ORANGE, CA - I crave fresh guacamole often, but don’t always have the time to make it myself. I know many consumers feel the same, which is why the makers of the WHOLLY® GUACAMOLE brand have launched WHOLLY GUACAMOLE Extra Chunky Restaurant Style guacamole.

"A large majority (62 percent) of people are changing their spending habits—and stretching their dollars further with meals at home," said Chris Monahan, Brand Manager of WHOLLY Products, citing Circana Eating Patterns research from 2023. "This trend inspired us to recreate the tableside guac experience in a convenient format for our fans, so they can enjoy the same great flavor of their favorite Mexican restaurant in the comfort of their homes. Because it's made with real, hand-scooped Hass avocados, chunky vegetables, and authentic spices, it's a delicious and appealing option that is as close as it gets to a restaurant experience."

A recent press release citing the Circana study stated that more than half of consumers consider restaurant guacamole to be the "gold standard." This new product delivers on consumer taste preferences by bridging the gap between tableside guacamole and wanting to enjoy the same experience at home.

WHOLLY GUACAMOLE Extra Chunky Restaurant Style guacamole is made with chunks of real, 100 percent Hass avocados—hand-scooped at the height of freshness—tomatoes, red onions, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño peppers, and a blend of seasonings to give the dip a medium heat kick. The product is prime for dipping, dolloping, and adding as an ingredient for any meal or snack.

This offering comes in 7.5 oz and 15 oz bowls, and minis, with 4 and 6 pack collections of 2 oz portions. Products are available at retailers including Kroger, Meijer, Food Lion, and more.

With convenience reigning supreme in the kitchen, keep products like this one on your radar.

GREENCASTLE, PA - The highly anticipated Walla Walla Sweet Onion season is officially here! In an exciting announcement from Progressive Produce and Keystone Fruit Marketing, the sweet onions your shoppers have been patiently waiting for have arrived.

"An excellent crop of these irresistibly sweet and mild onions will be ready by mid-June," shares Mike Blume, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Keystone Fruit Marketing. "And as a July 4^th favorite, it's imperative that you plan accordingly now."

Not only are these sweet onions a consumer favorite, it is also the official vegetable for the state of Washington. The onions as you know are a staple and always the perfect addition to any side or dish, increasing your customers' shopping basket.

With its acclaimed flavor profile, Walla Walla Sweet Onions are sure to catch the attention of taste buds everywhere—so start planning today!

It’s time to rearrange your store to accommodate the Walla Walla Sweet Onions your customers will not be able to get enough of.

FELLSMERE, FL - Lettuce medleys are always on rotation in my fridge—the convenience simply can’t be beat! Now that convenience is headed to foodservice operators. B&W Quality Growers recently announced the launch of its Red Kale Medley, a new blend crafted for the foodservice industry.

“With the introduction of Red Kale Medley, we are expanding our portfolio to include more diverse, chef-driven options that cater to the creative and health-conscious needs of today’s foodservice industry,” said Mark DeLeo, Chief Executive Officer. “This medley is a testament to our commitment to quality and innovation and an opportunity for chefs to elevate their dishes with the finest ingredients.”

According to a press release, the Red Kale Medley is designed to meet the increasing demand for versatile, healthy, and flavorful ingredients in professional kitchens. The blend consists of a nutritious and vibrant mix of baby red and green kale, complemented by B&W’s signature watercress.

Furthermore, the Red Kale Medley is harvested at peak tenderness and flavor to ensure the highest quality and is available year-round.

For chefs looking for a nutrient-rich base for dishes, this product is the one to beat! Whether it's enhancing salads, sandwiches, or entrees, Red Kale Medley adds both visual appeal and a nutritional boost.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we cover the latest in all things fresh produce.

KINGSVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA - Only a few weeks ago, Mucci Farms made an announcement that it was expanding further with the acquisition of Hacienda North Farms. Building off of this, the company reported an additional expansion with the addition of a 32-acre greenhouse in Tehachapi, California.

"Our focus has always been about expanding access and providing additional support and resources to our retail partners across the continent,” stated Bert Mucci, Chief Executive Officer, Mucci Farms. “Our goal is to continue to scale operations to offer partners a national supply of greenhouse grown fruits and vegetables."

This move comes in partnership with Cox Farms, a business entity of Cox Enterprises focused on greenhouse-grown food and agriculture.

"Cox Farms is committed to helping families access locally grown fruits and vegetables,” added Steve Bradley, President, Cox Farms. "Together with Mucci Farms, we aim to drive positive change in the industry while delivering on our promise of quality and environmental responsibility."

According to a press release, this latest expansion into south-central California follows Mucci Farms' successful entry into the region with its Camarillo facility in 2021.

The company's presence now extends across key locations in the United States and Canada, including U.S. headquarters in Huron, Ohio, which features a 72-acre greenhouse.

Mucci Farms also has distribution hubs in San Antonio, Texas, and Romulus, Michigan. On the West Coast, Mucci Farms operates facilities in Camarillo, California, and Delta, British Columbia.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we cover expanding operations across fresh.

LEAMINGTON, ON, CANADA - Who is ready to SNAP up fresh sales and see snacking move deeper into the fresh produce department? As all signs continue to point to an increased importance and consumer emphasis on fresh snacking, here’s What’s in Store for Nature Fresh Farms® exciting new launch: Sweet S’NAPS™!

Exclusively from Nature Fresh Farms, this eye-catching newcomer is set to transform the pepper category. Sweet S’NAPS offer your shoppers a one-of-a-kind eating experience they can rinse and enjoy on the spot or on the go.

Light and crunchy on the outside, juicy and refreshing on the inside, fans of Granny Smith apples looking for the vitamin advantages of peppers will be particularly excited to find everything they want in a S’NAP.

Retailers have an opportunity to gain market share through increased fresh snacking options, driving consumer trial-to-repeat purchases and, ultimately, gaining increased sales.

And because Nature Fresh is an expert greenhouse grower, you can depend on consistent supply as demand increases, regardless of the season. A premium fresh snack offering like no other, Sweet S’NAPS will elevate your pepper category and on-shelf assortment.

Thank you for watching What’s in Store.