “No matter where your journey begins, strive to be the best at what you’re doing, as bigger and better opportunities will await you here at Food Lion.”

In addition to Smalls being selected as Food Lion’s 2023 Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Award winner, four other store managers were recognized for exceptional leadership and honored as 2023 Divisional Store Manager Excellence Award recipients. They include:

Mid-Atlantic Division — Angela Robinson, 238 Pritchard Road, Clayton, N.C.
Northern Division — Jay Moaveni, 130 Duella Dr., Inwood, W. Va.
Central Division — Patrick Burns, 3680 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia, N.C.
Richmond/Norfolk — Jeff Salmon, 11010 Kentucky Road, Mineral, Va.

In recognition of Smalls’ impact on his community, Food Lion says it will donate 20,000 meals in his name to Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist in Bishopville, S.C., through the retailer’s hunger relief platform, Food Lion Feeds.

Food Lion said Smalls joined the company in 2008 as a bagger and has held multiple roles leading up to store manager, in which he now leads a team of nearly 95 associates. Smalls says an exceptional store manager is a leader who listens, communicates effectively, leads by example, possesses the ability to adapt to change and brings out the best in others, the release said.

Smalls is also passionate about being able to provide the local community with adequate nutrition every day, according to the release, and he believes a successful life starts with the nutrients that Food Lion provides. He and his staff have partnered with the local sheriff’s department, local food banks and NAACP of Columbia.

“Isaac’s leadership is a testament to the positive influence a store manager can have on associates, customers, and the towns and cities they serve,” Meg Ham, president of Food Lion, said in the release. “Our store managers are the heartbeat of Food Lion. They foster a culture of care and belonging that helps their associates thrive and their communities flourish. I am proud to recognize these five leaders and deeply appreciate all they do to bring our brand, strategy and culture to life while nourishing families and setting them up for success in life.”

Nature Fresh Farms earns honors for packaging design

Wed, 07 Feb 2024 15:49:22 GMT

Leamington, Ontario-based Nature Fresh Farms was honored for the company’s packaging design at this year’s PAC Global Awards competition.

Nature Fresh Farms received “Best in Class” honors for its HallowYoom and the Award of Distinction for its Organic Greenhouse Berries in the “Package Innovation Design — Labels” category, according to a news release.

“To see our design and marketing team be recognized for what we’ve always known is industry excellence is extremely rewarding,” Matt Quiring, senior vice president of sales and marketing, said in the release. “Internally we recognize and celebrate the talent on our team, but for them to be celebrated by the industry is another level of success we believe our team is incredibly deserving of.”

For the award-winning HallowYoom label, Nature Fresh Farms’ design team put a seasonal Halloween spin on the company’s Yoom tomato. The Yoom, which is traditionally marketed to the tomato enthusiast for its range of flavor from savory to fresh with a hint of plum-like sweetness, was transformed into a Halloween enthusiast’s delight, the release said.

Celebrating the two-bite tomato’s unique black color and “eerie-sistible” flavor, the design team leaned into the season on label, showcasing Halloween-inspired recipes and language that wowed on the shelf and enticed consumer purchases, according to the release.

The Organic Greenhouse Berries showcases communication excellence on pack, the release said. Icons and text highlight to the benefits of greenhouse-grown berries to shoppers in a simplistic and engaging way, while simultaneously showcasing the product quality, Nature Fresh Farms said.

“Enticing consumers to pick up your product is the first step to ensuring any product’s success, and more often than not, what entices a consumer to pick up your product is the packaging,” Quiring said in the release. “We invest in marketing strategies that lend themselves to exciting packaging and approachable language on pack that drive consumer trial, because while we know we can gain consumer loyalty and repeat purchase with the flavor our products offer, we first have to get our products into the hands of consumers, and packaging helps us do that.”

Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 19:39:28 GMT

Fresh Del Monte has been named to the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2024 list by Newsweek for the third consecutive year. The company ranked No. 8 in the Food and Beverage category for consumer, investor and employee trust, up from Nos. 13 and 14 in 2022 and 2023, respectively, according to a news release.

Presented by Newsweek and Statista Inc., the award recognizes companies in 23 industries, according to U.S. residents’ evaluations.

