BURLINGTON, ONTARIO, CANADA - While potatoes make menus a year-round delight, there is something special about the category in July. Maybe it's due to the International Fresh Produce Association’s Foodservice Conference quickly approaching on July 25–26 in Monterey, California. Or maybe the category just rings in the sales year-round. Both are fair bets. With so much to look forward to at the upcoming show, EarthFresh is gearing up for its exciting platform and sharing a sneak peek at what is to come.

"It’s a great time of year for our team to exhibit at IFPA Foodservice as we’re entering our new-crop season this very week! We’re excited to talk to our customer network about our year-round potato programs, unique variety offerings, and showcase our full assortment,” Director of Sales, Kevin Sorichetti, shares with me. “We focus on listening to our customers and developing programs to support their goals. Utilizing Nielsen data helps us provide real trends and growth opportunities to our customer network as well.”

To align with the company’s messaging, EarthFresh will be showcasing its new 10 lb paper baby potato bags for the first time at this show. This premium offering is experiencing increased traction right now, as Kevin tells me. In this new pack, customers can find an array of offerings from Yellow Fingerlings and Baby Reds to Baby Golds and Baby Medley varieties.

“This unique 10 lb bag is naturally light-blocking and provides ideal breathability for the product. It also provides a smaller option for our foodservice customers if they can’t commit to a full 50 lb case of baby potatoes,” Kevin details.

And EarthFresh's vision for its IFPA program does not stop there. Since EarthFresh’s expansion into Atlanta in 2019, the company’s United States presence has complemented its strategic vision to provide fresh potatoes to its customers within 12 hours.

“We are very customer-forward, prioritizing quality, innovation, and our service levels,” Kevin concludes. “We are excited to share more with attendees at the foodservice event. See you all soon!”

Check out EarthFresh’s new product, offerings, and vision at the IFPA Foodservice Conference, booth #309. Meet you in Monterey!

PARK RIDGE, NJ - A new snacking option infused with fresh fruit? Now that is something I can get behind! Welch’s® Fruit Snacks has released its new Welch's Absolute Fruitfuls™ Fruit Strips.

"As a brand that has been synonymous with premium fruit snacks for generations, Welch’s Fruit Snacks is proud to introduce Welch’s® Absolute Fruitfuls, a testament to our commitment to innovation and quality," says Michael Scalera, Director of Marketing at PIM Brands, makers of Welch’s Fruit Snacks. "Our amazing new fruit strips redefine the snacking experience, combining the goodness of whole fruit with an irresistible soft and non-sticky texture.”

Launching in Strawberry, Mango-Peach, and Berry Medley varieties, all three mouth-watering flavors feature real fruit.

According to a press release, they are individually wrapped and are an ideal choice for school lunch, after-school activities, and the perfect on-the-go snacking choice for families seeking a sensible treat.

The new Fruitfuls contain only natural flavors and colors, are gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and are an excellent source of Vitamin C.

They are currently available in 10 ct boxes.

Stay tuned to ANUK for more updates like this.

LANCASTER, TX - The next step of Walmart’s ambitious supply chain transformation has been unveiled, bringing to light a brand-new, high-tech perishable distribution center (PDC) in Lancaster, Texas. The 730,000-square-foot facility will receive and process fresh produce and a variety of other perishable goods, with state-of-the-art technology that will allow the retailer to process more than double the volume of a traditional DC.

“Walmart is paving the way for good jobs and great careers in the region with the Lancaster perishable distribution center,” said Tim Cooper, Senior Vice President, Grocery Network Operations for Walmart U.S. “This is more than an investment, it's a commitment to our associates, our community, and our future.”

Located 15 miles south of Dallas, the new PDC is Walmart’s second Lancaster-based facility, complementing the next-generation fulfillment center that opened in 2023. The Lancaster PDC is Walmart’s second of five new high-tech perishable distribution centers.

Allowing the retailer to get items onto shelves faster than ever before, the facility’s high-tech systems drastically reduce the number of boxes an associate has to manually stack. As a press release shared, the store-ready pallets are built by department, making them easier to unload at the store while also maximizing space on trucks, reducing transportation costs, and creating savings that can be passed on to customers.

The facility is currently home to more than 500 full-time Walmart associates, and the retailer is currently hiring for a variety of tech-focused positions such as Automation Equipment Operator.

“We’re proud to create new opportunities for our associates, equipping them with the skills to manage the advanced robotics technology transforming our business,” said Ervin Goad, General Manager of the new facility. “Associates at the Lancaster facility will play a pivotal role in making sure our customers have the items they want, when they want them.”

More information on Walmart’s newest facility can be found here.

For more updates on this budding retail strategy, keep clicking on ANUK.

DELANO, CA - A highly sought-after seedless table grape variety is preparing to kick off its next season. We recently heard from Four Star Fruit that it anticipates another strong season for its Holiday® variety.

“We are looking forward to another great Holiday season with strong promotable volumes,” said Jack Campbell, President. "Our team is fully equipped and ready to collaborate with retail partners to deliver an exceptional eating experience, driving robust consumer demand this fall."

Recognized for its exceptional sweetness and distinctive late-season profile, the Holiday variety is easily identified by consumers nationwide. The summer heat wave will create challenges for some varieties, a press release stated, but Holiday is in the early stages of maturity, and the company is not seeing any roadblocks.

Earlier this year, Four Star Fruit acquired Agriculture Capital of Columbine Vineyards’ complete Holiday table grape program. Under the terms of the acquisition, Four Star Fruit has exclusive rights to all brands, trademarks, and DNA associated with the Holiday variety.

Holiday clamshells and bags are available upon request.

For more table grape news, you know where to find us.