WASHINGTON, DC - Since its inception, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has advocated for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Now, the association welcomes the USDA's recent updates to the program, which will help ensure access to nutritional products, including fresh produce.

“These updates to WIC will be instrumental in improving nutrition security among some of our nation’s most vulnerable populations,” said IFPA Chief Executive Officer Cathy Burns. “IFPA members across the supply chain look forward to an implementation of the food package that will allow for continued access to nutritious foods, including the full variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available at retail.”

The recent announcement will finalize previously proposed changes, including providing more flexibility to tailor food packages to accommodate personal and cultural food preferences and special dietary needs and making permanent the fruit and vegetable increase participants have been enjoying since 2021, a release explained. The changes align with recommendations from the National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020–2025.

In addition to making the latest increase to the Cash Value Benefit (CVB) permanent, IFPA identified four notable additions to the rule:

• It allows participants to substitute their juice allotment for an additional $3 in CVB
• Infants aged 6–11 months can receive CVB instead of half or all of the jarred infant food allotment ($10/month for half and $20/month for the full allotment)
• Allows fresh herbs to be purchased with the CVB
• Allows fresh-cut fruit and vegetable party trays without dressings and dips to be purchased with the CVB
• Codifies that white potatoes are allowed

“IFPA has long advocated for the importance of a science-based approach in WIC, and today’s announcement delivers on that work,” said IFPA Vice President for Nutrition and Health Policy Mollie Van Lieu. “We already know that WIC works at addressing health outcomes, and the final food package will do even more to boost the general healthfulness of the WIC program and benefit the women and children it serves.”

Stick with AndNowUKnow to read more about IFPA’s advocacy efforts.
 

MEDFORD, MN - Affordable, high-quality greens are coming to Dollar General stores nationwide. Revol Greens recently announced it will be expanding its footprint, ensuring all communities across the United States have access to greens and salad kits.

“By making nutritious greens readily available in communities that may have limited access to fresh produce, Revol Greens and Dollar General are leveling the playing field and promoting healthier lifestyles for all,” Revol Greens said in its announcement to the industry.

Of the 19,000 Dollar Generals across the nation, 5,000 locations will now offer Revol Greens fresh greens and salad kits, the announcement stated. This partnership is not just about convenience; it's about equity and empowerment within the community, particularly those with limited access to fresh produce.

With Dollar General continuing to expand its produce portfolio, ANUK will report.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - From the produce department to the runway, Chiquita is all about making a statement. The banana name recently made its presence known as it debuted at Milan Design Week, becoming the first banana brand to participate.

"We are thrilled to make our debut at Milan Design Week, marking a significant milestone for Chiquita as one of the first banana brands to participate in this prestigious event," said Mariaelena Paragone, Global Brand Marketing Lead. "Our collaboration with Romero Britto embodies our brand’s distinctive attributes in creativity, joy, and heritage, and we're excited to share this unique experience with visitors from around the world."

For the occasion, Chiquita is welcoming visitors to Chiquita House, an immersive space dedicated to the brand’s Pop by Nature campaign in collaboration with artist Romero Britto, a release explained. Britto is a Brazilian neo-pop painter, sculptor, silkscreen artist, and founder of the Happy Art Movement, and he used his skills to create an unconventional and captivating experience for visitors.

Infused with the vibrant colors of Britto's art, the space is an imaginative and playful realm that mirrors the brand's values and mission to foster and share uplifting moments, the release went on to detail. Unique artworks conceived and crafted by Britto, presented in myriad forms to celebrate the tropical, vivacious, and colorful essence of Chiquita bananas, greet visitors, igniting their curiosity and delight.

Admission is free, and visitors can explore Chiquita House from April 15 to 21 at Via San Marco 22 in Milan, Italy.

What attention-grabbing campaign will Chiquita roll out next? Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow to find out.

FOWLER, CA - It's all about citrus! Bee Sweet Citrus and its sunny marketing maven Monique Mueller spoke with ANUK about the importance of variety diversity and communicating with your consumers. Let's dive in, shall we?

"Spring is a really exciting time because there are so many different varieties to showcase," the Director of Communications kicks off. "In addition to our traditional household staples, we also have really unique varieties."

These include popular varieties such as Cara Cara Navels, Royal Red oranges, and grapefruit.

"Honestly, all of them have such unique flavor profiles—so no matter what you're looking for there's always going to be something to compliment your meal," Monique adds. "We have multiple recipes on our website and we're always highlighting different ways to utilize citrus on our social media accounts [...]."

With an array of offerings, a savvy social media approach, and a customer service approach that just can't be beat, Bee Sweet Citrus has got you and your citrus needs covered.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow the industry's latest endeavors.

SANTA PAULA, CA - Right off the Viva Fresh show floor and eyes on the next big avocado calendar mark, Calavo Vice President of Product Management Peter Shore was ready to share with me what the buy-side can expect for Cinco de Mayo.

“Supplies are looking good from California and Mexico for Cinco de Mayo, with a good mix of sizes and #2 fruit for foodservice,” Peter said when I asked what we can anticipate. “We are seeing excellent flavor and maturity, perfect for guacamole and sliced avocados.”

Calavo offers customized ripening programs and bright “Ripe Now” PLU stickers to help your shoppers find ripe avocados at the point of purchase, ensuring good-eating product doesn’t stay in the store.

“Our avocado bags also offer tips for ripening and storage for the consumer so that every avocado is eaten at peak ripeness,” Peter explained, a point that ensures repeat customers by cultivating a better experience.

He advised retailers can further maximize sales around the holiday with large displays offering multiple sizes of avocados, as well as bagged avocados in both conventional and organic.

“Display this mix with complementary guacamole items such as tomatoes, onions, lemons, limes, and tortilla chips, then add some dynamic signage and balloons to attract visual interest from afar,” he concluded.

Whether we are toasting with chips dripping guac or avo-mixed margaritas, cheers to Cinco de Mayo opportunities on the horizon!