Honorees were identified in an independent survey based on a sample of approximately 25,000 U.S. residents who rated companies they know based on four viewpoints: general, customer, investor and employee, the release said. Newsweek looked at a pool of 3,400 U.S.-based companies, 1,900 publicly held and 1,500 privately held, with revenues over $500 million.

“This award shows the dedication and hard work of our global team members and their commitment to the company, our customers, consumers, and investors,” Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO of Fresh Del Monte, said in the release. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every one of our team members for their invaluable contributions, passion, and hard work. Building a trustworthy company is an extraordinary team effort and I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together.”

The vertically integrated producer, distributor and marketer of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables recently won the 2023 Food Safety and Quality Award, which recognizes a company that has several innovative initiatives in the realm of food safety, including technological innovation, sustainability and traceability, and quality assurance and process improvements.

Fresh Del Monte says it prioritizes listening to its customers and consumers to create value-added products and that it prides itself on producing and distributing nutritious, healthy products that delight consumers, sustainably.

In 2023, the company partnered with the World Wildlife Fund to improve its regenerative agriculture practices. Fresh Del Monte also won a 2023 SEAL Business Sustainability Award for its reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across its agricultural value chain.

The company says it introduced reusable plastic containers for bananas, an invention that aims to transform industry standards for the leading fruit in fresh produce, while significantly reducing food waste, carbon emissions and operational costs.

Masser Family of Companies wins product innovation award

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 15:12:18 GMT

Masser Family of Companies, a grower-packer-shipper of potatoes in Schuylkill County, Pa., says its Side Delights Amazables potato product line recently won the 2024 Award for Excellence for product innovation from the Northeast Pennsylvania Manufacturers and Employers Association.

Masser Family of Companies also won the Employer Product Innovation Award from the National Association of Manufacturers and the NEPA Manufacturers and Employers Association for its Side Delights Amazables potato product line, according to a news release.

Launched in March , Amazables is an oven-crispy-skin style, microwavable U.S. No. 1 grade russet potato available with two custom Litehouse sauces offering complementary flavors, including Loaded Potato sauce with cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream and chives and Buffalo Ranch sauce with creamy ranch dressing, classic Buffalo sauce and a hint of celery.

Amazables potatoes are wrapped in film using Krisp Film technology that shrinks around the potato in the microwave and cooks in only six minutes. The film is No. 1 recyclable that safely remains cool to the touch after microwaving while keeping the potato inside hot, the release said.

“We are thrilled that the Masser Family of Companies received recognition for the product innovation of Amazables!,” Kathleen Triou, president and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network, said in the release. “The Krisp Film Technology crisps the potato skin while the inside cooks up drier and fluffier — more like an oven-baked potato.”

Lela Reichart, Masser Family of Companies’ vice president of new business development, accepted the awards at a ceremony and dinner May 7 at the Mt. Valley Clubhouse in Barnesville, Pa. Reichart also received a certificate of achievement from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for Masser Family of Companies’ impact on the community and economic development, consistently demonstrating excellence in advanced manufacturing and setting a benchmark for innovation, leadership and sustainable practices, and a certificate of special congressional recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives, the release said.

“We are honored to receive recognition for such an innovative product from an esteemed organization,” Reichart said. “MFC is proud to be a partner in the Fresh Solutions Network and to be a Gold level member of the regional Northeast Manufacturing Association.”

Related: Side Delights to launch Amazables product line at SEPC show

Nature Fresh Farms touts greenhouse competition wins

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 12:18:55 GMT

Leamington, Ontario-based Nature Fresh Farms said it took home several top awards at the 17th annual Leamington Greenhouse Competitions for its peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and berries.

“We’re always working on enhancing the consumers eating experience through growing unique and exclusive varieties that challenge the standard varieties in the market and help differentiate the product offerings for retail and foodservice partners,” Matt Quiring, vice president of sales and marketing for Nature Fresh Farms, said in a news release. “These awards serve to highlight that the effort our team puts into everything from seed selection to consumer trials helps us to continue to deliver superior products.”

Nature Fresh Farms said it took accolades in the following categories:

Chef’s Choice — English Cuke.
Chef’s Choice — Organic Red Bell Pepper.
Chef’s Choice — Roma on the Vine.
First place — Orange Bell Pepper.
First Place — Roma on the Vine.
First Place — Cocktail Tomato.

