SAN JOSE, CA - Not one, not two, but three new awards have been given to ZAG Technical Services for its role as a trusted technology advisor and dedication and contributions to the technology space.

“We understand this industry well and the challenges facing today’s grower/shipper, including labor shortages, resource scarcity, small margins, and cyber threats,” asserted Greg Gatzke, ZAG Chief Executive Officer. “Technology plays a big role in helping agriculture alleviate those pain points.”

CRN Magazine, a trusted source for IT channel news, analyses, and insights, named ZAG an MSP Pioneer 250 Company on its Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list, a release explained. Organizations named to the MSP Pioneer 250 have largely built their business models around providing managed services.

In February, ZAG was also named to Cloudtango’s MSP Select list, as a top Managed Service Provider. MSP Select honors MSPs in the United States that deliver technical excellence and innovation that exceed customer expectations. This was ZAG’s third consecutive year on the MSP Select list.

For its inaugural Hybrid Solution Provider 250 (HSP 250) list, Channel Insider, a TechnologyAdvice brand, recognized ZAG as one of the most progressive IT solution providers.

To read more about ZAG’s awards, click here.

Congratulations to the solutions provider on these recognitions!

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Grilling season is nearly here, and Country Sweet Produce is getting retailers ready through its Bako Sweet® brand. Susan Noritake, Director of Sales and Marketing, took a beat to share what the company has up its sleeve.

“We are going to have a grilling campaign and some special display bins to help our retailers show our shoppers what to do with our sweet potatoes,” Susan says. “So, we like to 'sweeten your every day.' It’s something you can eat throughout the year, and the summertime is great for grilling.”

Bako Sweet is bringing convenience to shoppers in a way that resonates, an important step toward getting products into the basket.

Through its efforts, the company has already seen a lift in sales as consumers fill their baskets with products that are easy to prepare, versatile, and can be enjoyed year-round.

To see what else Bako Sweet has in store for the summertime, watch the exclusive video above.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - To bolster sustainability, minimize food waste, and give consumers an affordable grocery option, Flashfood has partnered with The Save Mart Companies. The free app connects shoppers with fresh produce, meat, and other groceries for up to 50 percent off while diverting waste from landfills.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to innovation and leadership in the industry,” said Tamara Pattison, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at The Save Mart Companies. “Together, we’re tackling food waste so that the bounty of California’s farms ends up on the dinner table, not in a landfill.”

The Flashfood app is now available at 44 Lucky stores in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and will rapidly expand to all 194 of The Save Mart Companies’ banner locations in California and Western Nevada to fulfill customer demand, a release explained. Using the app, shoppers can select a Lucky store location, purchase discounted items, pay directly on the app, and pick up their order in-store.

More than 11 million tons of food went to waste in 2022 in California alone, equivalent to 19 billion meals (ReFED). Flashfood helps consumers stretch their dollar further on nutritious, high-quality food while reducing the amount of food sent to landfills. In addition, EBT payment capabilities are built into the platform, benefiting the 4.6 million SNAP customers in California. The company is committed to adding SNAP EBT as a payment option in all retail partners by the end of the year in partnership with payments company Forage.

“No one wants to live in a world where food goes to waste, while at the same time, families are forced to live with less,” said Nicholas Bertram, Chief Executive Officer at Flashfood. “The Bay Area has long been a place where technology is used to solve humanity’s problems, which is why Flashfood desires to be part of this community. We’re proud to partner with The Save Mart Companies, a retailer that has served shoppers in California for more than 70 years and continues to support the communities they serve.”

For more retail updates, stick with ANUK.

MIAMI, FL - Besides its flavorful mangos, Continental Fresh is recognized for its dedication to getting clean water into the hands of people around the world. Now, in celebration of World Water Day on March 22, the importer is highlighting the importance of safe access to fresh water.

“While we’re a produce importer and we’re in the business of selling fresh, quality produce on time and in peak condition, we’re also in the business of making a difference,” shared Continental Fresh Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Albert Perez.

Continental Fresh sells mangos under its Water For All brand. With every Water For All branded box of mangos sold, a percentage of proceeds is donated to fund clean water and sanitation projects in Latin America through the non-profit BLUE Missions, a release explained.

According to the UN, 2.2 billion people globally are living without access to safe water. Continental Fresh’s Water For All is a program that aligns with the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goal of water and sanitation for all by 2030.

“Water is the basic foundation of a community,” added Perez. “Many young family members walk hours to collect it, and oftentimes, the water they find is not safe to drink. Without clean water, families are locked in cycles of poverty, sickness, and low education levels. By funding water projects in rural communities, we are taking a huge step in breaking the poverty trap while bringing empowerment, health, and opportunity to local communities.”

Blue Missions is partnering with the City of Coral Gables and Vaco Studios to raise awareness about local water issues through a new public art installation, The Water Below Us, on Giralda Plaza. The installation harnesses the power of augmented reality, where viewers can use their phones to reveal another dimension of the hanging “well.”

“Passionate about people, produce, and making a difference, at Continental Fresh, we believe that the future is in the hands of those that can find a purpose other than just adding to the bottom line,” Perez concluded.

Keep clicking on AndNowUKnow to see how Continental Fresh continues to support access to fresh water globally.

FOWLER, CA - Spring is officially here and you know what that means: specialty citrus varieties are here to brighten and complement the season.

“Easter is just around the corner, which means there’s no better time to market vibrant citrus varieties than now,” stated Bee Sweet Citrus Director of Communications Monique Mueller. “From tangy grapefruit to delicious Royal Red Oranges, our varieties can add a pop of color and flavor to popular springtime meals, beverages, and desserts.”

Currently, the Bee Sweet Citrus team has Navel oranges, Mandarins, lemons, Meyer lemons, grapefruit, Cara Cara oranges, and Royal Red oranges available for customers.

According to a press release, all varieties are incredibly versatile and have unique flavor profiles, making them an excellent option for shoppers looking to incorporate flavorful produce into their springtime menus.

“Citrus is great to have handy during spring because there’s so many different ways to utilize them throughout the season,” continued Mueller. “While our varieties are excellent snacks, many of our specialty citrus varieties, such as our Meyer Lemons, can really elevate the flavor of baked goods and popular spring recipes.”

Bee Sweet’s sales team reports good availability of volumes throughout the season and excellent quality.