FRESNO, CA - The California table grape season is on track to arrive about two weeks early, signaling that Grapes from California will be available for promotion longer than previous seasons. Each season begins in the Coachella Valley, where growers are expecting to begin harvesting at the beginning of May this year. An early start to harvesting in the San Joaquin Valley is also expected to begin in mid-June.

“California grapes have always enjoyed a long season, with grapes often being promoted into January, but an early start to the season this year lets retailers get a head start on promotions and provide tasty, healthy, happy Grapes from California to eager customers,” said Ian LeMay, commission president, in the recent release.

For the 2026 season, the commission is launching an updated global marketing campaign throughout the U.S. and up to 22 export markets, targeting the trade, which includes retailers, wholesalers, and importers, as well as primary shoppers, with the foundational objective to drive demand for California table grapes. The updated campaign introduces retailers and consumers to a cast of characters known as the Lunchbox League. The Lunchbox League is a trio of superhero grapes that originate from California, where tasty fuels healthy, and healthy makes happy. Captain Cluster, Munch, and Glow are the superheroes who make up the Lunchbox League and serve as the embodiment and personification of all the health benefits, taste, and quality of California grapes. “This campaign element is exciting because it capitalizes on the scientific perspective published by Dr. John Pezzuto in July 2025, which claimed grapes should be considered a superfood, in order to give the Lunchbox League their superhero status,” said LeMay. Dr. Pezzuto, Ph.D., D.Sc., is a leading resveratrol and cancer researcher and Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University.

Driving demand for California grapes through the season, the commission works with retail partners on a variety of activities such as contests, digital promotions, merchandising, point-of-purchase materials, and sampling. For retailers in the U.S. with registered dietitians on staff, the commission Retail RD Program offers an additional way to promote Grapes from California and highlight the health benefits of grapes to shoppers. Retail dietitians can work directly with the commission dietitian team to develop customized promotional activities and educational materials. Primary shoppers are motivated to purchase more California grapes more often through a variety of activities, including advertising California grapes on multi-retailer shopper apps, sharing grape usage ideas and health information through commission social media, partnering with social media influencers, including lifestyle influencers and registered dietitians, and media coverage.

“With a healthy crop arriving early and an engaging new campaign with demand-driving materials and activities, the commission is eager to work with retailers throughout the U.S. and around the world to move California table grape volume this season,” said LeMay.

Examples of updated campaign promotional materials are included with this release. High resolution copies are available upon request.

LEAMINGTON, ON - Pure Flavor®, the Canadian greenhouse company known for driving innovation in the fresh produce space, has earned international honors at the 2025 SHOP! Design Awards in Communication Design, earning Silver in Food Packaging and Bronze in Branding / Company Identity for excellence in packaging and brand identity system design. This achievement highlights the success of the company’s recent rebrand and packaging transformation.

The brand refresh represents a deliberate shift toward a fully integrated visual and communication system designed to strengthen clarity across the Pure Flavor® portfolio. Every element was designed to work together at shelf level, from brand architecture to packaging hierarchy, to reduce confusion and create a more intuitive shopping experience. For retail partners, this delivers greater consistency across SKUs, clearer product differentiation within the category, and a stronger overall shelf presence that supports faster decision-making, stronger engagement, and improved conversion for consumers. It also strengthens the ability to scale innovation across the portfolio without adding complexity at store level, reinforcing long-term category growth.

“Clarity at shelf drives decisions,” said Julia Weber, Vice President of Marketing at Pure Flavor®, in the recent release. “That’s exactly what we set out to improve. This award reinforces that we are building a meaningful system for both shoppers and retailers.”

This international recognition reinforces Pure Flavor’s position as a category innovator, focused on improving how fresh produce is experienced in-store while supporting retail performance. With operations across North America, the company continues to prioritize consistent quality, reliable supply, and produce offerings aligned with today’s shopper expectations.

Pure Flavor’s refreshed brand will be featured at CPMA in Toronto, April 29-30, at Booth# 1111. For more information about Pure Flavor® and its award-winning products, visit www.pure-flavor.com.

CALHOUN COUNTY, MI - As shoppers refresh their routines and carts this spring, Family Fare® has completed its own series of refreshes — celebrating three store remodels across Calhoun County. According to the recent release, these remodels at the Pennfield, Marshall, and Albion locations align in-store upgrades with Family Fare’s broader Spring Refresh campaign, bringing modern upgrades to the in-store and online shopping experience.