The company said it also took home awards for the following products:

Sweet S’NAPS.
Blackberries.
Orange cherry on the vine tomatoes.
Hiiros tomatoes.
Razzes raspberries.
Tomatoes on the vine.
Mini cukes.

The annual competition supports R.E.A.C.H International, which mobilizes resources to support underprivileged children and families in Uganda and Africa, according to the release.

Oppy honored again as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies

Wed, 10 May 2023 20:31:19 GMT

Vancouver, British Columbia-based Oppy has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 22nd time.

In addition, Oppy is in the program’s Platinum Club for the 16th year, according to a news release.

To attain Canada’s Best Managed Companies standing, candidates apply annually and go through a rigorous assessment led by a multidisciplinary judging panel. Companies are evaluated on their level of maturity on four core pillars: strategy, commitment, capability and financials. Oppy has been chosen every year since it first applied in 2001, according to the release.

“It’s a particularly profound year to be honored for this award,” John Anderson, chair, CEO and managing partner for Oppy, said in the release. “As we’ve glimpsed back on 20 years of expect the world from us, we’ve also really honed in on what lies ahead. Being a Canada’s Best Managed company through the entire life of our brand promise proves that the heart of Oppy is beating strong, and the clarity of expectations we have for ourselves, and others have of us, will auspiciously guide our way into the future.”

New this year, applicants were awarded bonus points for demonstrating leading-edge practices in the realms of ESG (environmental, social and governance) initiatives, with particular attention on reducing gas emissions, limiting waste, improving energy efficiency and cultivating diversity, the release said. Outlining its sustainability achievements and roadmap in the first edition of its sustainability report, “Expect the world from us,” Oppy outlined its accomplishments and vision for the future to the judges.

This recognition follows Oppy’s Canadian distinctions for 2023, including BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures along with the induction of Anderson into the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame at the end of this month, the release said.

West Pak Avocado takes home 3 ADDY Awards

Tue, 16 May 2023 14:50:32 GMT

West Pak Avocado, a California-based grower, packer and avocado distributor, won three ADDY wins at the San Diego 2022 American Advertising Awards.

The company’s “100% Avo-Focused” launch campaign took bronze for ADDY’s Integrated Advertising Campaign of the Year award, while westpakavocado.com won silver for the 2022 Mobile Website of the Year honor and West Pak’s B2B newsletter campaigns earned bronze honors for Email Newsletter of the Year award, according to a news release.

One of the largest competitions of its kind, the American Advertising Awards — also called the ADDY awards — attracts nearly 35,000 submissions each year. The “100% Avo-Focused” campaign, website and newsletters were produced by the Visual Content Agency of San Diego in partnership with West Pak Avocado’s sales and marketing team, along with collaborative efforts by Purely Visual Communications and others, the release said.

“West Pak is thrilled about the wins and is honored to have collaborated with Visual Content Agency on such insightful projects. It’s great to see creativity flourish and the efforts of the team recognized within the advertising industry,” West Pak Avocado Senior Marketing Manager George Henderson said in the release.

Launching the 100% Avo-Focused campaign

The 100% Avo-Focused campaign was unveiled at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Flower Show in late October 2022. The website went live at the same time, while the B2B newsletters from the West Pak sales and marketing team were deployed monthly.

Related news: World avocado growth far from over, Rabobank report says

This year the 100% Avo-Focused campaign will continue as a forward-facing video series covering West Pak’s industry-leading offerings. According to the release, the video series highlights West Pak’s customer experience, commission-driven partnerships, sustainability efforts and network of U.S. facilities and branded bagged products, including Party Pak, California Gold, and Lil’ Cados.

The campaign also focuses on the value-adds West Pak provides, such customer relations, branding and packaging, category and sales support, and customized campaigns.

Completing the series, “Avo 101 Tours” videos will offer an in-depth look into the avocado industry and provide an immersive, educational experience for West Pak’s customers inside the company’s facilities, according to the release

“As the popularity of the avocado continues to soar, our team faces the challenge of developing effective marketing strategies to promote this beloved fruit. We are honored to be a part of the avocado phenomenon and to contribute to its growing success,” Visual Content Agency co-founder and Creative Director Vincent Apodaca said in the release.

“The avocado is a special force in the produce industry, and each year our team’s mission is to increase West Pak’s global reach through strategic content and messaging that tells the fruit’s desirability in a unique way,” Visual Content Agency co-founder and Director of Strategy Amy Hadrys said in the release.

