The past year has been one full of change, and consumer behavior has certainly reflected that. From the growth of e-commerce channels to the introduction of direct-to-consumer models, new trends have emerged when it comes to consumer shopping habits, but which ones are here to stay and which will fade away? That was the topic of discussion during United Fresh’s Reimagine Conversations virtual session, Explore Latest Trends in Consumer Behavior.

“Most would agree that consumer behavior and expectations have changed for the long term,” said Dave Wendland, vice president of strategic relations

Tops Friendly Markets has stores in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont. Since its inception, Tops has been dedicated to helping out the communities it serves. Throughout the pandemic the entire organization has risen to the occasion. From the produce department to customer service to warehouse support, Tops employees have proven to be True Heroes.  

Sightings Salutes: Tops Friendly Markets is sponsored by Hudson River Fruit.

The New England Produce Council will hold a full-fledged, in-person trade show this fall, and to emphasize its excitement about the re-opening, it announced two dynamic keynote speakers.

Joe Watson, vice president of member engagement at the Produce Marketing Association, and Anne-Marie Roerink, president of 210 Analytics LLC, will co-present "E-Commerce: Making It Work for You," at the NEPC Produce, Floral & Food Service Expo, scheduled for Sept. 29-30 at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

The pandemic dramatically accelerated the growth of retail e-commerce, including fresh produce

Retailers are experiencing more changes in shopper behavior than ever before. On Monday, June 21, as part of United Fresh’s Reimagine Conversations — a month-long, 25-session series delivering a fresh outlook, fresh ideas and fresh connections — key retail leaders spoke about factors they consider when developing pricing strategies, private label decisions, sourcing, variety and much more to meet the needs of their unique shopper demographic.

Kicking off the session, moderator Rich Gonzales, vice president global produce sourcing for Walmart, asked panelists John Savidan, senior director of

A mild spring devoid of major weather events or freezes has set the stage for an outstanding 2021 apple crop at Hudson River Fruit Distributors.

“It should be a beautiful crop this year, and we are excited for the new season,” said Alisha Albinder, operations manager and a member of the fourth generation at the family-owned company, based in Milton, NY.

Albinder said that harvest would begin in late-August with the Paula Red and Ginger Gold varieties, followed by Galas, McIntosh and the rest of their lineup. In all, Hudson River Fruit grows and ships 21 different apple varieties.

While

Pulling out all the stops to showcase their favorite spuds, retailers nationwide fought hard for the highest honors in the Idaho Potato Commission’s 30th annual Idaho Potato Lovers Display Contest. More than $150,000 in cash and prizes were awarded in the 2021 competition, along with the sweepstakes prize: a trip for two to luxurious Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley, AZ.

“We are delighted to see retailers continuing this 30-year tradition of building spectacular Idaho potato displays that boost sales and get their shoppers excited about visiting the produce