Mann Packing Co. Inc., a subsidiary of Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc., and one of the largest suppliers of packaged vegetables in North America, added three new products to its lineup — Mann Veggie Sides, Steakhouse Style and Better Pasta. Available now at select retailers nationwide, these new meal companions will be sure to make even the pickiest eater ask for more vegetables.

Packaged in easy-to-prepare bags, Mann Veggie Sides go from microwave to table in just three minutes. Sauce dollop technology seasons each veggie to perfection, providing a light and delicious flavor in a

As part of its commitment to make online shopping for groceries accessible, affordable and convenient, SpartanNash Co. announced expanded benefits available exclusively for its Fast Lane subscribers, including exclusive monthly bonus savings from different areas of the store.

Annual Fast Lane subscriptions are available for $49 per year and include free, unlimited curbside pickup at any SpartanNash store that offers Fast Lane online grocery shopping (a $4.95-per-order savings). Now, Fast Lane subscribers can save even more with half-off delivery in available locations (an additional $4.95-per

Lemons, which are heavily dependent on foodservice sales, are currently in a strong demand-supply situation as the nation’s restaurants reopen in the new near post-pandemic environment.

Riding that wave of success is U.S.-based Salix, a significant importer of Argentinian lemons, other citrus and fruit crops from South America, Mexico and a host of counties. “With regard to lemons, California does not have a lot of availability right now, so we are seeing a very strong market,” said Salix Sales Manager Juana Elortondo.

She noted that lemons from Argentina can be imported into the United

CMI Orchards anticipates growth in the 2021 cherry crop. Excellent weather conditions, including an absence of significant frost events, have contributed to outstanding quality, great sizing, and 17 percent growth of this year’s crop as compared to 2020.

“We are seeing consistent spread throughout our growing districts, with Skeena and Sweetheart cherries showing exceptional size and quality,” said Joel Hewitt, domestic sales organic manager for the company.

“The timing of this year’s crop started off a bit later than last year but is lining up nicely with market demand with limited overlap

The Local Farmer Awards program, funded since 2015 by community philanthropic leaders and businesses, recently distributed checks of up to $2,500 to 81 farmers in western Massachusetts and eastern New York. The funds, totaling $180,000, support infrastructure improvements and equipment. “Our local farmers continue to be an intrinsic and crucial part of our communities. We recognize their growing need for assistance now more than ever,” said funding partner Charles D’Amour, Big Y president and CEO. “For over 85 years, Big Y has been proud to support hardworking farmers and their families, and

The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association has released its 2020-21 Fresh Asparagus Statistics, Category Trends and Demographics Report. “This year’s report is ready and available for distribution and we are very happy to report an increase of per capita consumption of fresh asparagus,” said Priscilla Lleras-Bush, PAIA executive director. “According to USDA/ERS numbers, U.S. per capita consumption of asparagus went from 1.76 pounds per person in 2018 and 2019 to 1.83 pounds per person in 2020.”

PAIA encourages retailers to take advantage of growing consumer interest in fresh asparagus and