The 100% Avo-Focused campaign will continue throughout 2023 and can be found at westpakavocado.com and on West Pak’s social media.

IFPA honors standout exhibitors at the 2023 Foodservice Conference

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 14:03:10 GMT

International Fresh Produce Association celebrated four standout winners at its Foodservice Conference Expo on July 28.

“The energy on the floor this year was unmatched,” IFPA Director of Trade Shows Kyle McMillan said in a news release. “Much of that was influenced by the passion, creativity and excitement brought by our many exhibitors. We are so happy to be able to celebrate a few of these exhibitors who stood out to our judges. Congratulations to our winners and to all our exhibitors who made the judging such a difficult job.”

The annual contest highlights Best of Show winners (first and second place) as well as Best Product Promo winner. Foodservice award-winning chefs also chose the winner of the new Chef’s Choice Award. Booths are judged on staff performance (engagement, professionalism and communication), booth attraction, and products and messaging delivery, the release said.

“Our exhibitors are a critical part of growing produce consumption through foodservice,” McMillan said. “As always, we’re floored by the creativity, the passion and the fun our exhibitors have sharing their products each year in Monterey.”

This year the exhibitors were encouraged to get creative and showcase innovative ways to incorporate produce into their menus. The Chef’s Choice Award was judged by the winning chefs of the Excellence in Foodservice Award. The chefs loved exploring the floor, walking away with a list of new menu ideas, and were able to provide real menu-developer feedback to the exhibitors, according to the release.

Best of Show (first place): Rijk Zwaan

“We had a wonderful experience at the Foodservice Conference this year. There was a buzz in the air, and you could feel the energy walking through the show floor. Encouraging exhibitors to have tastings in their booth lifted the bar and everyone came out to play,” Alyssa Wilson, Rijk Zwaan’s marketing communication specialist, said in the release. “It felt amazing to win Best in Show! We wanted to create a colorful space to show the many possibilities of cauliflower. We received great feedback on our white Romanesco and green and purple varieties. We are excited to see what comes of all the interest!”

Best of Show (second place): Sun Orchard

“The opportunity to exhibit in the Foodservice Conference, meet with customers, connect with old friends or make new ones in Monterey is always amazing! To me it’s a vital part of who we are as ‘foodservice people,’ we want to create an experience, a memory, an opportunity for people to connect with each other and build relationships,” Sun Orchard Chief Commercial Officer Jeff DeBoer said in the release. “It always feels good to win, no doubt. We have a great team that wanted to create a fun environment where they could connect with customers. I am very proud of them and happy they were recognized.”

Best Product Promo: Califresh — Fresh Green Chickpea Hummus

“This show was, as always, a success in that we love to see the positive reactions to the flavor profile and unique texture using Fresh Green Chickpeas gives to our hummus,” TJ Risco, Califresh vice president of sales and marketing, said in the release. “What we didn’t expect was to hear our name announced as the 2023 Best Product Promo award winners! This was a great way to wrap up this year’s conference, and it gave us great joy to be recognized! We invite all to visit our booth next year, where ‘Good Taste Always Matters!’”

Chef’s Choice: Ocean Mist Farms — Baby artichoke risotto

“The IFPA Foodservice Conference is one of our favorite events each year. It’s our industry’s only conference that focuses on and connects the foodservice channel with the fresh produce business. The conference attracts the very best foodservice distributors and operators in the industry. And the relaxed, yet professional atmosphere of the conference gives us plenty of time for quality engagement with our customers and potential customers,” Joe Angelo, Ocean Mist Farms director of sales, said in the release. “When it comes to fresh artichokes, we know that many consumers will taste artichokes for the first time in restaurants, so we see our foodservice customers as a vital partner in expanding awareness of — and appreciation for — fresh artichokes.”

The next IFPA Foodservice Conference is scheduled for July 25-26, 2024, in Monterey, Calif., according to the release.

FoodShot challenge offers $575,000 to fund water research in ag

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:05:40 GMT

While water plays a critical role in food systems, it is increasingly becoming scarce for land-based agriculture, and over-fishing and climate change threaten the ability of the world’s oceans to produce food. The Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research and FoodShot Global — an investment platform that working toward a healthier, more sustainable and equitable food system — are offering a new prize focusing on water, according to a news release.

