As retailers look to drive repeat visits and build baskets this holiday season, Frieda’s is encouraging partners to take a closer look at growing opportunities within multicultural produce.

Christmas is a key moment when many Hispanic shoppers seek ingredients for meaningful family traditions, including classic dishes such as ponche navideño. When these items are merchandised with intention and an eye toward convenience, retailers signal that they understand what matters most to the communities they serve.

But effective multicultural strategies go beyond seasonal displays. Shopper research shows

Albertsons Cos. Inc. today launched its fourth annual Albertsons Cos. Innovation Launchpad Competition, inviting emerging and innovative brands to apply for the opportunity to showcase their products on a national stage. Selected finalists will present live at the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA, on March 3.

“The Albertsons Innovation Launchpad Competition is a powerful platform for innovative brands to connect with our merchandising teams for an opportunity to reach millions of customers,” said Michelle Larson, executive vice president of merchandising at Albertsons Cos. “Since its

Taylor Farms launched a new double dip vegetable tray. The company will continue serving premium vegetable trays and Buttermilk Ranch — now with the addition of either Chipotle Bitchin’ Sauce or Bacon Ranch.

As a gluten-free almond-based vegan dip with no added sugar, the Chipotle Bitchin’ Sauce provides a non-dairy dip to accompany the Buttermilk Ranch helping ensure no one is excluded from visiting the veggie tray. Meanwhile, the Bacon Ranch paired with the classic Buttermilk Ranch contains delicious bacon bits that will have consumers returning for seconds.

“These trays are first of their

At its annual association meeting in Anaheim, CA, PAIA membership announced their co-chairmen for 2026-27 term. Carlos Solf of Southern Specialties serves as the East Coast chair, while Craig Rolandelli of Jacobs Malcolm & Burtt (JMB) serves as the West Coast chair. 

“PAIA co-chairmen provide strategic guidance to advance the asparagus trade industry and foster growth within the entire asparagus category,” said Priscilla Lleras, executive director of the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association. 

The PAIA co-chairmen are elected by their peers for a two-year term. Having now been appointed for

In 2002 the launch of Cuties not only sparked a nationwide love affair with mandarins, but it also defined the mandarin category and introduced millions of shoppers to this sweet, seedless delight known for its taste, adorable size and convenience. Now, Sun Pacific is launching its new Irresistibly Cute fully integrated marketing campaign to celebrate everything that makes Cuties a beloved, trusted staple for families.

“This season we’re launching a campaign that is unapologetically and irresistibly cute,” explains Sarah Deaton, director of marketing at Sun Pacific. “No other brand owns

Side Delights is tapping into a fast-growing consumer trend this season:  Southern-style Christmas buffets that feed a crowd and inspire bigger shopping baskets. With more shoppers hosting large, casual gatherings, retailers have an opportunity to merchandise potatoes and complementary ingredients in a way that increases both volume and cross-category sales.

Southern buffet traditions — long known for feeding extended families and holiday guests — are expanding nationwide as consumers look for flexible, self-serve meal formats. Carving stations, hearty casseroles and abundant sides dominate the