MAITLAND, FL - Florida Radish, a proud part of the Florida Vegetable Exchange, announced the launch of its new Instagram page, @FloridaRadish. This vibrant digital hub will showcase Florida-grown radishes' crunch, versatility, and bold flavor, connecting with chefs, food service professionals, retail buyers, and radish enthusiasts alike.

“Instagram is where people discover trends and spark culinary inspiration,” said Tori Rumenik, Director of Florida Vegetable Exchange. “With 60 percent of users turning to the platform for product discovery, @FloridaRadish is the perfect place to connect with our audience and share the incredible possibilities of Florida-grown radishes.”

With the growing season in full swing from November 2024 through May 2025, Florida Radish is perfectly poised to capture the spotlight.

According to a press release, fresh radishes have experienced notable growth, with dollar sales increasing by 4.2 percent over the past year, according to Circana’s Consumer Behavior Impact report. This surge is driven by shoppers purchasing more radishes per trip and adding them to their baskets more frequently. Beyond their popularity in the produce aisle, restaurants have taken notice, increasingly placing radishes on menus because of their versatility and recognition as a superfood.

Capitalizing on this momentum, the @FloridaRadish Instagram page offers a curated destination to celebrate all things radish. From quick culinary tips to show-stopping recipe ideas, the platform aims to inspire creativity and elevate radishes from a garnish to a hero ingredient. 

Whether you’re a professional chef, a retail buyer seeking fresh ideas, or a home cook looking for a new twist, @FloridaRadish has something to offer. Expect eye-catching recipes, behind-the-scenes looks at Florida farms, and fresh ideas for incorporating radishes into every meal, from salads to snacks to unexpected main courses.

Backed by partnerships with recipe developers and a strategic content calendar, Florida Radish is committed to growing awareness and appreciation for this often-underestimated vegetable. The Instagram page aims to support food service, retail, and consumer channels throughout the growing season by highlighting its versatility and nutritional value.

Keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow for the latest news across fresh produce.

ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Ahold Delhaize is pleased to announce the completion of its acquisition of Romanian grocery retailer Profi Rom Food SRL (Profi) from MidEuropa for a consideration of approximately €1.3 billion ($1.34 billion USD) Enterprise Value. The acquisition doubles Ahold Delhaize’s retail footprint in Romania, which currently operates nearly 1,000 stores under the Mega Image brand.

The complementary strengths of Profi and Mega Image will enhance their ability to serve customers in both urban and rural areas, drive growth, and offer more choice and value to customers in Romania, a press release stated.

Frans Muller, President and CEO, Ahold Delhaize

"It is truly a significant moment to welcome a new brand into our family of brands. We are excited to have completed this transaction, marking a considerable step-up in our presence in the region. The acquisition of Profi reinforces our commitment to providing customers in Romania a broad and diverse range of high-quality products and services. We look forward to creating long-term value for our customers, colleagues, partners and stakeholders."

Claude Sarrailh, CEO, Ahold Delhaize Europe and Indonesia

“I would like to extend the warmest welcome to the entire Profi team, in stores, offices, transportation and distribution centers, as well as its suppliers. Profi is a powerful brand, with a strong prospect for growth, offering a unique proposition to customers in Romania, with their vast network of stores and local assortment. I am very proud to add another strong brand to our European family of brands, further solidifying our position in Central and Southeastern Europe.”

Gaetan Pacton, CEO, Profi

“Consumers in Romania appreciate the network of stores, the quality of the product range, and the shopping experience we provide. This is not by chance, it is the outcome of inspired and hard work, as well as of the vision of the entire Profi team. They deserve our appreciation, since this has enabled us to achieve a top position in Romanian retail. It also makes it possible for Profi to be part of Ahold Delhaize, one of the world’s top food retailers.”

Mircea Moga, Brand President, Mega Image

“Mega Image is very excited that it now has a Romanian sister-company under the umbrella of Ahold Delhaize. The combination between our two brands will complement and expand Ahold Delhaize’s existing Romanian footprint and allow us to better serve the consumers in Romania. We are excited about the opportunities this partnership brings, through our combined cultures, expertise, and resources. This alignment will allow us to serve our customers more efficiently, support our teams in their professional growth, and foster sustainable business practices within our communities."