FoodShot’s fourth challenge, Water: The Essential Input, is investing in innovations that protects and conserves water as an essential limited resource, the release said. FFAR is contributing up to $200,000, which is being matched for a total of up to $575,000 to support pioneering water research through FoodShot’s GroundBreaker Prize, according to the release.

“Water and sustainable agriculture are inexorably linked,” LaKisha Odom, FFAR soil health scientific program director, said in the release. “FFAR is honored to partner with FoodShot Global to invest in research to protect our water cycle, which is threatened by climate change and pollution that is causing water for land-based agriculture to be scarce and our oceans less productive.”

This year’s GroundBreaker Prize will invest in entrepreneurs, researchers or advocates whose research improves and protects water use for aquatic and land-based food and agriculture. It also provides the recipients guidance, mentorship and resources to maximize the impact and scale of their research, according to the release.

FoodShot’s challenge seeks to fund research that has the potential for scale and impact and considers how water cycles interact with the three previous FoodShot challenges, related to soil health, precision protein and bioactive foods. According to the release, the challenge seeks solutions to address:

Mitigating and adapting to the multiple threats of climate change on the water cycle as related to food production.
Overuse and contamination of water that impacts food production, ecosystems, biodiversity and human health.
Disruptions to water cycles connecting land- and water-based systems.
Unsustainable aquatic food production (overfishing or damaging water-based farming).
Equitable access to aquatic foods and wealth creation for indigenous and low-income coastal communities that are especially affected by climate change.

“We see common ailments facing both land-based and water-based food systems — extractive practices that deplete natural resources, loss of biodiversity and pollution — and climate change looms as a threat multiplier,” Sara Eckhouse, Foodshot Global’s executive director, said in the release. “We’re looking for those bold ideas, innovative companies and groundbreaking individuals that can shift the paradigm.”

Applications are due Dec. 1, 2023. See more information and apply at foodshot.org .

Mush Foods launches restaurant-ready mushroom root blends

Fri, 12 Jan 2024 18:57:02 GMT

Mush Foods says its new 50Cut line of chef-crafted mushroom root blends help improve nutrition and sustainability in ground beef, poultry and fish dishes. This U.S. launch follows last year’s introduction for restaurants in Israel.

“We’re grateful for the enthusiastic and early recognition we’ve received and are thrilled to launch a line of outstanding mushroom root blends we think chefs will love,” AJ Schaller, culinary director for Mush Foods, said in the release. “The Mush Foods team has unearthed an epicurean treasure, poised to solve some of our most pressing environmental challenges in a stunningly simple and seamless way. We’ve crafted a product that can help reduce meat consumption while enhancing flavor, juiciness and yields.”

Mush Foods raised $6.2 million in seed funding in 2023 and was named a Grow-NY Food and Agricultural Business Competition winner, demonstrating readiness to help transform the U.S. foodservice and restaurant industry by helping reduce meat consumption, according to the release. The company says chefs swapping the 50Cut mushroom root blends into recipes, in place of some of the meat, can seamlessly enhance flavor and nutritional value, while improving cost and reducing the environmental impact in every dish.

“To be a category leader in this space, a company must provide great flavor, price parity and nutritional value,” Yael Alroy, partner at Viola Ventures, said in the release. “Mush Foods stands out in its ability to meet all three.”

Mush Foods says it enters the market at a pivotal moment as nearly 1 in 4 consumers say they are attempting to cut back on meat. The ground meat category is estimated at $600 billion, a $94 billion industry in the U.S. alone, while plant-based meat alternatives represent just 1.5% of the category, according to the release. Mush Foods says it is offering the market a flavor-first ingredient that gives chefs the culinary flexibility to meet evolving consumer needs.

“The support of visionary investors propelled our entry to market, enabling us to empower restaurants and foodservices purveyors to address urgent supply and environmental needs with groundbreaking and great tasting menu options,” Mush Foods CEO Shalom Daniel said in the release.

Texas International Produce Association adds 5 to hall of fame

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 18:00:20 GMT

The Texas International Produce Association will induct five distinguished individuals to its Texas Produce Hall of Fame.

The event, which recognizes outstanding leaders who have significantly contributed to the betterment of the produce industry in Texas, is scheduled for Jan. 29 at the Mission Events Center in Mission, Texas, according to a news release.