At all three Family Fare stores, shoppers will notice expanded fresh departments designed to support everyday meal planning and grab-and-go needs. Updates include elevated fresh-cut produce programs, refreshed bakery and deli spaces, upgraded hot bars, and expanded ready-to-drink beverage selections — giving shoppers new inspiration as they restock for the spring season ahead.

Each location reflects the unique role Family Fare plays within its local communities. In Pennfield, the refreshed store introduces a modernized layout and self-service hot bar alongside expanded fresh offerings. In Marshall, upgrades include a new full-service meat and seafood counter, expanded deli and bakery departments, and improved accessibility through updated self-checkout lanes. Albion’s remodel reinforces its role as a critical community anchor with an expanded assortment of local, Michigan-made products, refreshed service areas, and improved store flow.

“Spring is all about fresh starts, and these remodels allow us to refresh the Family Fare experience at same time our shoppers are brightening their baskets with fresh produce,” said Tony Agostino, the stores’ district manager, in the recent release. “These updates make it seamless to shop fresh, local, and convenient — whether you’re planning weeknight meals or stocking up for spring gatherings.”

To celebrate the remodels, each store hosted a kid-friendly ribbon cutting, inviting young shoppers to help officially commemorate the refresh, along with a local check presentation supporting community partners in each town.

JERSEY CITY, NJ - Oishii, the company behind the world’s largest indoor vertical Smart Farm™, announced the introduction of new formats, price points, and packaging for its signature, non-GMO, pesticide-free berries. Rolling out to all U.S. retailers, these updates create more ways for consumers to experience Oishii, while continuing to deliver the year-round peak ripeness, consistency, and flavor the brand is known for.

Oishii’s signature varietals remain at the heart of its offerings, including the Omakase Berry, known for its sweet flavor, creamy texture, and fragrant aroma; the Koyo Berry, meaning “elated,” with a bright aroma, refreshing sweetness, and slightly firm texture; and the Nikko Berry, meaning “sunshine,” with a crisp texture, lively tartness, and balanced sweetness. While the berries themselves and the brand’s quality standards remain unchanged, the way they are offered is evolving. The new Premium and Reserve Grade selections are designed to reflect different moments and uses, showing up across how consumers shop, snack, and enjoy, with Premium Berries suited for daily enjoyment and Reserve Berries for more elevated or special occasions.

Together, these are designed to make it easier for consumers to choose Oishii in more ways throughout the day, as outlined below:

• Reserve Grade Strawberry Bento Box ($4.99 SRP | 3 oz) - Oishii’s lowest price point ever. Ripe and ready to eat, this format features hearty, bright, and juicy berries arranged in a balanced ring, offering a quick, nourishing lift for on-the-go snacking, lunch, or a midday reset
• Premium Grade Koyo Berries ($7.99 SRP | 4.2 oz) - The lowest Koyo Berry price to date offered in an everyday format, this varietal is well suited for breakfast, snacking, and daily routines
• Premium Grade Nikko Berries ($7.99 SRP | 7.5oz) - Presented in Oishii’s stay-fresh top-seal packaging, introduced in March 2026 and designed to maintain freshness while using significantly less plastic, this format is designed for cooking, baking, or enjoying straight from the tray
• Reserve Grade Koyo Berries ($9.99 SRP | 6 oz) - Now 40% more berries for the existing price, this offering is suited for sharing, entertaining, or bringing a more elevated experience to the table
• Reserve Grade Mini Berries ($9.99 SRP | 4.2 oz) - A smaller-format offering designed for grazing, topping desserts, or adding a vibrant accent to charcuterie boards or cocktails
• Reserve Grade Omakase Berry ($11.99 SRP | 4.2 oz) - Oishii’s original varietal, designed for special occasions and now distinguished by a gold stripe within the lineup

Since introducing the Omakase Berry in 2018, Oishii has expanded its varietals, focusing on highlighting what makes each distinct. The Koyo Berry (2023) and Nikko Berry (2025), introduced more approachable expressions of fruit for everyday enjoyment, while expanding the way the brand shows up in retail through more versatile formats, pack sizes, and packaging innovations. Building on this evolution, Oishii is now creating more ways for each varietal to be experienced and providing more options for consumers to meet them where they are at.

