ORANGE COUNTY, CA - Zespri™ is excited to launch RubyRed™ Kiwifruit this season in the U.S. and Canada. It complements the Zespri portfolio of SunGold® and Green kiwifruit reaching nutrient-focused shoppers looking for something fresh and exciting.

Shoppers can have a new eating experience with RubyRed Kiwi’s vibrant red interior and delicious, berry-sweet taste. The innovative fruit is high in antioxidant Vitamin C. It also includes anthocyanins, naturally occurring pigments that give it its vibrant red color.

Zespri rolled out RubyRed Kiwi on the West Coast last season in a limited time trial that allowed the brand to test logistics and confirm strong consumer enthusiasm. It also earned them an Innovation Award recognizing Zespri for introducing a novel product that enhances produce consumption.

“Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit is the result of over two decades of precision breeding and dedication,” explains Darren LaMothe, Zespri’s President, North America, in a press release. “It appeals to new households, expanding penetration and adding incremental buyers rather than shifting share within the kiwi category. Preliminary data from our West Coast trial shows RubyRed Kiwifruit not only attracted curious trial shoppers, but it also converted them into engaged, multi-variety kiwi buyers. Its performance validates that shoppers are ready for our berry flavored RubyRed Kiwi.”

Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit firmly established itself as a premium-growth driver for the kiwifruit category. With the limited trial last season, RubyRed Kiwifruit reached shelves earlier than any previous kiwi variety from New Zealand and began selling out in early April and selling through the entire allocation very quickly, signaling strong and immediate consumer demand. RubyRed Kiwi helped double the household penetration for red kiwi shoppers in the U.S.; added over 1 million new households; and increased the buy rate for red kiwifruit by +26% compared to the prior year. “RubyRed Kiwi achieved full sell-through during its trial period, and generated solid net returns to the business, which validates RubyRed Kiwi as a true premium offering in the kiwi category,” said LaMothe.

Feedback gathered through an on-pack QR code during the trial period confirmed shopper enthusiasm. Shoppers praised RubyRed Kiwifruit’s taste, quality, and striking appearance, with the majority expressing they would definitely buy again. “The excitement from shoppers was immediate,” said Bianca Fiedler, Zespri’s Trade Marketing Director, North America. “RubyRed Kiwi’s vibrant color, naturally sweet taste, and sensory experience delivered strong consumer resonance and excitement at shelf.”

RubyRed Kiwi marks a pivotal step in the brand’s strategy to expand into new demand spaces and deliver elevated fruit experiences. Zespri is fueling the launch of RubyRed Kiwifruit with a fully integrated support plan spanning social platforms, foodie creator content, registered dietitian engagement, earned media, and local TV coverage alongside robust digital trade support and impactful in‑store, point-of-sale materials designed to drive incremental sales.

To help build shopper momentum, Zespri RubyRed Kiwifruit can drive incremental category growth ahead of Zespri’s SunGold and Green Kiwifruit season start. In the weeks leading up to last season’s SunGold arrival, total kiwi category dollar sales across the Western U.S. climbed to a double-digit growth rate, demonstrating that RubyRed expanded the category rather than shifting existing demand. Once RubyRed and SunGold were available at the same time, overall category sales accelerated significantly across the region.

“We’re excited to kick off the new season with the launch of our expanded product portfolio,” explains Fieldler. “We have three varieties of kiwifruit for every flavor profile, and they are all packed with both nutrition and distinct flavor, which fulfills consumer demand for health-forward, high-value fresh produce. Our SunGold Kiwifruit is golden on the inside with a sweet taste; our Green variety offers a balance of tangy and sweet flavor; and our new RubyRed has a bit of a berry flavor profile.”

Retailers are encouraged to reach out to a Zespri sales rep to ensure their shoppers can taste the delicious variety of Zespri Kiwifruit.

MARLBOROUGH, MA & FORNEY, TX - BJ’s Wholesale Club announced the launch of Texas operations with the Forney club’s grand opening on Friday, April 24. The gas station opened April 17.