The 2024 Texas Produce Hall of Fame inductees include:

Danny Arnold, AW Produce — In remembrance of his contributions to the industry, the association will posthumously honor Arnold.
James Bassetti, Little Bear Produce — Renowned for his decades-long dedication to excellence and innovation in the produce industry, the association said Bassetti is a well-respected figure whose contributions have left a lasting impact.
Bruce Frasier, Dixondale Farms — The association said it will honor Frasier for his efforts in advancing the onion industry. TIPA said Frasier’s leadership and commitment to positive change have made a significant mark on the agricultural landscape.
Frank Schuster, Val Verde Vegetable Co. — A leader in quality and a driving force behind the success of Val Verde Vegetable Co., TIPA said Schuster’s commitment to excellence has set a benchmark for others in the industry.
Bernie Thiel, Sunburst Farms — TIPA said it recognizes Thiel for his outstanding contributions to the produce community. His commitment to sustainable farming practices and community engagement has made him a respected and influential figure, the release said.

Additionally, the association said it will present Jim Henderson of Jim Henderson Co. with its Scott Toothaker Award for his dedication and service as a partner to the industry. The Scott Toothaker Award, established in 1989, honors individuals not directly involved in production agriculture who have made immense contributions to the industry, according to the release.

New Jersey grower wins National Outstanding Young Farmer Award

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 15:24:08 GMT

New Jersey’s 2024 Outstanding Young Farmer Byron DuBois, of Salem County, was selected as a national winner at the 2024 National Outstanding Young Farmers Awards Congress held recently in Ferndale, Wash.

DuBois, with the support of his wife Karen, co-owns and operates Spring Brook Farms in Pittsgrove along with his father, Henry, according to a news release.

Byron DuBois was one of four national winners selected from a group of 10 finalists for the award based on their progress in an agricultural career, the extent of soil and water conservation practices and contributions to the well-being of the community, state and nation, according to the release.

“It was a whirlwind of emotions this past week as Karen and I were blessed to represent New Jersey and Spring Brook Farms at the Outstanding Farmers of America Congress as a top 10 national finalist of their National Outstanding Young Farmers program,” he said in the release. “All of the couples are amazing people and all well-deserved of their recognition. We were honored and humbled to have been chosen as one of the top four. It really could have been anyone in this great class of 2024.”

DuBois, a seventh-generation farmer, gave credit to his family for Spring Brook’s success.

“I want to thank my parents, Henry and Marlene, for all the opportunities and support,” he said. “My sister, Crystal, for her hard work and dedication to the farm; my cousin, Steve, for always being there no matter what time of day; and every one of the Spring Brook Farms family current and past. Without these hard-working dedicated people, we could not do what we do. I am looking forward to growing lifelong friendships with the NOYF Class of 2024 as well as the many other members of the [Outstanding Farmers of America].”

National winners will receive a cash award from the Outstanding Farmers of America, and all finalists are presented the opportunity to travel to Washington. D.C., during National Ag Week in 2025, according to the release. In addition, all 2024 finalist registrants will be covered for their attendance at the 2025 National Outstanding Farmer Congress.

“The work Byron and his family have done over the past several years made them an exemplary candidate and we are proud they were recognized nationally with this honor,” NJDA Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Joe Atchison III said in the release. “Byron’s passion for agriculture and vision for his family’s operation has made Spring Brook one of the outstanding farms in New Jersey as well as being a shining example to other farms in our state and the country.”

DuBois learned many intricacies of the business from his father. By the time he was a teenager, Byron DuBois was operating equipment for spinach harvest, combining grain and harvesting green beans, the release said. The primary crops grown on the more than 4,000 acres owned by DuBois and his father include carryover spinach, spring spinach, fall spinach, winter spinach, sweet corn, tomatoes, field corn, soybeans and wheat.

Throughout the years, DuBois has led the farm’s efforts to become more efficient in many facets of the operation, the release said. This includes upgrading equipment for quicker spinach and tomato harvests and using GPS technology for more precise planting, harvesting and treatment methods. The farm also uses detailed mapping information to find specific soil types in fields, which in turn has led to more economical use of fertilizers and irrigation, the release said.