Stay tuned for more acquisition news.

NEW YORK - The New York Apple Association (NYAA) is excited to kick off the new year by launching its new consumer campaign for 2025, The Big Flavor: Wellness Never Tasted So Good with New York State apples. The campaign includes social media content, entertaining videos featuring Bob for Apples from the NYAA 24/7 virtual news desk, apple nutrition from Kelly Springer, registered dietitian and NYAA spokesperson, and a series of healthy recipes and usage ideas for New York apples.

Cynthia Haskins, President and CEO of NYAA, expressed enthusiasm about the increased funding for this year’s campaign: “The New York Apple Association is fortunate to have been awarded additional funding for our current fiscal year as we expand our consumer reach. We are expecting good results from The Big Flavor: Wellness Never Tasted So Good campaign.’”

Last year, the NYAA’s consumer budget from the NYS Local Assistance fund was $790,000. This year, it has grown to $1.24 million. These funds support the promotion of New York apples through various channels including television, radio, social media, digital ads, print advertising, and retail. This state-provided funding complements the annual $2 million raised through the NY Apple Marketing Order, which supports marketing and promotion efforts for New York apples.

“With the additional funding, we are able to expand our consumer and trade reach,” Haskins noted. “We have several Bob for Apples from New York videos lined up in our social media calendar, and there are three that are being launched within the next few weeks. We are also advancing the videos to YouTube.”

One of the campaign’s videos features Bob exercising in a gym, trying to break his personal sit-up record. As Bob struggles, an apple drops into the frame, and he gains the energy to complete 100 sit-ups, to cheers and celebration. The announcer concludes by encouraging viewers to “get energized with The Big Flavor of Apples from New York today!”

Another video segment features “A New York Apple A Day,” where Bob interviews Dr. Crispin Braeburn about the health benefits of New York apples. Dr. Braeburn explains that apples provide fiber, energy, and hydration during workouts. A comedic twist unfolds when Bob appears to interview himself, wearing a disguise as Dr. Braeburn. “No wonder Bob couldn’t snag a real doctor for the show,” the announcer quips, as Bob’s true identity is revealed. “A New York apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

In another fun segment, Bob practices yoga, meditating to manifest a New York apple. As he chants, a glowing apple materializes above him, and he joyfully bites into it, chanting “Yummmmmmmmmm.”

In addition to these videos, Bob and Kelly Springer will team up for a series of “Wellness News Bites.” Haskins explained that “Kelly Springer will be discussing topics like pectin, antioxidants, food as medicine, plant-forward diets, lowering cholesterol, phytochemicals, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, and why apples deserve a spot in consumers’ diets.”

The campaign’s goals for this year include elevating the NYAA brand, raising consumer awareness about locally grown, superior-tasting apples from New York, and emphasizing their health benefits.

“To achieve this, we employed a multifaceted approach, leveraging traditional tactics such as television and print advertising alongside innovative digital platforms, including online digital ads and social media,” Haskins said.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow for the latest insights across fresh produce.

PORTLAND, OR - It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Maureen Royal of Bridges Produce. Maureen was a pioneer in the organic produce trade and a mentor to countless individuals throughout her career.

Her warmth, genuine care, and unwavering support earned her the affectionate nickname "Mother Mo" among customers, growers, and colleagues alike. Maureen's exceptional interpersonal skills and belief that "taking care of people was the primary job" were evident in her generosity, selflessness, and dedication to helping others.

At a time when few women worked in the produce business, Maureen forged a remarkable path. She progressed from an Executive Assistant at Associated Grocers in Seattle to Sales Manager at CF Fresh/Viva Tierra where she worked from 1989 to 2009. She then joined Bridges Produce as Category Manager, overseeing the Import apple and pear category from Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, and Canada for sales across North America. Maureen's ability to identify and nurture talent led to the creation of many successful teams and launched numerous careers.

She touched so many lives. She was eternally optimistic and encouraging and could juggle so many details with such gracefulness. Her loss is deeply felt by all who knew her.

She leaves behind her husband, sons, and eight grandchildren, as well as all those of us that consider ourselves part of her extended produce family.

A celebration of life ceremony is being planned for March. Further details to come.

We extend our condolences to all who knew Maureen Royal.