Cosmic Crisp apple’s meteoric growth is the big story in the latest round of April Superfresh Category Management. This amazing apple, like Honeycrisp, took root in the west and has quickly spread eastward. As previously seen with the Honeycrisp’s rise to dominance, retailers who bet on Cosmic Crisp early have earned big dollars and delighted customers. Those who have not risk a significant category sales gap to the rest of market.

Cosmic Crisp retail pricing is aligning with Honeycrisp pricing. “We are hearing retail success when Honeycrisp and Cosmic Crisp apple are price aligned. Cosmic

Jac. Vandenberg, based in Tarrytown, NY, has high expectations for the 2021 summer citrus season as it begins receiving its first citrus containers of the season from the Southern Hemisphere.

With citrus remaining a hot item on many consumer’s shopping lists, Vandenberg is optimistic for a good season. The Vandenberg citrus portfolio includes lemons, oranges, mandarins, grapefruit and tangelos from Argentina, Australia, Chile, Peru, South Africa and Uruguay. Last summer season, Vandenberg imported over 28,000 tons of citrus and expects to see an increase this season.

Of the 28,000 tons of

H-E-B will now offer free Curbside pickup at H-E-B stores across Texas. To receive free Curbside pickup, customers must have a basket that is at least $35 before taxes and before any discounts, promotions or coupons are applied. Orders less than $35 will include a $2.95 small basket surcharge.

“Our goal with H-E-B Curbside is to give Texans an easier, more convenient way to shop for the products they want and need, and we are excited to now offer this service free to all our H-E-B customers,” said Rachael Vegas, senior vice president of eCommerce merchandising.

Customers can place an H-E-B

The Guatemalan Produce Trade Association’s website now showcases importer and member videos for retailers and foodservice to meet the importers and industry service providers working to market top-quality fruits and vegetables. The GPTA member videos provide the industry at large with the opportunity to learn about each member company, products and services.

Industry retailers and foodservice can familiarize themselves with GPTA importers broad offering of fruits and vegetables.  “GPTA represents a wide variety of produce items that are grown in Guatemala including raspberries, blackberries

Following two consecutive years of short crops due to frost, Stemilt’s Artisan Organics apricots will have more volume this year so retailers should ensure they have cots included in their summer produce plan. Brianna Shales, Stemilt marketing director, said this year’s 100 percent certified organic crop is full of flavor, high-quality, attractive apricots that will provide retailers the opportunity to set up key promotional windows in late June and early July to delight consumers across the country.

“This year’s apricots are projected to be on the larger side, so retailers can plan and

United Natural Foods Inc. announced the promotion of Matt Whitney to chief strategy and innovation officer. In this new role, Whitney will be responsible for leading the company’s Professional Services and eCommerce business units while also developing new business models, pursuing innovation opportunities, and implementing several ongoing strategic initiatives to complement UNFI’s base wholesale business.

“UNFI is focused on innovation and finding new ways to support our customers beyond a traditional distribution model. Our Professional Services and e-commerce teams are two critical growth