“From the beginning, our focus has been on cultivating exceptional strawberry varietals with uniquely delicious and distinctive flavor profiles,” said Hiroki Koga, Co-Founder and CEO of Oishii, in the recent release. “As our offerings continue to expand and more people are discovering Oishii, we’re seeing our berries become a natural part of everyday moments—whether as a quick treat, something to share, or a more intentional indulgence. This next step in our packaging evolution is exciting because it allows us to offer even more ways to experience Oishii, while maintaining the same uncompromising standards we’ve always held.”

As Oishii continues to grow, it remains focused on building on this foundation, following recent updates such as the introduction of its Nikko Berry stay-fresh top-seal packaging—reducing plastic use by 80% while increasing pack size and customer value—alongside future innovations across varietals, formats, and farming methods that continue to push what’s possible in indoor vertical farming. This next chapter reflects a broader vision for how its berries can show up in people’s lives, while continuing to bring new offerings to consumers that celebrate the flavor, care, and experience they’ve come to expect from the brand.

Oishii products are available at more than 300 retail locations across the U.S., including select Whole Foods Market stores and regional specialty retailers. To find Oishii near you, visit www.oishii.com and use the store locator for the most up-to-date availability.

OXNARD, CA - The forecast for the California avocado season is looking bright. As we move deeper into harvest, California’s crop is playing an important role in the market—particularly in the western United States, where demand for locally grown fruit is strongest.

“As California avocados come into season, we strongly encourage buyers to support California-grown fruit. It provides a fresher, locally sourced option that resonates with consumers—especially on the West Coast—while also supporting domestic growers and helping ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of the category. California fruit offers unique value during this window, complementing imports and giving retailers a strong promotional story centered on quality, freshness, and origin,” Gary Clevenger, Managing Member, Freska Produce International, told me.

Highlighting California origin, freshness, and supporting local agriculture can drive incremental sales, he added, noting that promotions should focus on key sizes like 48s and 60s, which offer the best combination of value and movement at retail. Consistent ad activity, secondary displays, and strong in-store execution are critical to maintaining velocity during peak weeks.

“Retailers should also be mindful of timing—taking advantage of building volumes early in the season and continuing through peak availability. Working closely with suppliers to align on volume, sizing, and promotional windows will help ensure success,” Gary explained. “Finally, maintaining competitive retail pricing is key. Even as markets fluctuate, retailers that adjust pricing in line with supply will see stronger movement and better overall category performance.”

Freska’s California avocado program focuses on delivering consistent, high-quality Hass avocados, which remain the primary driver of the category, as well as GEM avocados to provide customers with additional variety and supply continuity. The supplier’s packaging is designed to meet a wide range of retail and foodservice needs, including standard two-layer cartons in key sizes and custom pack options tailored to customer specifications.

“We focus heavily on proper sizing, pack integrity, and presentation to ensure the fruit arrives in optimal condition. Sizing is trending well, with a good concentration in the 48s and 60s, which are the key retail sizes. Quality has been strong out of the gate, with good dry matter and eating characteristics that California fruit is known for,” Gary added. “As volumes increase, we expect to see more consistent availability, giving retailers the opportunity to promote California avocados with confidence.”

AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the avocado category, so stay tuned.

CALIFORNIA & ARIZONA - With two recent store openings enhancing its market presence, Vallarta Supermarkets continues to accelerate its expansion strategy. As this ambitious blueprint takes root, the retailer is seeing explosive growth in the produce department, according to Robert Veilleux, Vice President of Produce and Floral Operations.

“The produce department at Vallarta has continued to see impressive growth as one of the highest performing departments in the store,” Robert tells me shortly after the retailer’s grand opening celebration in Rancho Cucamonga, California. “What we’re focusing on is the non-staple items that aren’t directly related to the culture of the Latin market, such as Roma tomatoes, limes, avocados, mangos, etc. By bringing higher-value items like grapes and strawberries front and center, we’ve increased basket size by attracting the shopper to new categories while they shop for staple items.”

To broaden the reach of its produce department and cater to various consumer demographics, Vallarta Supermarkets has expanded its grab-and-go and salad selection, while also welcoming recognized brands to secure shopper loyalty.

“We’re showcasing recognized, high-quality brands so consumers understand our philosophy and commitment to providing top-quality produce,” Robert explains. “These larger companies, such as Driscoll’s, Taylor Farms, and Melissa’s Produce, are front and center in innovations and new trends, so we’re leaning on them to guide us into the next phase of our produce business model as we continue to focus on what the consumer wants.”

