Divine Flavor and the American Institute of Cancer Research launched a partnership to spread awareness of how table grapes can be part of a plant-based diet that reduces cancer risk.

As one of the largest importers of organic table grapes during the Sonoran grape deal, Divine Flavor wants consumers to know the health benefits of its table grape line and how to incorporate the fruit into everyday meals.

“Table grapes are extremely versatile fruits that greatly contribute to a cancer-protective diet,” said Michael DuPuis, public relations manager for Divine Flavor.

“Besides being sweet and

2020 was a year full of change and challenges for most industries, and the trucking industry was no exception. While things are starting to look up in 2021 with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, businesses re-opening, and foodservice finally making a comeback, the current state of the trucking industry can still best be described as “complicated,” according to Tony Bradley, president and CEO of the Arizona Trucking Association.

“For the most part, trucking is in a really good spot,” he said in early June. “There is plenty of freight that needs to get delivered, which is a good thing, but we are

Now, more than ever, consumers are making a plea for sustainability — and they’re not just requesting more recyclable products, they’re willing to pay premium for them, especially from brands and companies they trust.

“Americans are seeking out and are willing to pay a premium for environmentally friendly products,” according to a recent study from GreenPoint, an environmental technology company. The study went on to state that nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of Americans are willing to pay more for sustainable products, but most (74 percent) don’t know how to identify them. According to the

MyLand Co. LLC announced the appointment of Pradeep Monga, former deputy executive secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, to its board of directors. This appointment elevates the company as a global leader in soil health and regenerative agriculture and positions them at the forefront of the conversation around the impact of investing in land and soil health on decarbonization, climate resilience, water efficiency, food security, nature-based health solutions, eco-restoration and the economic security of farmers and local communities around the world.

“As we

The Produce News interviewed seven retail produce executives from across the country on the experiences of the COVID-19-influenced year and where the industry is a year later. Their answers have been condensed and paraphrased for brevity, clarity and to fit the format. The participants were: Gabe Flores of Bashas, Chris Keetch of The GIANT Co., Price Mabry of HAC, Vince Mastromauro Jr. of Sunset Foods, Mike Roberts of Harps, John Savidan of Gelson’s and Jeff Tomasetti of Buehler.

What was the biggest impact on your retail produce business during COVID-19?
John Savidan: Initially the largest

In 1996, I attended a World Series game between the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves with two co-workers. The Yankees were on the field and a fellow sitting in the row in front of us wearing a Derek Jeter shirt suddenly yelled out in a thunderous voice, “Be ready infield. No two bounces are alike.”

One of my co-workers said, “Just like us in produce. No two days are alike.”

As I reflect on those words, there are no two years alike either. We should always stay on top of what may be forthcoming in produce. It’s important to identify the successes and failures of activities based on the