The DuBois farm participates in the USDA’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and the Natural Resources Conservation Service Irrigation Water Management Programs, which have helped reduce soil erosion to allow water to drain from fields without soil disturbance, according to the release.

The National Outstanding Young Farmer program is the oldest farmer recognition program in the U.S., with the first group of national winners selected in 1955, according to the release. The program’s goals are to foster better urban-rural relations through the understanding of farmers’ challenges, as well as the appreciation of their contributions and achievements; to bring about a greater interest in farmers and ranchers; and to help build an urban awareness of the farmers’ importance and impact on the U.S. economy.

The program is sponsored by Deere & Co., administered by the Outstanding Farmers of America Fraternity and supported by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, the National Association of Conservation Districts and the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce, the release said.

Albertsons wins Webby Award for app

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 19:38:15 GMT

Albertsons has won “People’s Voice” honors for best shopping and retail app in the 28th annual Webby Awards.

The company added meal plans and recipe tools in its grocery app in the fall.

“We are thrilled and honored that so many of our customers and associates voted for Albertsons to win this Webby award which is truly a testament to our Customers for Life strategy,” Jill Pavlovich, senior vice president of digital shopping experience at Albertsons, said in a news release. “At Albertsons, we place the customer at the center of everything we do, and this is especially important as we continue to develop our digital shopping experience. Thank you to our Digital Team for their hard work and dedication to transforming Albertsons from a traditional grocery retailer into a best-in-class omnichannel experience.”

The company says its app boasts more than 10 million active visitors each month and has a 4.8 rating in the app store. Recent introductions include the meal plan and recipes tool, Flash 30-minute grocery pickup and delivery and a simplified U Loyalty program.

“The Albertsons Cos. digital team has been diligently focused on enhancing our mobile app to connect and transform online and in-store shopping,” Jatin Pahuja, group vice president, app, site and UX at Albertsons, said in the release. “Omnichannel shoppers expect personalized service regardless of how they shop. Our mapping of key customer moments across their shopping journey acts as the north star in our digital experience transformation. Winning the People’s Voice Webby Award is an exciting achievement and a recognition of the team’s inspired work.”

The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, an international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet. Albertsons will be honored at the 28th Annual Webby Awards commemoration in New York City on May 13, the release said.

Wonderful’s new pistachio flavor receives two snack awards

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 21:07:49 GMT

Wonderful Pistachios’ no shells Sea Salt & Pepper has now received two snack awards since its launch in March.

Good Housekeeping magazine named the product a winner of the “2023 Best Snack Awards” in the Nuts, Seeds & Legumes category.

According to the award description, Wonderful’s pistachios “packs all the essential amino acids and still tastes great.” Testers also appreciated that the snack was already shelled, “which made for easy snacking on the go.”

Related news: Wonderful Pistachios Sea Salt & Pepper flavor is coming out of its shell

The Good Housekeeping award was determined by the magazine’s in-house registered dietitian and team of food and nutrition experts who search for the market’s best new and healthy snacks. Additionally, according to the magazine’s website, consumer testers weighed in on taste and provided real-life analysis.

Delicious Living magazine also awarded Wonderful Pistachio’s newest no shells flavor a gold distinction in the Savory Snack category for the publication’s 2023 Best Bite Awards.

Chosen by consumers and natural health retailers, this award is bestowed upon all-natural food products that prioritize flavor and natural ingredients.

The Packer seeking nominations for 2023 Apple Person of the Year

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 15:20:07 GMT

The Packer is calling for nominations for the 2023 Apple Person of the Year.

The award will be presented at the U.S. Apple Association’s 2023 Apple Crop Outlook and Marketing Conference , set for Aug. 17-18 in Chicago.

The award, first presented by The Packer in 1964, recognizes an individual who has shown leadership and commitment to the advancement of the apple industry. Recent recipients include:

2022: Phil Glaize Jr., owner of Glaize Apples, Winchester, Va.
2021: Washington apple grower Sean Gilbert.
2020: Kaari Stannard, owner and president of New York Apple Sales, Glenmont, N.Y.

To nominate an industry leader, email news@thepacker.com or jstrailey@thepacker.com with answers to these questions.

Who do you nominate for The Packer’s 2023 Apple Person of the Year or Apple Person for All Seasons?
What makes your nominee a worthy candidate for this award?
How do you know the nominee?

Deadline for nominations is July 28.

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