With a strong focus on Gen Z shoppers, Vallarta is focused on meeting the various needs of each of its consumers across all generations and cultures.

“Instead of trying to convince the consumer what they should buy, we’re allowing the consumer to tell us what they are looking for,” Robert continues. “We’re taking the ego and pride out of it, listening to the consumer, and taking an in-depth look at what they want to see on the shelf. The assumption that customers are happy with a cheap product is over. We have to earn our customers' trust through flavor and quality.”

Offering this level of service is no small feat. Such an increased investment in Vallarta’s produce department requires a dedicated team committed to elevating the shopper experience.

“This strategy is very difficult to maintain, but Vallarta has made strong commitments to the extra labor it takes to maintain these sets,” Robert notes. “Our team executes, embraces, and supports it. Without that, nothing happens. I give all the credit to the produce team out there in the stores executing this philosophy and vision every day.”

Another key fixture of Vallarta’s 2026 growth strategy is expanding its presence at industry trade shows, as well as boosting its team’s produce expertise through farm tours and hands-on experiences.

“Farmers are the most important piece of everything we do. Taking our teams to visit our partners’ farms is extremely beneficial and rewarding, because our produce managers are able to bring that knowledge back to the stores and engage with the consumer about the product,” Robert notes. “The best way to achieve this is to get them out of their stores and expose them to the fields and the farmers that bring these products to market.”

As each of these strategies enhances the retailer’s produce department, Vallarta Supermarkets continues to extend its geographic footprint, with more than seven store openings planned for this year. At the beginning of 2026, the company celebrated the opening of a new store in Glendale, Arizona, followed by the grand opening in Rancho Cucamonga earlier this month.

With a renewed commitment to fresh produce and an accelerated expansion strategy already in action, exciting things are in store for Vallarta Supermarkets. For more exclusive updates, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

ZAANDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - Ahold Delhaize publishes its third annual Green Bond Allocation and Impact Report, detailing the use of proceeds and the associated environmental impact of the Green Bond issued in March 2024.

In 2025, Ahold Delhaize continued to advance its transition plan for climate change mitigation by investing in clean, low-emissions, and zero-emissions technologies. These investments are part of the company’s Growing Together strategy, which maintains a gross cash capital expenditure cadence of 3% of net sales.

2025 allocation and impact

Ahold Delhaize raised €500 million in March 2024 through its second Green Bond under its 2023 Green Finance Framework. The largest share of proceeds was allocated to the Pollution Prevention & Control and Energy Efficiency categories. In 2025, the company and its local brands made progress in minimizing refrigeration leakage and reducing food and plastic waste. Significant investments were made in transitioning to low-GWP and natural refrigerants, as well as in bottle and can collectors to promote recycling. The company also continued to roll out electronic shelf labeling across its brands to help reduce food waste and improve operational efficiency.

Ahold Delhaize and its local brands further incorporated energy-efficient solutions into store design, refurbishment, and operational upgrades. Examples include the installation of LED lights, doors on refrigerated cabinets, heat recovery systems, heat pumps, improved insulation, and passive freezer doors. Throughout 2025, the bond proceeds have funded 13 new buildings in Europe with an EPC Label A or higher.

“Our Green Bonds support our climate ambitions in a transparent and disciplined way,” said Jolanda Poots-Bijl, CFO of Ahold Delhaize, in the recent release. “This report highlights how we align capital allocation with our Growing Together strategy to drive growth and enable sustainable long-term value creation for all our stakeholders.”

Green project portfolio

Ahold Delhaize held an eligible Green project portfolio worth €1,141 million on December 28th, 2025. The company fully allocated the net proceeds of the €500 million bond issued in April 2023 to the eligible expenditures of 2022 and 2023. The net proceeds of the €500 million bond issued in March 2024 were fully allocated, funding eligible 2023, 2024, and 2025 expenditures.

Sustainalytics, an independent provider of ESG research and ratings, delivered a second-party opinion on the 2023 Framework. The bonds issued in 2023 carry a coupon rate of 3.5% and mature on April 4th, 2028. The bonds issued in 2024 carry a coupon rate of 3.375% and mature on March 11th, 2031. The subsequent Green Bond Allocation and Impact Report, and the second-party opinion, are available on Ahold Delhaize's website. KPMG Accountants N.V. provided limited assurance on the Allocation Report.