TRAVERSE CITY, MI - It’s shaping up to be a strong year for blackberries. North Bay Produce has announced that its Erandy® blackberry program is flourishing, as the Mexican growing season is projected to be a successful one. The Erandy blackberries are known for their extraordinary appearance, large size with resistance to red cells, lack of seeds, extended shelf-life, and sweet, balanced flavor.

“The blackberry category represents a huge opportunity for the industry, and proprietary genetics like the Erandy are the key to unlocking that opportunity, through providing a consistent, delicious eating experience for consumers,” said Sarah Quackenbush, Sales Manager. “We have found through all our proprietary genetics across the berry category that a consistent eating experience builds consumer trust and creates incremental growth in the category.”

North Bay sees its blackberry program as part of an overall strategy to provide the industry with category-leading varieties of premium berries, with a portfolio consisting of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

These grower-friendly blackberries are expected to be available from mid-November through mid-June. Additionally, North Bay offers Erendira®, a medium-to-large blackberry with high Brix, improved firmness, and less regression, according to a press release. With Erandy and Erendira, North Bay will be 100 percent Tupi-free for the 2024/2025 Mexican Blackberry season.

North Bay will be attending IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show in Atlanta this week. Stop by booth 4039 to learn more about these blackberries and all that North Bay has to offer!

RIO RICO, AZ - SunFed® is growing its team of experienced industry pros with a recent appointment to its Sales team. The produce supplier has welcomed Courtney Hernandez as its newest Sales Account Manager, just in time for the company to showcase its high-quality offerings at this year’s Global Produce & Floral Show!

“I'm excited to join the team as a Sales Account Manager,” Hernandez shared exclusively with ANUK. “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and clients, managing key retail accounts, and helping drive success through strategic planning and customer-focused solutions.”

Hernandez brings a decade of fresh experience to her new role, a press release shared. Most recently, she played a crucial role in retail account planning, customer service, and cross-functional sales and marketing strategies for stonefruit supplier Prima® Wawona.

Congratulations to Courtney Hernandez on this exciting appointment! If you’re looking to meet SunFed’s newest sales ace and explore the company’s impressive portfolio, stop by booth C1137 on the show floor.

As always, leave a tab open to AndNowUKnow for the latest produce industry updates.

VINELAND, NJ - Innovative meal solutions are taking center stage as F&S Fresh Foods prepares to unveil its Garden Pure Roasting Pan Meals at the upcoming IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show (GPFS) in Atlanta, Georgia.​ This family-owned fresh food manufacturer is set to showcase its retail-ready offerings in the Fresh Ideas Showcase, marking a significant milestone in its product innovation journey.

“We are proud to have spent more than 40 years perfecting our production and safety processes as a family-owned and operated company. Our team is excited to debut a brand-new booth at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show; connect with buyers, brokers, and new consumers; and continue driving our legacy of fresh innovation and deep relationships with our retail partners across the country. We are proud to feature our Garden Pure line of products in the Fresh Ideas Showcase and in our booth at GPFS. This convenient, retail-ready product set underscores our passion and commitment to improve consumers’ lives from farm to family,” expressed Sam Pipitone, Founder and Chief Executive Officer.

Building on this excitement, the Garden Pure Roasting Pan Meals offer a consumer-friendly assortment of fresh vegetables, complete with a seasoning packet, designed for easy preparation on a sheet pan.

These meals come in trendy blends such as Lemon Parmesan and Homestyle, providing a convenient solution for consumers looking to pair vegetables with protein for a complete meal, according to the press release.

“F&S Fresh Foods is excited to showcase our new product innovation, licensed apple and vegetable products, and fresh-cut offerings as first-time exhibitors at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show. With the recent acquisition of five fresh-cut produce facilities allowing for expansion into a national footprint, the F&S Fresh Foods team is eager to meet with current and new retail partners and continue to build valuable relationships as a leader in integrated operational excellence and food safety,” stated Dimitri Pappas, the newly appointed President.

This showcase comes on the heels of F&S Fresh Foods' recent acquisition of five fresh-cut produce facilities, expanding its national footprint. Moreover, the company's extensive portfolio includes retail products under its brands and licensed products for well-known labels like Mott's and Green Giant Fresh.

To experience these innovations firsthand, visitors to the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Expo on October 18 and 19 in Atlanta, Georgia, are invited to booth #B351 to view F&S Fresh Foods' diverse portfolio of fresh fruit and vegetable products.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for more industry innovations shaping convenient, healthy eating.

SALINAS, CA - Brussels sprouts are in season and taking over shoppers' baskets! Capitalizing on this opportunity is Ippolito International, after it announced a new product line for the fresh-cut vegetables category, Queen Victoria Brussels Bites™ Kits.

“We are excited to expand our Brussels sprouts offerings,” said Dan Canales, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Processing. “The growth in Brussels sprouts has been rapid, and our position as the leading Brussels sprout grower and processor has given us unique insights to what the consumer wants. Flavor and convenience are always at the top of the list, and Brussels Bites deliver both. We will sample these at this week’s IFPA Global Show in Atlanta, and we look forward to seeing you at booth 3761.”

The proprietary Brussels sprouts cut is bite-sized, making it easier to cook Brussels Bites on the stove-top in about 10 minutes, a press release shared. Brussels Bites Kits include flavorful seasonings and toppings that the consumer adds to the Brussels sprouts before cooking, as well as easy to follow sauté and roasting instructions on the packaging.

The four flavors launching in January 2025 include Barbecue Cheddar, Garlic Parmesan, Mediterranean Feta, and Asian Chili.

“The opportunity with Brussels sprouts is that consumers enjoy them at restaurants and want to replicate that flavor and texture at home,” added Lara Grossman, Director of Marketing. “This led us to perceive a gap in the retail market for an easier-to-cook, fresh-cut Brussels sprout, packaged with seasonings and toppings.”

Brussels sprouts have been a rapidly growing segment within the fresh vegetables market, with significant growth occurring in the foodservice arena as Brussels sprouts continue to increasingly appear on the menu.

Stop by booth 3761 to experience these tasty little Brussels sprouts and meet the team!