MIAMI, FL - Florida Thai guava season has officially started. Tropical fruit grower and importer Tierra Suelta produces the crunchy, snackable tropical fruit at its home ranch in Homestead, Florida.

This popular superfruit is known for its subtle sweetness and crisp, apple-like texture—making it a versatile option that appeals to a wide range of shoppers. Its firm texture makes it an easy, ready-to-eat snack fruit that encourages repeat purchases, while also pairing well with popular flavor enhancers like chili-lime seasoning, creating cross-merchandising opportunities that can increase basket size.

Unlike traditional soft guava varieties, Thai guava can be merchandised as a ready-to-eat snack fruit and used across multiple retail applications, including fresh-cut programs, grab-and-go packs, and tropical displays—helping retailers drive incremental sales and expand usage occasions.

“Our Thai guava is farmed on 250 acres of family-owned land with a full-time agronomist watching over every crop,” said Adrian Abreu, CEO, in the recent release. “The result is a consistently high-quality harvest of crunchy, tart fruit that’s fresh, flavorful and hits its peak season in late summer when consumers most crave a crisp, refreshing snack. For retailers, it’s an approachable tropical item that’s easy to merchandise and resonates across diverse consumer groups.”

Tierra Suelta’s Thai guava is not only grown in Florida, but it’s also packed and shipped from the farm’s on-site 15,000-square-foot Primus-certified warehouse. The fruit is harvested six days per week and pre-cooled to enhance taste, extend shelf-life and reduce shrink. By maintaining cold-chain integrity throughout the process, each shipment arrives across North America in pristine condition—supporting consistent quality, strong shelf performance, and reduced handling risk at the store level.

Domestic production in South Florida allows Tierra Suelta to offer shorter lead times, reliable supply and a compelling local sourcing story that aligns with retailer demand for regionally grown products.

Thai guava is a growing hit with consumers. According to a March 2026 report from Business Research Insights, the global guava market will continue to expand through 2035. A similar report from 360 Research Reports notes that between 2019–2024, U.S. consumption rose 19%, with demand from Hispanic and Asian communities leading the charge. Its mild flavor and crisp texture also make it an accessible entry point for mainstream shoppers seeking healthy, low-calorie snack alternatives.

Tierra Suelta has long been a trusted producer in the tropical fruit category. The vertically integrated farm provides an abundant supply of Thai guava, dragon fruit, star fruit, mamey sapote and other specialty favorites throughout the year. Tierra Suelta’s customized packaging, merchandising support, shopper information and private label programs help retailers drive trial, increase velocity and support category growth.

IMMOKALEE, FL - If you're wondering what's fueling restaurant demand in 2026, go watch the crowd during lunch rush. Or better yet, look at what they're eating.

You'll see more color. You'll hear more crunch. Guests are going for clean, healthy, and sensible. They don’t want to skimp on flavor, comfort, or the simple pleasure of dining out, but they do want meals that feel lighter, more balanced, and easier to digest.

From fine dining destinations to convenient quick-serve stops, a produce-forward menu is a practical way to bring customers in for 2026. Lipman Family Farms makes it easy to meet the demand without a big menu overhaul.

Industry reports show changing health perceptions are fueling an interest in smaller portions and nutrient-dense, real-food choices. Consumers are focusing on protein, dietary fiber, and other nutrients. The popularity of GLP-1 medications for weight loss is accelerating a preference for smaller meals and more nutrition.

“Healthy options aren’t for sidelines anymore,” said Cheryl Hoefs, SVP of Sales and Marketing of Lipman Family Farms. “They’re a big part of where guests decide to go and how they order. Lipman produce is an easy answer to that consumer shift … one with versatility, flavor and familiarity to fit an endless number of dishes.”

Offering healthier eating without compromise

Fresh produce helps to deliver a lighter, satisfying experience that many guests are seeking. Even indulgent foods like burgers and pizzas gain fresh appeal with more fruits and veggies. Lipman’s product portfolio is loaded with simple solutions for foodservice.

• Grape tomatoes for delicious bowls, salads, sides, and toppings.
• Cucumbers to provide satisfying crunch, healthy hydration, and a refreshing balance of taste and texture in wraps, sandwiches, salads, and more.
• Peppers and squash for adding color and volume to plates without heaviness.
• Fresh-cut sliced or diced tomatoes, onions, and peppers add fresh flavor to sandwiches, burgers, or breakfasts. The fresh-cut line provides ready-to-eat product for produce that is accessible and convenient.

“As operators plan out the rest of 2026, more produce is a win-win,” said Hoefs in the recent release. “Guests will feel good about what they order, and operators get affordable, flexible ingredients that enhance everything on the menu.”

Lipman Family Farms is ready to help operators build more produce into the menu, with items that easily fit into popular cuisines, menu items and formats. To learn more about Lipman’s foodservice solutions, including ready-to-eat fresh-cut produce, visit lipmanfamilyfarms.com.

CARLISLE, PA - The GIANT Company, known locally as GIANT and MARTIN’S, in proud partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, announced the return of the Healing the Planet Grant Program. The Healing the Planet Grant Program, funded by GIANT, aims to invest in native plantings across the company’s operating areas in Pennsylvania. A total of $100,000 will be used towards native community plantings. The funding is available to tax-exempt organizations, including local organizations, governments and schools. Eligible projects must be shovel ready and include native plantings and direct costs relating to planting.

“By joining with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, we have helped to plant more than 8,500 trees and shrubs in local communities throughout the Commonwealth in recent years,” said Courtney Hopcraft, manager of community relations and strategic partnerships, The GIANT Company, in the recent release. “Whether it’s planting trees or reducing food waste, every action makes a difference in creating greener neighborhoods. Through our Healing the Planet Grant Program, we are proud to continue to support our community partners in their efforts towards a more sustainable future.”

The 2026 Healing the Planet grant program is accepting online applications for grants of up to $4,000 now through May 21, 2026 at 4:00 PM via the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Eligible expenses include but are not limited to plants native to Pennsylvania, equipment, educational signage, tools, and supplies. Preference will be given to applications that aim to plant the highest quantity of native plants. Awardees will be announced in June.

This is the sixth year GIANT has partnered with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to offer Healing the Planet grants. In the past five years, more than $1.3 million has been awarded to 177 recipients for projects which connected people and families to green spaces, improved or helped to protect local waterways and water resources, supported projects that addressed food waste prevention, reduction, and recovery, and promoted native tree planting initiatives.

“Planting native trees and plants is one of the most meaningful ways communities can improve their environment while strengthening neighborhood pride,” said Heidi Pedicone, director of programs at Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “These plantings support local wildlife, improve quality of life, and contribute to cleaner, safer public spaces. We’re proud to continue this work alongside GIANT. Their commitment helps create visible improvements in communities across Pennsylvania.”

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful has supported community improvement initiatives and encouraged community leadership, responsibility, and respect for the environment since 1990. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, a state affiliate of Keep American Beautiful, Inc. has more than 35 years of experience in organizing volunteer-driven community improvement events. Visit keeppabeautiful.org for more information on programs or to find an event near you.