Whole Foods Market revealed its first-ever plant-based trend predictions, with banana blossoms, nut-based cheese alternatives and creamy cashew dips topping the list. Looking ahead to summer and beyond, the grocer’s Trends Council pooled members’ industry knowledge, product-sourcing expertise and hands-on work with emerging and existing plant-forward brands to inform the predictions.

The choice to highlight plant-based predictions comes at a time when shoppers are focusing on eating more plants. According to a recent study by The Hartman Group, nearly half (48 percent) of consumers look for

United Fresh will celebrate nine of the country's most innovative chefs and foodservice professionals representing an array of culinary styles and backgrounds this July during the PMA Foodservice Conference & Expo in Monterey, CA, as part of the United Fresh Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award Program, sponsored by FreshEdge.

The program honors chefs and their companies for their creativity in highlighting fresh produce on their menus, introducing diners to new flavors, and presenting creative ways to enjoy fresh produce.

“It’s always a privilege for us to recognize culinary stars who

Village Farms is taking part once again in the annual effort with Produce for Kids and Publix in support of Feeding America. 

Feeding America is one of the nation’s leading hunger-relief organizations and helps one in seven Americans. It provides 4.3 billion meals annually to those facing hunger or are food insecure. The Healthy Family Project’s, Produce for Kids campaign will be providing 700,000 meals through 31 Feeding America Foodbanks within the Publix communities.  The campaign launched May 19 in Publix stores and online and will run over the next several weeks ending June 16. Village

U.S. organic sales soared to new highs in 2020, jumping by a record 12.4 percent to $61.9 billion. It marked the first time that total sales of organic food and non-food products have surpassed the $60 billion mark, and reflected a growth rate more than twice the 2019 pace of 5 percent, according to the 2021 Organic Industry Survey released by the Organic Trade Association.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused consumer dollars to shift almost overnight from restaurants and carry-out to groceries, with traditional staples and pantry and freezer items flying off the shelves. Consumer habits were

Braga Fresh announced several promotions and additions to its sales and marketing team, all designed to support the company’s efforts to meet the growing demand for organic produce.

The company promoted Casey Mills to director of sales.  Mills has been a part of the Braga Fresh sales team for almost five years. He is responsible for management of the Braga Fresh sales team, pricing, inventory and commodity managers.

Brian Amaral, Maria Preciado and Emily Valladares also joined the company’s sales team.  In the past six months, Gabriel Tegenkamp was hired as an account and commodity manager

Sprouts Farmers Market is bringing fresh ingredients and unique flavors to backyard barbeques and outdoor picnics this summer season — from tender steaks to sought-after summertime produce.

“This summer, as consumers become more comfortable making more frequent outings and socializing, we expect shoppers will spend more time looking for items that best fit their lifestyle and needs," said Jack Sinclair, CEO of Sprouts Farmers Market. "Whether it’s sharing tips on how to pick the freshest produce, or details on the latest healthy and unique items you can't find anywhere else, our stores and