To celebrate the milestone, the new BJ’s Gas location, at 11150 E US Highway 80 in Forney, will offer members gas at $2 per gallon for one day only on Wednesday, April 22, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The promotional price applies to regular gas and has a 30-gallon limit.

Shoppers who haven’t joined can sign up now at BJs.com/Forney. Limited-time membership offers start at just $20 for one year* and include 10¢ off per gallon at BJ’s Gas for the first six months after the club opens.

“BJ’s Wholesale Club has been delivering unbeatable value and convenience to members for over 40 years,” said Bob Eddy, Chairman and CEO, BJ’s Wholesale Club, in the recent release. “Launching our Texas operations is a milestone for our company, and we know our model of saving up to 25% off grocery store prices every day will resonate with families in Forney and across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. We’re energized by the enthusiasm we’ve seen in the community and are eager to welcome families to BJ’s.”

The Forney location will be BJ’s 264th club and 202nd gas station. The company plans to open three more Texas clubs --- in Waxahachie, Southwest Fort Worth and Grand Prairie, in the coming weeks.

BJ’s offers unbeatable value on everyday essentials in a convenient one-stop shop. Members save on fresh foods, produce, full-service deli items, fresh bakery goods, household essentials, home décor, pet supplies, toys, consumer electronics and more. BJ’s members love the true treasure-hunt shopping experience, discovering new and exciting items with each visit.

For added convenience, BJ’s members can choose from several time-saving options, whether shopping online or in-club. Curbside pickup, same-day delivery** and shipping are available on BJs.com. Members shopping in-club can use ExpressPay*** through the BJ’s mobile app to scan products as they shop and skip the checkout line.

Additional member perks include:

• Unbeatable grocery prices: Members can save up to 25% off grocery store prices every day
• A risk-free membership: Shoppers can try BJ’s risk-free with the company’s 100% money-back guarantee
• BJ’s coupons + manufacturers’ coupons: Members can combine BJ’s coupons with many manufacturers’ coupons to maximize savings

BJ’s is committed to nourishing the communities it serves and is driven by a powerful purpose: “We take care of the families who depend on us.” For over 15 years, the company has worked with Feeding America and its network of food banks, providing more than 165 million meals for those in need.

Locally, BJ’s is supporting Forney Food Pantry with a $25,000 grant to further support access, storage and distribution of nutritious food and hygiene supplies.

“We’re thrilled to welcome BJ’s Wholesale Club to Forney, and as a partner in alleviating hunger and nourishing hope,” said Natalie McAlanis, Forney Food Pantry Director, in the recent release. “The funds from this generous grant will be invaluable as we continue to work towards a community where no one goes hungry.”

GOODLETTSVILLE, TN - Dollar General announced the planned rollout of an enhanced, AI-enabled in-store audio network across approximately 6,000 DG stores in 48 states. Through a new partnership with QSIC, Dollar General will deliver more relevant, localized and measurable audio experiences to customers while providing brand partners with accountable, data-driven advertising across one of the nation’s most expansive retail footprints. This rollout will double DG’s existing in-store audio presence and significantly increase measurement capabilities at scale, bringing the total number of DG stores with in-store audio capabilities to 12,000 in Q2 2026.

“At DG Media Network, we’re constantly looking for innovative ways to help brands meaningfully connect with our customers, and by introducing an AI-powered in-store audio network, we’re unlocking an entirely new layer of relevancy and accountability in the shopping experience,” said Austin Leonard, vice president and general manager of DG Media Network. “This platform allows us to deliver localized, real-time messaging at scale across the thousands of communities we serve – especially in underserved and often overlooked rural areas. It’s a powerful way to create value for our brand partners while enhancing the in-store experience for the millions of customers who rely on Dollar General every day through more relevant, contextual messaging designed to add value, not noise, to their shopping trip.”

Dollar General operates more than 20,000 stores across the United States, with approximately 75% of the U.S. population living within five miles of a location. This uniquely dense footprint makes DG one of the most accessible retailers in the country, particularly in rural communities where Dollar General frequently serves as a primary destination for everyday essentials.

QSIC, a global in-store audio platform that leverages AI and data intelligence to help retailers and brands unlock the value of in-store media, integrates point of sales (POS) data, curated music and AI-generated audio ads to deliver timely, targeted messaging. QSIC exceeds Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) standards through its proprietary technology that verifies ad delivery and its closed-loop reporting, helping brands understand performance and incremental impact.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Dollar General as they enhance their store experience and expand their in-store retail media capabilities,” said Matt Elsley, Co-founder and CEO of QSIC. “Dollar General’s unparalleled store base and deep reach into communities across the country make it an incredibly powerful opportunity for brands. With retail seeing approximately 85% of sales occurring in-store, physical locations remain the most valuable media channel. Our platform unlocks new value through intelligent automation, verified delivery and performance data that connects marketing investment to real-world results.”

Learn more about how DG Media Network connects advertisers with rural customers at scale through a robust managed service media portfolio spanning owned, in-store, on-site and off-site tactics across the full funnel here.

GLENDALE, WI - Maglio Companies is excited to unveil a refreshed new look for its Boba Blends line, bringing a modern, elevated design to product customers already know and love.

While the packaging has been reimagined, one thing remains unchanged, the quality, flavor, and experience that have made Boba Blends a standout in the ready-to-drink beverage space.

The updated design features a cleaner, more premium aesthetic with transparent labeling that showcases the vibrant beverages and real boba inside. The new look enhances shelf appeal while reinforcing Maglio’s commitment to quality, innovation, and consumer experience.

“Boba Blends has always been about delivering something fun, convenient, and high quality. This refresh allows us to better reflect the product inside, bold flavors, real ingredients, and a beverage that stands out in any cooler,” said Jessy Argust, Sr Marketing Specialist at Maglio Companies, in the recent release.

Boba Blends currently features popping boba beverages across six green tea lemonade flavors and two milk tea varieties, with additional innovations already in research and development. Designed for retail, food service, and grab-and-go environments, the line delivers both visual appeal and operational ease.

In addition to its refreshed look, Boba Blends maintains a 9-month (270+ days!) shelf life, supporting extended distribution, reduced waste, and greater flexibility for operators across channels.

With the same trusted formulation and extended shelf life, partners can continue to rely on Boba Blends for consistency, scalability, and strong consumer demand.

The refreshed packaging will begin rolling out in early May and will be available through distribution channels. For more information about Boba Blends or private label opportunities, visit maglioproduce.com or contact [email protected].

DELTA, BC - WINDSET FARMS® is bringing fresh innovation to this year’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) Convention and Trade Show in Toronto, April 28–30, showcasing its latest greenhouse-grown product introductions and continued focus on delivering high-flavor, premium produce with peak color, quality, and consistency.

With continued growth across its North American operations, Windset remains focused on delivering exclusive, high-quality greenhouse-grown products that meet the evolving needs of customers and consumers. Backed by a year-round supply platform, these latest introductions reflect the company’s commitment to innovation, flavor, and versatility while supporting strong retail performance and repeat purchase. By producing locally near major markets, Windset delivers fresher products, extends shelf life, and enables harvest at peak ripeness—resulting in superior taste and a more consistent consumer experience.

“We’re excited to showcase our newest products at CPMA and connect with customers and industry partners from across North America,” said Ryan Cherry, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Windset Farms, in the recent release. “CPMA is always a great opportunity to share what we’ve been working on, exchange ideas, and strengthen the relationships that help drive our industry forward. These innovations reflect our ongoing focus on delivering premium, high-flavor products with the quality, consistency, and year-round availability our customers depend on.”

This year’s product lineup highlights:

• ARIA™ Grape Tomatoes — Exceptional sweetness, consistent flavor, high eating quality, award-winning recognition
• FESTIVA™ Cherry Tomato Medley — Vibrant blend with dynamic flavor mix and vibrant visual appeal
• Living DELICATO® Lettuce — Fresh and flavorful and available year-round

Windset will also welcome Chef Dustin Gallagher at its booth for live culinary demonstrations using Windset produce.

Visit Booth 410 at CPMA 2026 to explore new innovations and learn more about Windset’s diverse portfolio of high-quality, greenhouse-grown product offerings.